The infinity scarf for Summer

CEBU, Philippines — In the Philippines, perhaps the most common use for a scarf is to cover the head on long trips via open vehicles. The aunts from other places often come to visit with their head all wrapped up in a scarf. It well protects the hair from the dust.

Here and there, a woman can be seen graciously hugging herself with an infinity scarf. The thing looks quite protective on her, and she for sure feels reassured by it. Not to mention how stylish the look all comes together.

An infinity scarf is a large, closed loop of fabric that can be worn in a variety of trendy ways. It is called “infinity” because it doesn’t have ends or tips, and just goes around. It can be worn in a traditional loop, double loop, pull through, and hood. It can even be worn as a vest. Experimenting with different variations in using an infinity scarf can actually change up any outfit.

Many Filipinos associate the infinity scarf – or scarves in general – with either cold places or cold weather. That’s probably why the local women limit their use of scarf to simply as protection from the road dust. And, up until recently, it would be unimaginable to consider Filipino men wearing scarf.

The nation’s perception pertaining to the scarf’s use has changed somehow. The infinity scarf is becoming a common sight, not only during the cold months but even in summer. And the men are also beginning to discover both the comfort and the style that the infinity scarf can give them.

The local girls have realized that the infinity scarf can be adapted to the tropical climate, too, just like the dress. It’s all a matter of textile choice. Lighter materials are ideal for the infinity scarf to be used in warm environments.

Among the local boys, the popularity of the infinity scarf is also growing. They’ve come to appreciate its many uses. It’s a cool fashion statement and serves many practical purposes.

Better yet, choosing the Cordilleras Scarf, carefully crafted by the master weavers of Bangued, Abra in the mountain regions of northern Philippines, is a nationalistic act. And an unmistakable gesture of love of country.  The Cordilleras Scarf bears the beautiful markings of the traditional weaves of Northern Luzon.

To craft each Codilleras Scarf, weavers source scrap threads of cotton, which they up-cycle and meticulously spin into yarn using traditional wooden looms. The manual process is long and arduous, but the result is a contemporary piece that leaves no bit of raw material wasted. This backstory certainly adds to the appeal of the local infinity scarf.

The Cordilleras Scarf is lightweight and ideal for the Philippine climate. The long history of its production in the mountain communities of Luzon has fully adapted the Cordilleras Scarf for use in this tropical country. It is the one infinity scarf made and to be used in the country.

In Cebu, ANTHILL Fabric Gallery sells good infinity scarves that are made of ingenious weaves. ANTHILL is one of the earliest pioneers of the indigenous textile movement in the Philippines. Its running campaign is “Wear Your Tribe. Wear With Pride.” promoting contemporary fashion that respects Filipino heritage, indigenous weavers, and the environment.

Nationalism aside, the infinity scarf is a good proposition for summer – for its practicality and fashion possibilities.