Since the 16th century, hand muffs have been a

womenswear winter fashion accessory.

These hand-warmers were cylindrical shaped,

opened at both ends and made of luxury fur or fabric-

decidedly a dress trend of the wealthy (and royalty!).

 

…

(image from houseeffg.org):

Miniature of British monarch, Queen Elizabeth I

a fashion icon of her her era

holding at black muff, 1586

(Bodleian Library, Oxford)

…

(image from fashion-era.com):

Woman holding a fur muff,  1639

…

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries they were worn

by women and men alike.

 

…

(images from info-fabrics.net):

Fashionable lady and gentleman sporting hand muffs, 18th century

…

However by the 20th century, hand-muffs had evolved into

a mostly women focused accessory.

 

…

(image from the dreamstress):

A lady carrying large white fur muff, 19th century

…

(image for lookandlearn.com):

Hand muff fashion (1912) , rolls into the 20th century

…

During the chilly season of a/w  2014,

allow gloves and mitts to ‘fashion-hibernate.

Revive the hand muff as signature winter warmer wear

for keeping frosty fingers toasty warm.

And why limit muff-wear to hand cover?  Alternate use of a woolen scarf with a

faux fur ‘body muff’ for added warmth and style factor.

…

(images from style.com):

Muffs:  winter-warmers for a/w 2014

Faux fur hand muffs

from designer, Christopher Raeburn

…

….

Faux fur ‘body muffs’

from designer,  Eudon Choi

…

…