What Are Women's and Men's Snoods?

Snoods are a type of head gear or tube scarf that have become increasingly popular as a fashion accessory among both men and women.

The term originally referred to a type of hair net that was worn by women in the 1800s.  This had the function of holding the hair behind the nape of the neck, providing a functional way of covering and protecting your hair from harsh environments. 

History of Snoods

Snoods became popular in the UK after a ration on clothing and nit wear during WWII led to scarves being replaced with smaller, tubular clothing accessories.  The advantage of ladies snoods to this day is that they use up less material then scarves, are more flexible (they can be taken off easily or moved up to cover up lower parts or all of the face) and they also tend to be more cheaper.

In the 21st century, the term snood was used to refer to a type of tube scarf worn around both men and women's necks.  Similar to a scarf, snoods cover the neck from the cold (or other harsh conditions) and also provide a nice fashion accessory to be worn in the public. 

Football Snoods

In the 2009/10 football season, black/navy snoods were increasingly being worn by Premier League and La Liga stars such as Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri, Carlow Tevez and Iker Cassilas.   Although snoods were later banned from football by the FIFA and FA authorities under Clause 3 of the illegal clothing Act (snoods were considered dangerous), football snoods are still popular among both supports and football players in training.  A number of websites still sell football specific snoods with Euro 2012 or a particular club's sartorial trademarket and patterns on the front.  Nike also sell exclusive branded snoods for around £20 online.

Snoods Becoming Fashionable in 2011/12

A number of women's fashion magazines and retailers have begun incorporating snoods as part of their inventory.  Snoods are seen by many as the latest fashion accessory.  They are sleek, versatile (any snoods will fit all sizes) and highly functional.  Not only do snoods protect you from the cold but you can also buy them in range of colours, fabrics and designs ranging from cheap £5 basic snoods up to £100 high-end product made from the best fabrics and with dazzling tinsels.

Men's snoods are also becoming fashionable.  You can buy men's snoods from a number of high street retailers such as Top Man, Debenhams, eBay and Republic.  Most men's snoods cost around £5-£20 are made of a cheap and light weight polypropylene material.

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Find out more about Shopping for Snoods at Snoods.org.