Sun Fashion with a Storied History

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen. These are all essential ways to protect ourselves from the elements and the sun’s damaging rays. There’s another way, too – one with history and a touch of glamour. Scarves.

SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti learned that in 1300 BC Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti wore a headscarf. In ancient China and Rome neck scarves were used by the military both for protection and to designate rank. And in the 18th century, French Emperor Napoleon made the scarf a symbol of glamour and romance when he gave his wife Josephine a cashmere scarf from India.

Iconic French brand Hermes was the first (in 1937) to design silk scarves imprinted with unique and beautiful patterns. Still the gold standard in scarves, they quickly became luxury fashion accessories coveted by royalty and high society.

SurfWriter Girls got interested in scarves recently when Patti came across a box of vintage scarves in back of a drawer, including some vivid ones by acclaimed mid-century designer Vera, whose fashions were popular with Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly.

Then, when Patti’s sister Eileen sent us some Anne Klein scarves, we were hooked.

For surfers, traveling to remote surf spots or chilling on the beach, scarves have earned their place in a go-bag. You can wear them around your neck or head, as a wrap, top, or even a skirt. Some scarves come with sun protection factor (SPF) ratings.

Protecting the sensitive skin around the neck and throat, scarves are a way to express yourself, reflecting both the moment and your mood. In cotton, cashmere or silk. Comfy and casual at the beach. Elegant for an evening out.

From royalty to regiments, surfers and even Spot, the Target dog, scarves are the perfect cover-up.

Check the books shown for more about the historical settings in which scarves evolved.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Journalist, Author, Women’s Activist Dies Sept. 2, 2026

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

On September 2nd,  journalist, author, activist Gloria Steinem passed away after a lifetime of trailblazing efforts on behalf of women. At a time when women weren’t even allowed to apply for credit cards without a male sponsor, Steinem was at the forefront of the women’s movement, seeking equal rights, opportunity and pay for women.

And now, thanks to Steinem, women in all walks of life – from competitive surfing to science, education to entrepreneurship, artists to astronauts – have a place at the table.

Steinem went undercover as a Playboy Bunny cocktail waitress in 1963 at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club in New York City. Donning bunny ears and a cottontail, she wrote an article for Show magazine about how the club treated women, revealing that behind all the glamour the women were underpaid and exploited.

Speaking at women’s rallies, in her trademark aviator glasses she was instantly recognizable as the voice of women’s equality. Hard to believe now, at the time job opportunities were listed in newspaper want ads as “Men Wanted” and “Women Wanted” with many jobs not available for women.

In 1972 she was one of the co-founders of Ms. magazine, the first national magazine to focus on feminist news. The first issue featured Wonder Woman on the cover and discussed everything from voting in elections, paying women for housework, and the equal rights amendment to demystifying how your car runs.

In addition to editing Ms. and writing countless articles, Steinem also wrote numerous books and was the subject of many books about her.

SurfWriter Girls admire how Steinem used all the tools in her arsenal – intelligence, skill, wit, perseverance – to pave the way for modern women to have untold opportunities.

Combining pragmatism with optimism, she described herself as a “hopeaholic” and was always working to make the world a better place – not just for women, but for everyone.

To find out more about Gloria Steinem, check out the publications in our story.

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

SurfWriter Girls

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.