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When you think of scarves, you might think of cosying up before venturing out into the winter weather, but they are so much more versatile than this. They are, of course, excellent cold weather companions to wear along with your hat and gloves, but they can also add a lot to an outfit in spring or summer, too.
Whether you're looking for something bright and light to inject some colour into an outfit, a designer pick for special occasions or the thickest, warmest scarf to keep out the chill, we're here to help. We've looked on Amazon, John Lewis, ASOS and more to find you the right women's scarf, whatever the time of year or occasion.
Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes. With 10 years industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes.
With 10 years of industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more.
Find out more about Melissa via her Instagram or head over to her website where you can see all the expert consultation services she offers - from simply organising your wardrobe space to sourcing those hard to find 'New Season' pieces!
Scarves are about a simple as you can get when it comes to clothes, but that doesn't mean there aren't various things to consider before buying one. Here, we go through some things to look out for that will ensure you find the scarf for you.
Depending on what they're for, scarves can be woven or spun from a huge range of different types of material, often being made up of more than one. Here are the main fabrics to consider when scrolling through the options.
Synthetic materials regularly make their way into scarves, even if this is in combination with a natural material like cotton or wool. This keeps the price down, making them more affordable for you.
The most common synthetic fabrics used are acrylic, viscose and polyester. Acrylic is normally used as a wool substitute, which makes it good for cosy winter scarves. Other synthetic materials can be used to make all sorts of varying textures, from light silk-like scarves to those with a chunky knit.
Synthetic materials are best when combined with natural fabrics as the inclusion of these adds a breathability that is not present with purely synthetic scarves.
A lot of scarves have synthetic materials in them, they can provide a thick texture to keep you warm during the winter months and even texture on lighter scarves providing a pattern or print that makes the scarf a fun accessory to brighten up an outfit. Be sure to check the fabric content when buying a scarf and if it has synthetic it will likely be cheaper.
Natural fabrics tend to be deemed to be of a higher quality, which is reflected in the higher prices of scarves made from them. Wool is very warm but still breathable, which is why it's a popular choice for a winter scarf. For extra softness, choose cashmere, although this luxurious material does come with a heftier price tag.
For more of a summer feel, a silk scarf is an easy way to add a certain chicness to your outfit whilst feeling lovely on your skin. Cotton is a material that can be made into many textures and thicknesses, so a cotton scarf is wearable throughout the year.
Natural fabrics are great for being environmentally friendly and often softer whereas synthetic fabrics can feel itchy and heavy. Cashmere is an excellent choice for winter, a super light option but extremely soft and warm, it is more expensive but if you shop about you can get some reasonably priced ones now and cared for correctly they can last you for years.
If you're are using your scarf as an extra layer during the colder months, it's a good idea to look for a large scarf, both in width and in length. The longer a scarf is, the more times you can wrap it around your neck, adding even more warmth.
A thick, long scarf might not always be the answer, though. You could be looking for something more ornamental than functional for times that aren't as chilly, and in this case a thin scarf is a better idea. Silk, for example, is a very thin, delicate material, so will naturally make a thinner scarf.
I love to wear a big blanket style scarf in the winter months, one you can wrap around you multiple times either under or over your coat or even in Autumn instead of a coat. Thin, more lightweight scarves are ideal for this as they have more movement in them to be able to wrap them around you.
Although simple, scarves are an amazing way of bringing something special to your get-up. That might be a muted scarf that brings together some bright colours you're pairing elsewhere in your outfit, or perhaps an eye-catching scarf that's the star of the show.
You might also make your colours seasonal, choosing more autumnal browns and oranges as the weather descends into winter and more blues, pinks and greens as you go into spring. You also aren't limited to one colour and might even decide that you want an intricate pattern to adorn your scarf.
A scarf is a great way to add colour to your outfit if you like to keep things quite plain and simple but fancy being a little bold now and then. You can tie scarves in so many inventive ways too creating a whole new look each time you wear them. Silk scarves are a nice elegant touch and great for covering your shoulders in the evening if you have a strappy number on.
Scarves aren't worn as closely to the body as many other items of clothing, so they require far fewer washes. This is very convenient seeing as lots of scarves can't be machine washed due to the materials used to make them.
The most delicate scarves, or those made from the most sensitive fabrics, require dry cleaning. Some others specify that they can be hand washed, and a few scarves are machine friendly, so if that's a must for you, be sure to check the product description.
It's always good when buying anything to check the care label, usually, I'd say avoid dry clean/hand wash only but when it comes to scarves this is fine as they require a lot less care since they're not worn close to your skin all that often. Check the labels and make sure you follow the instructions carefully so it doesn't misshapen.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pixnor Women's Mohair Wool Scarf | £16.49 Mid | The Ultimate Winter Warmer | ||
2 | Topshop Borg Scarf | £22.99 Mid | Tick All the Style Boxes With Leopard Print Borg | ||
3 | Millie & Boo Pure Silk Scarf | £18.00 Mid | A Smooth Silk Scarf for a Summer's Evening | ||
4 | Forever New Willow Cashmere Scarf | £80.00 High Mid | You'll Never Want to Take This Super Soft Scarf off | ||
5 | Unmade Balqisa Abstract Print Square Scarf | £44.95 High Mid | A Scarf to Take You Through the Seasons | ||
6 | ASOS DESIGN Supersoft Long Woven Scarf | £12.00 Low Mid | Extra Long and Perfect for Wrapping up in | ||
7 | Miss Lulu Ladies' Winter Scarf | £12.99 Low Mid | Geometric Shapes Make This Scarf Stand Out | ||
8 | Mulberry Large Check Lambswool Scarf | £150.00 High | Enjoy the Feeling of Luxurious Wool on Your Neck | ||
9 | Tu Oatmeal Cable Knit Scarf | £6.00 Low | A Simple Scarf That Will Go With Anything | ||
10 | John Lewis & Partners Safari Textured Pleat Scarf | £30.00 Mid | This Exciting Print Will Liven up Any Outfit |
This scarf might look unassuming, but there are plenty of reasons why it deserves to be in the top spot. It uses a combination of many different materials, each bringing their own special thing to the table. Cashmere makes it soft, while wool, acrylic and mohair provide bulk and warmth.
The length of this scarf is substantial, so you have plenty of material to play with. The bringing together of cream and black is a clever way of making a muted scarf that bit more interesting, and to top it all off, you can throw this in the washing machine without a problem. Comfort and ease – that sounds like a winning combination to us!
As far as winter fashion trends go, this scarf includes a few. Firstly, the borg – or teddy bear – texture is very in vogue, as well as being extremely warm and comforting to the touch. The animal print is also a fashion favourite, and a scarf is a subtle and tasteful way to include it in an outfit.
At first, this scarf looks as though it might be quite synthetic, but it is in fact over half cotton, mixing the benefits of synthetic and natural fabrics. It is robust enough to withstand a machine wash, so you can get it smelling as good as new in no time at all.
Yet another luxurious fabric, silk has a reputation for being expensive, but this product proves you can find it on a relatively tight budget. The swirling blues and green of this scarf, when combined with the floaty quality of silk, give an almost ocean-like effect, perfect for that extra bit of protection on cooler summer nights.
Silk is not a thick fabric, so this is a scarf to be used during warmer months. It could even be styled as a head or neck tie if you want to do something a bit different with it.
For the ultimate soft fabric, you can't beat cashmere. Obtained exclusively from cashmere goats, it isn't the most affordable of materials, but you definitely won't regret having a few cashmere staples in your wardrobe. This scarf looks delicate, especially in its soft peach colour, but don't be fooled – it is most definitely cosy.
Unexpectedly, you are also able to machine wash this scarf, albeit at a low temperature to prevent shrinking. So, not only do you get the benefit of a luxurious feeling on your skin, but you have the benefit of speed and ease as well.
If you're not necessarily looking for a scarf to use in the depths of winter, this one is for you. It's still possible to feel a bit of a chill in those early days of spring, and it is for days like this that this scarf would come in very handy. The light cotton material will feel cosy and comforting, but it also allows your skin to breathe.
This scarf is a bit different in the way that it is a square shape instead of the usual rectangle, but this works better with scarves for slightly warmer weather – times when you don't need to wrap up quite as much. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to play with how you want it to sit.
Coming in at 220 cm, this scarf is definitely one of the longest on this list, making it one of the best for adjusting to your winter weather needs. If it's a particularly cold day, you can wrap this scarf around you once, twice, or perhaps even three times.
The simplicity of this scarf is one of the most appealing things about it, but the deep red colour ensures that it is far from boring. The only thing that lets it down slightly is the fact that it is made from 100% acrylic and doesn't incorporate any wool.
The gentle tassels on this scarf draw attention to its interesting shape. Instead of the usual rectangle, it plays around with longer and shorter edges, something that is continued in the pattern of the scarf. The lines mean you can frame your outfit differently and play around with shapes.
While this scarf does incorporate a small amount of real wool into it, it relies heavily on acrylic to provide its wool-like texture. And despite it being made of this, and the fact that synthetic materials are normally better at withstanding machine washes, it does need to be hand washed.
Made from 100% lambswool, this scarf is pure luxury. Its classic style and timeless colour palette make it a scarf that can transfer from look to look. Being from Mulberry, you know it will be of the utmost quality and last well into the future.
Unfortunately, to experience this sort of quality you do have to pay a substantial amount. As a result of the top-notch material, you do also have to be careful how you treat it: only dry cleaning will do the job effectively and without damage.
Looking for a scarf that is simple and affordable? The muted 'oatmeal' tone of this scarf will mean that it goes with most outfits, and the chunky knit gives it a lovely rustic quality. The price is also not bad either!
The scarf might look like knitted wool, but it is actually made from acrylic and polyester – fine materials, but better when used in conjunction with real wool. It is also hard to tell exactly how large this scarf it without measurements, so it might not be as thick as you'd want for winter.
If the winter blues are getting you down, this could be just the thing you need. This scarf's beautiful safari design interweaves shades of red, orange and brown to create something eye-catching but not overwhelming.
At 200 cm, it is definitely at the longer end of the spectrum, which offers excellent wrapping-around-your-neck potential, but unfortunately, it does require dry cleaning and the fact that it includes no natural fabrics will make it less breathable.
A scarf is a quick and easy way to keep yourself warm when the temperature drops, but it isn't the only wardrobe addition that will help you to achieve this. Here, you can see some of our guides for other cold weather gear that will get you through the winter months.
With such changeable weather in the UK, it can be difficult to know how many layers to throw on when you're heading out. It is for this reason that a scarf really is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. It is a way of staying warm while also looking cool, and you can tailor it to suit your outfit and adjust it to those constantly changing temperatures.
Author: Emma Cramp
Buying Guide Reviewed by Melissa Melles
No. 1: Pixnor|Women's Mohair Wool Scarf
No. 2: Topshop|Borg Scarf
No. 3: Millie & Boo|Pure Silk Scarf
No. 4: Forever New|Willow Cashmere Scarf
No. 5: Unmade Balqisa|Abstract Print Square Scarf
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