A coat is on, shoes are tied and the temperature outside isn't even particularly brutal. Still, something feels missing. For some women, winter preparation isn't complete until a scarf is wrapped around the neck.
At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much psychology involved. Scarves keep people warm, and people wear warm clothes when it's cold. But research on thermal comfort, sensory perception and clothing suggests that the story can be more interesting. What begins as a practical response to temperature can gradually become a familiar comfort routine, while clothing itself can acquire personal and symbolic meaning.
