How To Wear Scarves Like a Chinese!

Sandstorm season is upon us, so it’s crucial to start preparing ourselves for all the flying particles. Maybe you're thinking of a small face mask or a pair of cool sunglasses, but for Beijing’s not-so-gentle spring, your protective gear should always start with a see-through scarf.

There are lots of ways to wear scarves, but only some are effective:

1. Covering your whole head with the bow under your chin
2. Covering your whole head with the bow at the back of your head
3. Covering the whole head but leaving room to breathe
4. Around the head with the help of a mask, sunglasses and/or a hat (or any combination of these)
5. Going for the extreme
6. Camouflage

Now for a few examples of decent scarf usage:

1. Nun style (although you shouldn’t just protect your hair in a sandstorm)
2. Wearing it around your neck and drawing it up to cover your mouth (but then your hands aren't free ... not ideal)
3. This is cool, but you really need some eye protection (especially if you wear contacts)
4. Covering the whole head but leaving open the possibility of eating without having to untie the scarf (the wind is going to get you!)
5. Using the scarf to function like a mask (it doesn’t look great and you are really not that protected)
6. Creepy and might suffocate you (OK, fine, it’s not actually a scarf, just a desperate imitation)

Time for the flat-out ineffective ones:

And remember, scarves are not just for women:

Are you convinced now that you and your loved ones need to invest in a filmy scarf? No? Did I mention it’s also good for bonding and great for photography if you have a bad hair/makeup day? Anyways, if you're ready to start shopping, the Zoo Market always has a huge selection.

Need we remind you what life is like when you're unprotected from the elements? Here you go:

Photos: A,B-4 B-5 B-6 C-6 E-3 E-5, E-1, C-3, E-4, B-2, C-4, E-2, B-3, C-5, E-6, C-2, D-3, D-2, D-1, D-5, D-4, D-6, F, G