Part XIV Goggles and Scarves - Good Karma Productions

Aviation Scarf History• Popularized During the Two World Wars (WW-I and WW-II)• Worn by Aviators for Practical Reasons, Not Just for Appearance, for Three Reasons:–Shielding from the Cold–Wiping Off Engine Oil Spray–Protection from Neck Chaffing• Typical Dimensions: 6 ft long and 14” wide–Why so long? Open Cockpits at 12,000 ft and 100 mph: Very Windy and Very Cold• Scarves Were Chosen to Provide Thermal Insulation and Chafing from Leather Jacket’s Collar• So Long as to be Wrapped around the Neck Many Times–Pilots Wore Thick Leather Jacket and Leather Flying Cap–For the Neck, the Pilot Had Two options: a Thick and Tall Collar or a Scarf• Since Pilot Frequently Turned His Head to Spot the Enemy, the Solution Had to Handle the Coldand Maintain Maneuverability• Used to Wipe Engine Oil Spray from Pilot’s Goggles–Free Ends Had to be Available Even after Looping Them Many Times Around Neck for Warmth• Favorite Materials:–Material Had to be Light, Soft to the Skin, but Strong Enough to Withstand Battering of Strong Winds–Only One Fabric Fits the Bill: Silk–Some Scarves Actually Made of Two Layers• One Side Usually Made of Wool, while Other Made of Silk–Other Types Were Simply Made of Two Layers of Silk; as is Now Commonly Used for Fashion• Popular Colors:–Common Color Was White, and Has Remained Most Popular–Much Later Types Had Multiple Colors Bearing Insignias of Pilot’s Squadron• Fashion Pieces:–Evolved into Modern-Day Fashion Accessory–Still Paired with Leather Jacket–No Longer Wound Around Neck Many Times–Simply Hung around Neck and Draped Freely in FrontAviator scarves are no longer necessarily worn in the confines ofan open cockpit, but they still project the very same air of freedom.