We’re in the thick of winter and it’s more important than ever to stay warm! When it comes to fashion and personal style, the right accessories can make all the difference. And so it goes without saying that one of the must-haves in your winter wardrobe is a cozy, warm, and stylish scarf. Obvi.
Scarves have always been a style staple, and they’re more important than ever during the frigid winter days. With so many materials, lengths, widths, and designs to choose from, finding the perfect scarf can feel daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you out!
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the best scarves for men. We’ll cover your options for winter scarf fabrics, the ideal length and width of your scarf, and how much you can expect to spend.
By the end of this, you’ll know more than you want to know about scarves 😉 But! It’ll be easy to figure out what’s the best scarf for you, based on your budget and style.
So whether you’re looking for a long and luxurious cashmere scarf, a classic and traditional wool scarf, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
The Winter Scarves For Men We Recommend
Just wanna know my recs? Well here’s a selection of men’s scarves I love. Of course, there are countless options, so even if you don’t find something here, hopefully this will at least serve as inspiration to find what you’re looking for!
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$39.99Shop AmazonMeasuring 55x11", this scarf is slightly shorter in length, but would work well completely wrapped around your neck, or draped and crossed over to warm your neck and chest. This brand carries over 170 different Clan tartans. Aesthetically, the black watch is my favorite tartan.
11/11/2023 02:32 am GMT -
$24.92Shop AmazonMeasuring 78x23" and made from 100% viscose. This scarf is voluminous, lightweight, and warm because of its size and fabric makeup. The tan / grey color combination and elegant design makes it an easy scarf to wear with practically any outfit.
11/11/2023 02:36 am GMT -
$80Shop Barbour"A wool cashmere blend fabric in an all-over signature Barbour tartan pattern. Perfect for chilly days."
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Shop Saks"This high-value herringbone scarf from Saks Fifth Avenue wears handsomely with jeans or suits. The pattern is fairly fine, while the raw-edged hem matches the scarf’s texturing while maintaining clean lines overall."
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$1650Shop Mr. Porter"Lightweight, soft, Italian-made, made from the finest baby cashmere. Literally the best of the best, one of the most luxurious scarves you could possibly wear."
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Shop Reiss"A festive yet handsome option, the Reiss Norbury’s Fair Isle design provides dimension and liveliness. Its mix of neutral hues makes it super versatile. Moreover, the wool blend makes it both warm and durable."
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$184Shop Todd Snyder"100% cashmere woven in England, soft and fine to the touch, in an elegant chalkstripe pattern that looks great with formal outfits and big coats."
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$85Shop Kiriko MadeA combination of two unique Kurume Kasuri dot fabrics were combined and sewn together for a truly eye-catching piece. The scarf is then finished off with a navy stitched edge. 71x13, hand sewn in Portland, OR.
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$140Shop Mr. Porter"Knitted from pure wool yarn in a ribbed pattern gives this scarf nice heft. The flecks of different color yarn add a touch of interest when close up."
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Shop Zara"Zara often has a good collection of basic fringed scarves. They usually use a soft blend, like poly viscose. Some seasons offer more colors than others, but they’ll typically have at least a menswear neutral or two."
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$89.50Shop AmazonLeave it to Pendleton to provide beautiful designs on their warm woo scarves. Measures 76x12".
11/11/2023 03:01 am GMT
Scarf Types: The Best Fabric & Material For Scarves
When it comes to winter scarves, the material you choose can make all the difference. The three most popular options are wool, cashmere, and fleece, but there are plenty of others.
Wool Scarves
Wool is a traditionally popular material for scarves. It offers excellent insulation and warmth, making it ideal for winter wear. It’s warm, durable, and versatile, making it the perfect choice for a winter scarf. Plus, wool scarves come in many different varieties and knit styles, from soft and lightweight to thick and chunky.
Cashmere Scarves
Cashmere is your top-of-the-line, luxurious scarf option. This type of wool is taken from the underbelly of the cashmere goat. These goats are generally found in high-altitude regions of China, Mongolia, and Afghanistan, and there aren’t many of them (at least in comparison to your standard sheep).
Cashmere, known for its softness and warmth, is a bit of an investment, especially for high-end cashmere (vs budget cashmere)! But if you’re looking for a scarf that’s incredibly luxurious and warm, cashmere is the way to go.
Btw if you’re still unsure why some cashmere products (scarves, sweaters, etc.) are, say, $50, while others are $500… here’s a really detailed and quick explainer video I came across on TikTok.
Cotton Scarves
Cotton is a breathable and lightweight material, though I don’t see many 100% cotton scarves out there. Typically, it’s blended with one or several other fibers like cashmere, wool, or linen.
Fleece Scarves
Fleece is a synthetic option that’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance and more casual-leaning scarf (like to wear with a hoodie and puffer coat). It’s relatively lightweight, soft, and can come in a variety of fun colors and patterns. The only downside is that fleece doesn’t have the same level of insulation as wool or cashmere, so it may not be the best choice for extremely cold temperatures.
Acrylic Scarves
Acrylic is a synthetic material that’s soft, warm, and budget-friendly, making it a popular choice for scarves. It’s designed to mimic wool, and you can often find acrylic blended with wool in warm-weather clothing such as sweaters, gloves, and of course, scarves.
I have a few acrylic scarves and they’ve held up fine over the years.
Viscose Scarves
Viscose is a semi-synthetic material derived from the wood pulp of fast-growing trees such as beech, pine, and eucalyptus. Viscose is soft to the touch and very warm, making it a popular fabric for scarves.
Fiber Blends And OTHER MATERIALS FOR SCARVES
There are other fabrics used for scarves, such as silk, linen, and nylon, but these are generally lighter weight and used for warm weather scarves.
These materials can also be blended to create a scarf with the best qualities of each. For example, a wool-cashmere blend provides the warmth of wool and the softness of cashmere. Cotton can be blended with cashmere to make a warm and cozy scarf that is perfect for colder weather.
When it comes down to it, the best material for a winter scarf really depends on your personal preferences and needs. But, if you’re looking for a scarf that’s both warm and stylish, wool and cashmere are the way to go. Acrylic and viscose are easy-to-find and affordable alternatives that I would also personally consider.
How Long and Wide Should Your Scarf Be?
The length and width of a scarf can have a big impact on its warmth and style.
You can do more with longer scarves, but it may be difficult to manage for more simple ties. On the other hand, a shorter scarf will be easier to wear but may not provide as much warmth.
As for width, a wider scarf will provide more coverage, but if it’s too wide, it maybe too bulky to wear comfortably.
As with everything fashion-related, your mileage may vary! You’ll need to try a few different scarf lengths and widths to find one that works best for you.
The standard size for most scarves is around 6 feet (72″) long and 12″ wide. I personally prefer scarves that are a bit wider, around 18″-24″ wide. This allows me to fold it in half length-wise and eke out a bit more warmth and volume when I’m wrapping it around my neck on particularly cold days.
How Much Should You Pay for a Scarf?
The price of a winter scarf can vary greatly, depending on the material, brand, and design. A cashmere scarf from a high-end brand can cost hundreds of dollars, while a fleece scarf from a discount store might only cost a few dollars.
In general, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
Cheaper scarves are usually made from lower-quality materials, which could mean lack of long-term durability and a higher chance of pilling. And more often than not, higher-priced scarves from reputable brands are crafted from premium materials and can look new for a longer period of time. (You still have to take care of them, of course.)
So, how much should you be paying for a winter scarf? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the price can vary greatly depending on the material, brand, and design.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Wool or wool blend scarves: Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $200 for a wool or wool blend scarf. Lower-priced options are often made from a blend of wool and cotton or a synthetic material. Higher-priced options are made from 100% pure wool and / or blended with a more expensive and luxurious material like cashmere.
- Cashmere or cashmere blend scarves: These are the epitome of luxury and warmth, and prices can range from $100 to $500+. The higher the quality of the cashmere—meaning the longer and denser the fibers—the more expensive the scarf will be.
- Acrylic and viscose scarves: These synthetic and semi-synthetic options are more affordable. You can find great (non-designer) scarves in this category for as little as $20-$40. And don’t automatically write off these options just because they’re not made from 100% natural fibers! All the acrylic and viscose scarves I own or have come across are incredibly warm and soft to the touch.
- Designer scarves: If you’re looking for a scarf from a luxury designer brand, be prepared to spend at least $200, and don’t be surprised if you see $2,000 scarves. This price doesn’t necessarily correlate to quality or warmth, however. So if that’s something you care about, do a bit of research. You may want to try the scarves on in person (or check if the shop has a generous return policy for online purchases) and read up on the materials used.
All You Needed To Know Before Buying The Best Scarf (For You)
In general, it’s a good idea to invest in a comfortable scarf you’ll love wearing, that will keep you warm, and will last for many winters to come.
If you can touch and try on your scarf before buying, all the better. Wool and wool blend scarves are usually a safe bet, and middle-of-the-road, in terms of price.
Avoid cheaper scarves made from itchy or crunchy-feeling material; you’ll never want to wear it. But don’t overlook affordable scarves completely. I have a few acrylic scarves from mall brands like Zara, and I reach for them every season because they’re so soft, warm, and comfortable to wear.
If you have the budget, invest in a nicer cashmere scarf. Buy one in a menswear neutral shade and you’ll wear it for years!
Got any questions or comments, DM me on Instagram!
