The history of the scarf dates back to ancient times, when Egyptians and Romans wore them as protection from the cold and as a sign of social status. In the Middle Ages, scarves were used by knights as a banner to distinguish themselves in battle. During the Renaissance, scarves were popular among women as an ornament for their dress. In the 19th century, cashmere scarves were popular among the upper classes, while in subsequent centuries they became a common accessory for men and women. Today, scarves are still used for practical purposes, such as protecting from the cold, but also as a fashion item.