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Long and Soft The length makes this one portable yet versatile.
Long and Soft The length makes this one portable yet versatile.
Silky Smooth Fabric This scarf feels like a warm hug.
Silky Smooth Fabric This scarf feels like a warm hug.
Classic Poofy Look The fabric is as attractive as it is cozy.
Classic Poofy Look The fabric is as attractive as it is cozy.
Rustic, Earthy Appeal Be ready for any kind of weather in this one.
Rustic, Earthy Appeal Be ready for any kind of weather in this one.
What do you think of when you hear the word “scarf”? A thick woolly piece of fabric that hugs your neck on cold winter nights? A long, gauzy one that hangs loose in the summer? Or maybe you’re thinking of a smaller strip of patterned cloth that you can use as a bandana or impromptu mask?
The truth is, a scarf can be any or all of these — and that’s what makes it so appealing. Not every outfit needs a scarf, but the right scarf really can go with any outfit. They’re also one of the few fashion accessories that never really goes out of style.
But before we start obsessing about form, let’s talk about function. If you want a scarf you can wear year-round, you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to fabric. Cotton is a common material for everyday scarves, and it’s usually an inexpensive choice. Thick or thin, you can expect cotton scarves to wash easily and last for years if the weave is good. You can keep it loose in the warmer months, then wrap it into multiple layers when the weather starts getting cold. Linen is another fabric that layers well but is very breathable. Want something flouncy that’s exclusively for summer wear? Chiffon scarves are almost like a veil that you wear around your neck, and they can keep you very cool — in both senses of the word.
If you want to spend a little more, there’s nothing quite like the feel of silk. It’s a classic fabric for a reason. You can find smooth silk scarves that are suitable for formal wear or textured ones that are made for casual evenings out.
If you want a scarf primarily to keep your neck warm, wool is usually your go-to material. It’s great for keeping cozy when the wind picks up, but be careful when it rains. Wool can get water-logged quickly. Cashmere is another option if you’re not dealing with sub-zero temperatures. It’s not as thick as wool, but provides a surprising amount of warmth when you layer it. It also feels great, but you’re likely to pay extra for the luxury.
Now let’s talk about buying for style. Keep in mind that a scarf isn’t something that’s going to be a subtle accent to your outfit no matter how you wear it. From a fashion standpoint, plain-colored scarves set against the same color might as well not be there at all. Go with a complementary but opposing color scheme: Bright, patterned scarves tend to work best with earthy tones, while punchy, colorful outfits get a touch of class from a white or black scarf. Choose a scarf that works best with your general style.
Finally, go for versatility when you’re choosing the size of your scarf. Longer scarves can be fun to play around with and you can easily wrap them multiple times if you need a little extra coverage. Size doesn’t always matter, though. Smaller scarves can be a lot easier to manage on the run and can be stowed away in a pocket if you need to take them off.
This scarf is thin enough to fit in a decent sized handbag, yet long enough to provide warmth when it's needed. That size means that you can use it as a blanket or cushion as well. The bright fabric makes it a highlight on any outfit.
Cozy up in this understated yet luxurious scarf. The tight weave makes it a good fit for a variety of looks, and it's easy to take off or put on when there's a chill. Take care when washing, but with air drying you can expect this one to last.
The cotton polyester blend here is woven into a scarf that you could easily fall asleep on. Drape it around several times and it's a winter warmer. Keep it hanging loose and it's a fashion accessory that keeps you looking and feeling cool.
The weave makes this the perfect traveling scarf. The material is very breathable, which means you can use it to "mask up" temporarily when dust is in the air. If it's extra warmth you want, it's large enough to layer up.
The embroidery on this scarf makes it a centerpiece accessory. Not that it isn't functional: The shape and length make it easy to keep on and put into a variety of configurations. Wash carefully and this one will be a staple in any closet.
What do you think of when you hear the word “scarf”? A thick woolly piece of fabric that hugs your neck on cold winter nights? A long, gauzy one that hangs loose in the summer? Or maybe you’re thinking of a smaller strip of patterned cloth that you can use as a bandana or impromptu mask?
The truth is, a scarf can be any or all of these — and that’s what makes it so appealing. Not every outfit needs a scarf, but the right scarf really can go with any outfit. They’re also one of the few fashion accessories that never really goes out of style.
But before we start obsessing about form, let’s talk about function. If you want a scarf you can wear year-round, you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to fabric. Cotton is a common material for everyday scarves, and it’s usually an inexpensive choice. Thick or thin, you can expect cotton scarves to wash easily and last for years if the weave is good. You can keep it loose in the warmer months, then wrap it into multiple layers when the weather starts getting cold. Linen is another fabric that layers well but is very breathable. Want something flouncy that’s exclusively for summer wear? Chiffon scarves are almost like a veil that you wear around your neck, and they can keep you very cool — in both senses of the word.
If you want to spend a little more, there’s nothing quite like the feel of silk. It’s a classic fabric for a reason. You can find smooth silk scarves that are suitable for formal wear or textured ones that are made for casual evenings out.
If you want a scarf primarily to keep your neck warm, wool is usually your go-to material. It’s great for keeping cozy when the wind picks up, but be careful when it rains. Wool can get water-logged quickly. Cashmere is another option if you’re not dealing with sub-zero temperatures. It’s not as thick as wool, but provides a surprising amount of warmth when you layer it. It also feels great, but you’re likely to pay extra for the luxury.
Now let’s talk about buying for style. Keep in mind that a scarf isn’t something that’s going to be a subtle accent to your outfit no matter how you wear it. From a fashion standpoint, plain-colored scarves set against the same color might as well not be there at all. Go with a complementary but opposing color scheme: Bright, patterned scarves tend to work best with earthy tones, while punchy, colorful outfits get a touch of class from a white or black scarf. Choose a scarf that works best with your general style.
Finally, go for versatility when you’re choosing the size of your scarf. Longer scarves can be fun to play around with and you can easily wrap them multiple times if you need a little extra coverage. Size doesn’t always matter, though. Smaller scarves can be a lot easier to manage on the run and can be stowed away in a pocket if you need to take them off.
Talk about a winter warmer: According to Guinness World Records, the longest scarf ever knitted by a single person stretches just over 14,978 feet. It took Helge Johansen of Norway a full 30 years to knit the thing, which he normally keeps wrapped up in a large (and cozy) ball.
Spills and other mishaps aside, you can get away with not washing a new scarf for awhile. But eventually, it’s going to need a little TLC, and how you wash it depends on what kind of material it’s made of.
For pretty much any scarf, hand washing is the best option, but for silk or chiffon scarves, it’s absolutely essential. Just add a little detergent to a bowl of cold water, scrub carefully and air dry. Wool or cashmere should definitely be dry cleaned if you can’t spare the time for hand washing. Cotton or linen scarves can usually make it through a washing machine without serious damage if you use cold water. Make sure you use a laundry bag or wash solo, however. The longer the scarf, the more apt it is to get tangled with your other clothes.
Tod Caviness has been a features journalist and writer in Central Florida for the past 20 years. His stories covered everything from indie fashion to nightlife, but they have only slightly improved his taste in clothes or the quality of his homemade Manhattans. Luckily, he still looks good in black.
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