7.10.2011

How to tie a 1940s turban

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A while ago I came across this 1940s British Pathe video on tying turbans. I was hooked instantly. They seem to be seeing quite a revival right now, and with good reason: they're awesome.
I do them on days my hair is a mess, or just when it would seem to suit an outfit. I think they are great to sport poolside too! So take a look at the video clip if you have a chance, and the others that are related, they are really interesting! But here's my little interpretation :)
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You will need all the things pictured above for this turban. You can always replace a pretty brooch or bunch of silk flowers for the hatpin though :)
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If you have long hair, pin it up. 
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Wrap the cotton headscarf around your head. This creates some volume, so the turban isn't flat, and acts as a gripping point between your hair and the silk scarves. 
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Take the large silk scarf and fold it into a triangle. 
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Place it on your head with the point at your back. Pin each side at your browline. 
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Take the sides of the scarf and bring them right up, and tie once. The pins just placed at the side will act well to hold as you are folding. 
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Tuck in the crown. 
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Bring the tip of one of your floppy ears to the center, and use a bobby pin to hold in place. 
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Same on the other side. 
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Now take your small scarf and thread it through the knotted bit. 
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Bring the ends to the center, just as with the other scarf. 
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Pin the this scarf with the hatpin. 
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Open up the loops. 
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Fluff fluff fluff!

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Tuck the back point under the first cotton scarf, it should hold well. 

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Ta da! You are now effortlessly chic.

25 comments:

art deco dame said...

I have a hat box stuffed with scarves that I need to try this out on.I love the look but have never tried more than just one scarf in at a time

Anonymous said...

Oh lovely. I love the look of this but don't think I could ever pull it off.
BTW read the article over at Rock & Roll bride the other day about your 75c wedding dress. It was amazing!

Kelly @
Elegantly Academic

Bell's Belles Vintage said...

This looks gorgeous on you, l love head scarves and will definitely be giving this a go....

Rebeccak said...

haha I love your conclusion. I'd love to see a full guide to effortless chic!

two squirrels said...

Oh so so cute! I am so going to try this, and great arm exercise to boot! Thank you sweet!

X said...

Thanks for the tutorial...your turban looks amazing :)

My Passport to Style said...

Fabulous Carmen Miranda would be jealous as you cha cha cha down your garden path!! Sharon xx

Annalisa Babysan Laterza said...

Woowww!!! Love it!!!
^___^

Baci from Babysan

Carys said...

This looks awesome, I must try it!! It goes perfectly your dress too!
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue

DearHelenHartman said...

Well, I wouldn't say effortlessly but if I would end up looking as lovely as you it would definitely be worth the effort! Great tutorial - will def try it.

DearHelenHartman said...

Comments wouldn't work the first time - just said it took some effort but worth it to look as good as you do in the turban. Great tutorial.

Lavender and Twill said...

~ * ♥ * ~

That is a lot more intricate than I would have first picked, but I think it looks great Solanah! I do not think that I am up for wearing a turban/turban scarf yet, but one day I might get the guts to give it a go. ^ u ^

xox,
bonita of Depict This!
~ * ♥ * ~

Alexandriaweb said...

Ah see now I see where I've been going wrong all this time!
Thank you!

toridawn said...

so fun! I'd never thought of wearing a cotton scarf under the silk one. genius!

Lauren Hairston said...

"natty little pussycat" Gotta love those old British Pathé films! Thanks for elaborating with your own tutorial. The video wasn't terribly explicit!

Casey Maura said...

So cute! I love the hatpin addition; I normally just use a few bobby pins to keep things snug and in place, but I'll have to try this. Love the scarves you used!!!!

Unknown said...

Ooh two scarves, brilliant idea. Thank you for sharing, your face is like a doll so pretty x

Anonymous said...

This is so adorable, but it looks like so much work!!! :)

-Mabel

Mabel Time

Kat said...

Gosh that's so cute! Thank you very much for the tutorial!

Lisa said...

This looks great on you and your blog always gives me new inspiration!

Kelsey said...

You make it look so easy that even though I doubt my ability to look effortless, I think I am going to have to give it a shot.

Stephanie Farrell said...

I have been reading your blog for quite some time and love your posts and outfits..your commitment to vintage is inspiring! Love the turban...stunning!
Stephanie xx

http://irishbrowneyedgirl.blogspot.com

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

That is ONE great turban. Best ever.

Beth said...

This is cool! there really is nothing easyier in the world (except spending money) lol!

Magnolia South said...

Aha! Many thanks for this tutorial. My favorite movie era is the 40s and I see these tied scarves over and over again. It is clear that it started as a necessity but quickly evolved into a voguish style.

I was watching Foyle's War (modern TV show, not old movies) on Netflix Instant last night and a bunch of women filed out of the factory wearing these turban-tied scarves. I made a mental note to look up how to do this in the morning. Okay so it's late afternoon, but I am doing it! ;)

I'm SO glad I did!

Again, many thanks. I just love things like this.

The web is just an amazing thing. The old way I'd have to trudge down to the library and hopefully find something about it. This way, 10 seconds and done!