Polka dot scarves - total Tootal

Sunday, 29 April 2012

The man who declared a drought in south-east England earlier this month has condemned us to weeks of cold and rain, so we still need scarves to keep out the dank chill.

I've been on the search for a red/ maroon polka dot scarf for a while, but nothing quite right has appeared. This picture shows the type and colour I'm after. As can be seen, it's a Drake's scarf, just the thing for a formal work suit, jacket, blazer or (as in the photo, and if you're brave enough) a denim jacket. The combination of large and small dots works well.


The quintessential polka dot scarf was made by Tootal and was at the height of popularity in the forties, fifties and sixties. I remember my father wearing his under a tweed jacket as he left for work. They have become popular again and, although easy to find, vintage dealers are keeping the prices high.


For an interesting alternative you could try this Alexander McQueen skull pattern scarf.


Or, if you prefer, there is always the cousin of the polka dot, the paisley scarf - one guaranteed to cheer you up - usually.

Photo The Sartorialist



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13 comments

  1. Anonymous29 April 2012 at 10:13

    Nice post. I'm one who favours spots and dots, and I especially like the McQueen skull scarf. While it would complement the thin tie I have from the same series nicely, I don't think I could justify it's price !

    Mathew.

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  2. Speedway29 April 2012 at 19:19

    I entered "Tootal men's scarves" for an e-bay search of clothing category and came up with a number of results that seemed reasonably priced.

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  3. Grey Fox30 April 2012 at 11:03

    I didn't realise there was a matching tie! It is pricey, but then I suppose it's very different from a standard polka dot scarf. Thanks for commenting. GF.

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  4. Bella Q1 May 2012 at 09:06

    Hello! Checking in with our solo gentleman, plus 40 blogger! And glad I did, to get a peek at Daniel Craig ALWAYS makes my day!

    Your garden pics look like they're from the Pacific Northwest. I just moved to Seattle. You wouldn't happen to be near there would ya? Let me know!
    bella@thecitizenrosebud.com

    the Citizen Rosebud

    ReplyDelete
  5. Grey Fox1 May 2012 at 10:21

    Hello CR - good to see you! I'm glad to have made your day with a pic of Mr Craig!! My garden is in London, UK, but if I'm ever in Pacific NW I'll be visiting to swap blogging stories! GF.

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  6. SACRAMENTO1 May 2012 at 11:55

    I am more for the he paisley scarf. So smart.
    Nice to say hello, my dear Fox
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  7. Bella Q1 May 2012 at 15:45

    Ha ha across the pond! Well the greenery (the wild flowers) looks like what's going on around here. And you'd be most welcome in my neck of the woods!

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  8. Fred Gonsowski1 May 2012 at 17:37

    Hi there Grey Fox...I have a few sites for you to look at. tartanscot.blogspot.com He covers men's fashion and interior decor. He wrote a nice article about ribbon strap watch bands. Look at pinterest.com, in the search spot, for the site type in men's suits (that is an example of a search), you can type men's shoes, men's sweaters, Then look at whatisjameswearing.com James is a victim of expensive fashion, but so what...Look at the blog roll he has, and tartanscott. They might have sites that interest you. Look up Michael Bastian he is the designer for Gant. He has an interesting site showing a lot of clothing. Hope these sites interest you. FRED

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  9. Grey Fox2 May 2012 at 09:26

    Best to have both maybe, Sacramento. Best wishes GF. xx

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    Replies
    1. Grey Fox8 May 2012 at 09:02

      Agreed - I think that's what I'll do. GF.

      Delete
  10. That's Not My Age2 May 2012 at 10:51

    I do like a man in a scarf - though I've been stealing Mr TNMA's of late(blog post coming soon!)

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  11. Anonymous1 June 2012 at 01:47

    I have one of these lovely old scarves. I was my father's. He gave it to me more than 25 years ago and for a long time it was my motorbike scarf, so it's not in mint condition (but it's still pretty tidy-certainly good enough to wear to work). It's mid-grey with very small, pale grey dots and looks very nice. I've never seen another one where I live (New Zealand). Mine is rayon (not silk, but harder wearing) and it still feels lovely to wear. It's my favourite.

    Iain

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  12. Anonymous29 July 2012 at 15:56

    Hi
    New to your blog, having read about it in the Times.
    Regarding your search for the Polka Dot Scarf, if you are still looking, try jumpthegun.com
    I bought a similar Blue Scarf, earlier this year.
    TL

    ReplyDelete

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