Top 10 Best Scarves for Men in the UK 2021 (Barbour, Paul Smith and More)

While the scarf is a relatively simple piece, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing one. In this section we’ll be taking a look at considerations such as materials, length and whether to brave a pattern or not. 

The first thing to consider is the material. After all, this will not only determine its comfort, but also its ability to stand up to the cold. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options. 

Spun from animal fleece, wool is the quintessential scarf material. It comes in a range of different styles and textures, depending on how it’s woven, but the one thing you can rely on is that a wool scarf will be supremely warm. Therefore, if you’re looking for a winter scarf, this material will be top of your list. 

Wool also keeps itself pretty clean by naturally expelling odours through wicking away moisture. It's stain and wrinkle resistant too. The only downside is that some find the material a little itchy, which will take a bit of the pleasure away from your leisurely winter walk. 

Silk is another natural fibre that comes from silkworms, and is one of the most luxurious materials in the world. The silk scarf is revered more for its style than the retention of heat, making it a favourite of those looking to maintain a sophisticated look at all times. 

Generally speaking, silk scarfs are shorter, so you’ll need to find a knot that is going to work for you. They’re also more likely to have a patterned design, which is something you’ll want to consider against your existing wardrobe. 

As a luxury accessory, silk scarves can be a little pricey. If you're seeking something that mimics the appearance of silk, but on a tighter budget , you might want to consider viscose instead. This material will still give you the shimmer of silk, but without the cost. 

Cotton is one of, if not the most popular fibre in the world. That said, when it comes to the world of scarves, it’s actually quite rare. The material is cool and light, making it a breathable fabric for wear throughout the warmer months.

The issue is that these qualities are not particularly useful if you’re looking for a practical scarf. Of course, if you're planning to wear your scarf as more of a fashion statement then cotton shouldn’t be out of the question, as it can be worn stylishly all year round. 

Finally, you have synthetic materials such as polyester and polyamide. However, the most common synthetic when it comes to scarves is acrylic. This material is used to imitate the look and feel of wool, but at a fraction of the price.

Furthermore, these scarves tend to be a little more stain-resistant than some natural fibres, and many are somewhat water-resistant too. Unfortunately, these materials are not as comfortable or snug as real wool. 

The next aspect you should consider is the length of the scarf. Ideally, the scarf should sit below the chest, but above the waistline. Too short and you won’t be able to knot it how you like, too long, and you’ll risk looking like Lenny Kravitz, which only he can pull off. 

However, if you do like the look of a long scarf, it can always be wrapped around multiple times to get the right length. Regrettably, companies sometimes do not provide this information, so it might be a case of buy it and hope for the best. That said, if there are no keywords (such as oversized) men’s scarves usually fall between 140 – 180 cm in length. 

Finally, to brave a pattern or not? When it comes to most accessories (we’re thinking hats and gloves) it’s easiest to go for block colours. This is because solid colours are fairly simple to match with the rest of your wardrobe. But, don't think you need to restrict yourself. Some classic patterns such as plaid and stripes are a simple, yet stylish way to add a little character to your new garment. 

The one time that you will certainly be opting for patterns is if you’re choosing a silk scarf. These come in an array of different designs from paisley to geometric shapes and everything in between. When wearing a busy pattern, be sure there are no clashing colours within your attire, such as purple and green, and you should be fine.  

Now that you’ve had time to think about your ideal scarf, let’s take a look at the ranking of our top 10 recommended scarves for men. From pragmatic to dapper, we have scarves that are sure to suit any style! 

If the thought of wearing jewellery conjures the image of Mr. T, allow us to change your mind. Your accessories needn't be purely practical. In fact, the right bracelet or signet ring can elevate any look, whether it's dapper or casual attire. Click below to discover our top ranking jewellery recommendations for men!

Now that we've shown you some of our favourites, all that is left to do is kit yourself out with your personal number one. Whether you're looking to stay looking super slick, or comfortable and cosy, we're confident that there's the perfect scarf for you in our ranking!

Author: Lewis Clark