Feather Boa

A Feather Boa is a fashion accessory that is usually worn wrapped around the neck like a scarf.

Construction of Feather Boa

A Boa can be made of fur, but it is usually made instead from various types of feathers. Ostrich, marabou, chandelle, and turkey are the most common feathers used, although non-feather boas are also available. Feathers used go through bleaching or dyeing processes and are glued and stitched into lengths called "ply". Sometimes more natural boas are produced. A lightweight chandelle boa might only weigh 65grams (2.3oz), whereas a 24 ply ostrich boa can weigh as much as 200grams (7.1oz). The more ply, the fluffier and thicker the boa. Boas are generally measured by weight (grams), length (centimeters), and ply. Boas are available through novelty, costume, or lingerie shops, as well as online

Types of Feather Boa

Ostrich

Thousands of long thin feather strands woven into ply are used to construct these very fluffy boas. These form the larger, Las Vegas showgirl type boas, as when they are colored and woven into many ply, they can look very dramatic even at a distance.

Turkey

Many larger flat turkey feathers form these heavier boas which might weigh 120-180 grams (4.2-6.3oz) and reach 30centimetres (12in) in diameter.

Marabou

The fine down from marabou is used to form these very thin, and very fluffy boas.