Can you tell the difference in quality (silk scarves)?

[Whowhatwerewolf]

I'm considering saving up for a Hermès silk scarf. I'd make a deal with myself that if I wear my cheaper silk scarves consistently this Spring then next Spring I will treat myself. I'm just wondering whether they're worth it, though?

For example, I think these are both nice. But is the Hermès really over 20 times nicer?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su788565/w27892

https://www.hermes.com/uk/en/product/academia-hippica-scarf-90-H004281Sv09/

If you have a Hermès silk scarf do you love wearing it more than other scarves? If you see someone wearing a scarf can you honestly tell whether it's a super expensive one or not?

@unsync I was really curious what you mean by “digitally printed” because Hermès absolutely insists that the scarves are made using screen-printing technology, so printing them digitally would be false advertising.

I found this post on the purse forum which explains it well. I think especially the last post is quite insightful: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/hermes-scarves-screen-print-to-laserjet-print-switchover.1049525/

I don’t think it’s possible to achieve the current level of detail with fully manual process.

My mum has a beautiful Gucci silk scarf in a white with blue print, it’s heavyweight and drapes well, still looks good as new. I still have a jaeger one from the 80s - nowhere near the same quality but still holding up well. Quality really shows.

@CortieTat I've seen the screen printing process in action. It is incredibly detailed, complex and highly skilled. Some designs need many screens, up to 70, I seem to recall that Qu'importe Le Flacon was one of those.

I was part of tPF when the original discussions about laser printing were happening and it was discussed off-line too. I know the person whose post you linked to, they are very knowledgeable. I have a vague recollection that laser printing was used on the bandanas which were more of a 'budget' scarf and possibly the maxi twillies. It was around the time when Hermes decided to expand, ramp up production and became an It Brand. I stopped collecting at around this time as the corporate culture totally changed and it stopped being enjoyable.

I do know that other manufacturers use laser to print double sided silk scarves due to the precision needed.

Ziplock bags - the Lakeland ones are sturdy. That’s how I store my woollen jumpers etc as well, after they have been aired post wearing.

I think that you can tell quality, and this can have longevity. Pieces are beautiful to wear. I have pieces in my collection that are worth signature amounts as vintage pieces because I 'invested'.

People say that I should sell. Pahhh. I opened up the back of my knicker draw recently and found 1990's vintage YSLs sunnies. They invoked memories.

Do it. You won't regret it. It might be half a years salary, but you will love your scarf and always regard it as being special.

Off subject @Whowhatwerewolf , but I'd love to know your technique for not losing stuff! I have lost a couple of things I truly regret 😪

Lots of posters have already commented on the difference in the physical and tactile quality, but look at the huge difference in the quality of the illustrative designs. The Jules illustration is shocking when you zoom in on it.

if you were looking for an inexpensive alternative you could try Emma Shipley scarves, although I’ve only seen them online so no idea what they’re like.

Oh it's nothing revolutionary but I just don't leave things where I could forget them. So in hotels I'll always put things in my suitcase instead of leaving them lying around. On public transportation I'll put hats and scarves in my coat pockets or handbag instead of next to me, and I'll keep my handbag strap looped around my arm. In restaurants I'll make sure my handbag strap is looped around my coat sleeve or even my leg. I never put my phone or wallet or debit card down at any time - always put away, etc.

I have ADHD and I used to lose things daily but now I can't even remember the last time I lost something. Whereas last week I lent a hat to a friend and she immediately left it on the bus!

Thank you, that's good advice x

Yes and I bought mine from here;
https://www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk/collections/vintage-silk-scarves?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign-email&utm_campaign=Assorted%20gems%20%2801KJFP2N0P3EJ240NRRWXSEAXS%29&_kx=IWOxoDviNoIJ-Q1zx262nK_r_ntx4oldet2dzGSsNF0.Yetxh6