Snood

What it is

A snood is a piece of headgear designed to hold or cover hair. It typically resembles a close-fitting hood placed over the back of the head. Unlike a tight hairnet, a snood often has a looser fit and may be made of cloth or netting. While historically decorative, modern versions focus on function. They are worn by women in various contexts, from factory floors to religious communities. The style keeps hair secure and contained without requiring complex styling.

Where it comes from

The term originally described a ribbon circlet worn by young Scottish women as a sign of chastity. In the 1590s, Elizabeth Gibb crafted these from Florentine silk for the court of Anne of Denmark. By the Victorian era, decorative hairnets were called snoods. The meaning shifted in the 1930s to describe net bag headgear. During the Second World War, this style became fashionable and practical for women entering the workforce. It prevented hair from catching in factory machinery. Paris collections featured them in 1939.

What it means

For married Orthodox Jewish women, the snood fulfills the religious requirement of hair covering known as Tzniut. These specific snoods are often lined to ensure they are not see-through. In industrial settings, the garment represents safety compliance rather than fashion. Historically, the Scottish version symbolised chastity for young women. Today, the primary significance is religious observance or workplace safety regulation.

How it is made

To wear a snood, gather the hair at the nape of the neck. Place the net or cloth opening over the gathered hair. Pull the edges forward to secure the hair inside the bag. Adjust the fit so it sits comfortably against the back of the head. For religious use, ensure the lining covers the hair completely. No pins or clips are strictly necessary if the fit is snug.

Who and what it suits

The snood suits any hair texture or length since it contains rather than styles the hair. It is particularly useful for long hair that needs to be kept away from the face and neck. The loose fit accommodates thick or voluminous hair better than tight nets. It works for all face shapes as it sits at the back of the head.

Versions

The beard snood is a related garment used in food production. It covers facial hair such as beards and moustaches. This variant acts as a ringed scarf to maintain hygiene. Contemporary religious snoods come in many colours and designs. Historical variants included ribbon circlets and decorative Victorian nets.

In culture

The snood appears in discussions of ethnic dress and historical fashion. It played a role in women's history during the Second World War. In religious culture, it remains a visible marker of Orthodox Jewish practice. The term has largely been replaced by hairnet for general use, except in specific industrial or religious contexts.

Questions people ask about Snood

Good reading and sources

• Rabbis' Rules and Indian Wigs Stir Crisis in Orthodox Brooklyn (Published 2004)The New York Times, Article

• Snood (headgear) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data