Want to buy a scarf? You have roughly tons of choices. Donโt worry: we hand-picked the best scarves for guys to buy this year.
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The humble scarf is one of the more underrated fall/winter garments. Even if youโve invested in a great winter coat, you can still get a lot of mileage from the right scarf.
A scarf can tie an outfit together, add a splash of color, or provide contrast with a unique design.
And, of course, scarves are extremely practical, adding insulation and providing extra protection against the chilly bite of winter.
Whatโs more, you can wear a scarf with just about any fall or winter (or even spring) outfit. You can also change the type of scarf knot to transform an entire look, which further proves just how versatile scarves are.
Quick Take
Here are our top three recommendations from the list:
Buck Mason's Pine Donegal Scarf, a richly hued garment made from a blend of merino wool, nylon, and alpaca. If youโre after a mid-weight scarf that looks incredible, then this might be for you.
Tentree Cotton Ribbed Scarf is a minimal option that keeps things simple. Itโs one of the lighter scarves, so you can wear it in early fall and spring without your neck overheating.
Read on for more info and the complete listโฆ
The Best Menโs Scarves
Now that you know your scarf preferences, you can get to the exciting part! Weโve made it easy by handpicking 8 of the best menโs scarves out there right now, and thereโs something for everyone here.
Here they are (sorted in alphabetical order for simplicity):
Barbour Wool & Cashmere Tartan Scarf
Barbour is most famous for its field jackets, but this British heritage brand also makes a mean scarf.
This classic scarf is one of Barbourโs best. Itโs made from a premium blend of merino wool and cashmere and features a traditional tartan pattern. Itโs an unmistakably British look that pairs nicely with plenty of cold weather fits.
Itโs hard to go wrong with any of the 8 colorways, but if you want the trademark Barbour look, then youโll probably want to opt for the classic or dress tartan.
Buck Mason Pine Donegal Scarf
While Buck Mason isnโt a heritage brand, you could easily mistake it for one thanks to its modern-meets-vintage approach to design.
Thatโs especially true for its Pine Donegal Scarf, a richly hued garment made from a blend of merino wool, nylon, and alpaca. You get the classic Donegal flecks with added shape retention from the nylon and warmth from the alpaca wool.
Itโs a seriously handsome scarf, though itโs priced quite high for a scarf thatโs 30% nylon. If youโre after a mid-weight scarf that looks incredible (and you donโt mind synthetics), then this might be for you.
Burberry Giant Icon Check Cashmere Scarf
This legendary piece from Burberry is one of the most recognizable scarves ever. Despite the eye-watering price tag, it earns a spot on this list for its unmatched status.
The Giant Icon Check is quintessentially British with its timeless tartan pattern and 100% cashmere construction. Itโs available in 25 colors, so you can easily find one that works with your wardrobe.
The Archive Beige color is by far the most classic (and arguably the most versatile).
Youโll have to fork over $520 for it, but if youโre after a buy-it-for-life scarf that you can wear with anything, it might be the right investment to make (but, understandably, for the vast majority of guys, thatโs a ludicrous price for a scarf).
Everlane ReCashmereยฎ Scarf
If sustainability is a key concern for you, then youโll appreciate this scarf from Everlane.
The ReCashmereยฎ Scarf foregoes virgin materials in favor of a blend of 96% recycled cashmere and 4% recycled sheepโs wool. You can choose from 5 solid colors and 2 striped patterns, all of which share the same simple design.
Itโs rare to find a scarf with completely recycled construction, so thatโs a big plus. And with its clean edges and lack of tassels, the ReCashmereยฎ is also one of the most minimal scarves on this list, which will be an extra advantage for some.
NAADAM Essential Ribbed Cashmere Scarf
At first glance, this cashmere scarf from NAADAM seems like any other cashmere scarf, but thereโs a fascinating story behind the garmentโs rather plain appearance.
The Essential Ribbed Cashmere Scarf is crafted from 100% Mongolian cashmere, which NAADAM sources by working directly with local herders.
In keeping with nomadic traditions, the wool is hand-combed instead of sheared, resulting in longer, softer fibers for a more comfortable scarf.
The scarf itself is simple and elegant, ready to be thrown on top of your favorite cold-weather outfit. Itโs a slightly more premium option, but itโs one to consider if youโre after an unparalleled balance of warmth and comfort.
Opera Campi Sciarpa Zero
Italian brand Opera Campi is all about hemp. As it turns out, this underused fiber is great for scarves.
The Sciarpa Zero scarf is part of the brandโs Zero line, which uses 100% pure hemp with zero dyes, treatments, or processes.
Its thick and heavy construction offers more than enough warmth, and the undyed natural hue works well with a wide range of outfits.
For a small fee, you can even get the scarf made-to-measure to your ideal length and width. Overall, itโs great for anyone after a natural scarf that provides the insulating benefits of wool without any scratchiness.
Paul Smith Mixed-Stripe And Check Wool Scarf
Paul Smith is another stalwart designer brand thatโs famous for its scarves.
While there are many great Paul Smith scarves, this Mixed-Stripe And Check Wool Scarf stands out thanks to its subtle yet rich color palette.
Made from 100% lambswool in England, this scarf features a muted check gradient pattern thatโs somehow both vibrant and understated.
Itโs fantastic for adding a bit of extra color to a neutral outfit, but itโs also low-key enough to be an everyday scarf.
Tentree Cotton Ribbed Scarf
Tentree is another company known for its range of sustainable clothing, so itโs no surprise to see this organic cotton scarf in its catalog.
The Cotton Ribbed Scarf is another minimal option that keeps things simple โ its full cardigan knit is only interrupted by a small cork trim on the end.
Itโs one of the lighter scarves on this list, so you can wear it in early fall and spring without your neck overheating.
What To Look For In a Scarf
Material and size are the biggest considerations when it comes to scarves. Both of these aspects will impact the overall comfort level of a scarf.
Scarf Materials
When choosing a scarf material, think about how much warmth youโll need. Generally, woolen scarves run hotter, while scarves made from other fibers tend to provide less warmth.
More specifically, natural fibers tend to be more insulating than synthetic ones. (Of course, there are exceptions to these rules.)
Hereโs a quick look at the most common scarf materials:
Wool
By far the most popular scarf material, wool is lauded for its warmth.
Cashmere in particular is one of the most widely used materials because it provides both warmth and comfort. Itโs also usually much softer than sheepโs wool, which can be scratchy.
Cotton
This is a decent material that makes for a balanced scarf. Plus, cotton (even organic cotton) tends to be cheaper than cashmere.
Itโs a good choice if you want a multi-season scarf, but it doesnโt provide the most warmth (especially when wet or damp), or the most comfort.
Polyester/Acrylic
These materials are much cheaper than natural fibers, so the quality tends to suffer. They also donโt provide that much warmth.
Unless youโre on a really tight budget, itโs best to avoid polyester scarves.
Other Materials
Linen, silk, hemp, and bamboo are some other natural fibers commonly used for scarves.
These vary in warmth and softness, so itโs worth doing a bit of research if you end up going with one of them.
Scarf Sizing
Next, thereโs size. Even though scarves are pretty basic, youโll need to choose width and length measurements that suit you.
Most scarves are around 60โ to 70โ long and 6โ to 10โ wide, but you can find many scarves with measurements outside of these parameters. In addition, there are oversized scarves, which are usually both longer and wider.
You should also consider knot style when choosing a length. If you favor intricate knots, then youโll want to have enough length.
On the other hand, if youโre of more modest stature and prefer a simple drape, you might need a shorter scarf.
Finally, you can always fold a scarf in half if itโs too wide, but this may create unwanted bulk that makes some knots more difficult.
Should You Even Wear a Scarf?
Anymore, the scarf is widely considered a staple menโs wardrobe item, but there are still some guys who consider scarves to be too feminine.
Thereโs nothing inherently masculine or feminine about scarves โ itโs just slightly more common for women to wear them. However, that doesnโt make scarves any less โmanlyโ than t-shirts (which women also wear, by the way).
That said, scarves wonโt suit everyoneโs style. Even though they go well with all kinds of outfits, scarves have a distinct look that you may not want to go for all the time.
Still, itโs worth having at least one good scarf in your closet. (Though youโll probably end up with a few after you realize how amazing scarves are.)
FAQs About Menโs Scarves
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about scarves for men:
Are Menโs Scarves in Style in 2023?
Absolutely! If anything, scarves are more in style than ever before.
What Is a Good Length for a Manโs Scarf?
60โ to 70โ is standard length, so thatโs a good range to look for (unless youโre exceptionally short or tall).
What Is a Manโs Scarf Called?
Thereโs no surprise answer here โ a manโs scarf is just a scarf. (Neckerchiefs, ascots, and pocket squares are all separate garments).
What Are the Best Scarves?
The answer to this question totally depends on what you need. Though cashmere scarves are often considered the most high-end, thereโs no universal consensus on what the โbestโ scarves are.
Which Scarf is Right for You?
A good scarf is an excellent addition to any manโs wardrobe, so if you donโt have one already, you should really consider picking one up.
For the best experience, stick to high-quality natural materials like wool or cotton and avoid itchy, harmful synthetics.
And donโt forget to experiment with different scarf knots! Youโll quickly find out how much variation you can get out of the same scarf.
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