In the Buff

“Can I have a Buff?”

“No, what’s wrong with a scarf?”

“But look what you can do with them – you can wear them as a neckerchief, a headband, a beanie, a bandana – they look brilliant!”

This conversation used to happen every time we wandered around outdoor clothing shops. Dougie was desperate to buy a Buff and I couldn’t see the attraction. A few years ago, he ignored me and decided to buy one anyway and it was a revelation. He bought another one then I bought one…and another. We became such fans we built up a collection: original microfibre, merino wool, polar fleece and UV protection – we have them all.

What’s so good about them? These lightweight little wisps of material are made with no hems or seams so there’s nothing to make you feel itchy. Designed to keep you warm in the cold, the fibres also wick away moisture to keep you cool in the summer. Scrunch them up in a pocket or bag, they take up no room, which can’t always be said for scarves.

I was approached by Kitshack and asked if I wanted to test a couple out during our recent trip to Devon. Yes, we’d love more Buffs and very happy to review them as we were already such fans.

To give you some idea of how to wear them, Dougie and I have graciously modelled them for you.

First up…me!

1. The usual way I wear a Buff. This is a kids’ merino wool Buff (Kiwi) but it’s ideal for covering up the neck of woman over 50.
2. Amazingly warm Polar fleece Buff was a godsend when we were skiing in Colorado. Even in -16 degrees Centigrade I was toasty warm on the slopes.
3. I call this my ‘French lady who owns the bar in Death in Paradise crossed with Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street’  look: just the thing for rustling up a mean mojito or tackling a little light housework.

Now Dougie’s turn:

1. Happy hiker on the beach, Dougie is wearing a merino wool Buff (National Geographic Rongorongo design) which is ideal when it’s warm enough for a T-shirt but there’s a keen wind whistling up the South West Coast Path.
2. Perfect for wearing under a ski helmet, Dougie sports the pirate look with a few simple twists of the material. Yo ho ho! Note we have the double-buff ensemble for when one Buff is just not enough.
3. Kenny from South Park walking along the streets of Woolacombe in a rain shower.