Ah, “snood”.  What a word! Who would have thought that of all the terms used interchangeably to describe this new accessory category – infinity scarf, eternity scarf, circle scarf, loop scarf, cowel scarf, neck warmer -- “snood” would be the term adopted by Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Missoni and other fashion houses to describe a scarf with its ends sewn together.  

Snoods come in so many styles and varieties that really, the only thing they have in common is their continuous form factor.  We first saw the word “snood” – which draws its name from a tradition, homely hair piece much like a hair net – used to describe an infinity scarf that had been draped over the head to form a hood.  Worn this way, “snood” seemed appropriate.  But “snood” quickly started being applied to any scarf-like accessory with a continuous form, causing us some initial confusion.  Wait… since when is an infinity scarf a “snood”, and how is a long circle scarf similar to large-weave neck warmer that wraps once around the once and zips in the front?

No matter. "Snood" won the war of words, and Burberry made it official: you’ll find a section just for “Snoods” – not scarves, which have their own area – on their website.

Whether you love or hate the word (we’re still on the fence), there’s nothing not to love about the snood.  Here are the top 5 reasons we think snoods aren't just a passing trend, but will endure as a new and distinct accessory category: 

1. They’re fool-proof.  Because a snood has no ends, there are no mind-bending knots to master.  Put it on, and it actually stays put. 
   
   
2. They’re versatile*. Larger snoods can easily be worn (with “easily” being the operative word, here) to achieve very different looks: wrap twice for a cowel look, thrice for a turtleneck effect, drape it over your head for a hoodie look, wear it as a shawl, and so on.  
   
   *Yes, it’s true that smaller snoods (those with smaller circumferences, like tube scarves and traditional neck warmers) lack this versatility, but they more than make up for this thanks to their fool-proof simplicity (see #1). |
   
   
3. They (can be) very economical.  Stuck with last-year’s wardrobe? You’re not alone! Like scarves, snoods can beTHE focal point of an outfit, even a very plain or slightly outdated one.  This gives the snood a distinct advantage over other, pricier accessories:  their sheer visual heft and proximity to the face means they will always be front-and-center.  The same can’t be said for other accessories:  no matter how fabulous your footwear, it still requires that your admirers look down. 
   
   
4. They’re functional. ‘Nuff said here. 
   
   
5. There’s a snood for every mood and every style. Different designers have put their own stylistic stamp on the snood: Burberry legitimized the snood by applying their iconic Burberry Check pattern to the snood (and their mink snood is to die for!)  Michael Kors’ fur cowl is too hip for words.  Ralph Lauren stayed true to its classic Americana look by introducing a cable-knit snood that can be paired with a matching cable knit sweater.  Yves Saint Laurent’s cashmere snood joins the timeless animal print with the new form factor.  

So get your snood on!  You can start by visiting our boutique ;-).

Picture Credits: Burberry Giant Check Cashmere Snood from Saks Fifth Avenue; Michael Kors Infinity Fur Cowl; Ralph Lauren Snood Cable Knit at Saks Fifth Avenue