Cachenez
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The cachenez (French: "hide the nose") was originally a half mask made of black velvet or silk , which appeared in France in the middle of the 16th century as protection against the weather and used by men while riding, and by women when walking Complexion protection was worn. It reached from the forehead to under the nose and had slit eyes. In the middle of the 17th century , the cachenez was often worn in order to remain undetected on amorous occasions. In England it was attached to a hood or headdress and covered with a cloth to cover the mouth. In the 17th century it was also common in Germany. However, the cachenez had to be reduced in the presence of senior citizens.
In Italy there was also a mask that was held in place in the mouth with a small handle with a button - this was called moretta muta .
In the course of the 18th century , the mask disappeared and the name Cachenez was transferred to a scarf that was initially only worn by the French. It was looped around the neck and sometimes the lower part of the face several times. At the beginning of the 1930s it was part of European men's fashion, initially black and white or silver gray with evening suits, then with coats, and in summer with sportswear instead of ties .
Today, the term mainly describes the white silk scarves that can be worn with formal suits .