Tube scarf (buff) is an element of a military uniform worn around the neck in any weather. It aims to protect the neck from external climatic stimuli, such as wind, rain, snow, etc. It can also be used as a face mask when needed.
Most buffs can be roughly divided into two categories:
- Summer (or those for warm weather), that is, those used in conditions of high temperatures. They are usually made of light (thin) cotton or synthetic fabric. The tube scarf can also be made of micro-mesh, which provides extra ventilation for the neck area in hot weather.
- Winter (or those for cold weather), that is, those used in conditions of low temperatures. They warm the neck and keep it warm. They are usually made of fleece or special woolen fabric. These materials are also used in other types of winter clothing because of their good thermal insulation properties. It is important that the fleece dries very quickly and removes moisture, which is a definite advantage when using a tube scarf in winter.
- In general, the buff also performs the function of protecting the neck from environmental irritants in the field (branches, insects, etc.). The material from which the tube scarf is sewn should be pleasant to the touch, should not cause discomfort, because in the field while performing tasks, it’s important to have a buff that can stay on for a long time, and any little thing can cause unwanted irritation. The buff is also often used as a mask, covering the entire area of the face, except for the eyes.
- Any tube scarf should be elastic, able to stretch and fold for a more convenient fixation on the soldier’s neck. A significant advantage when purchasing it will be the presence of a tightening mechanism (lock) and a density regulator along the edges of the buff for maximum thermal insulation in the cold season.
When choosing a buff, you should consider the time of the year for which you’re buying it and the material it is made of. Choose light (thin) fabrics for the warm season, and denser ones (fleece, wool) for the winter. Tube scarves are usually of a universal size so that it will fit any serviceman, regardless of size.
Among the brands of buffs that we can recommend there are many brands of military clothing, such as “M-tac”, “Mil-Tec”, “Camotec” or some Ukrainian manufacturers.
