Different Scarves Styles

34 Types of Scarves and Scarf Style Guide for Fashionable Women

34 Types of Scarves and Scarf Style Guide for Fashionable Women

The scarf is an all-season, protective, and fashionable accessory that you should absolutely have in your closet. To keep comfortable, make sure you choose the proper fabric material. The length and width of the scarf are also important things to consider because they will dictate how you may wear it and what parts of your body it can cover.

What is a Scarf?

A scarf is a simple piece of fabric wrapped around the neck or shoulders, and occasionally over the head. Scarves are longer than they are wide, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Rectangular, triangular, and square scarves are common. A scarf is a great way to combine function and style. This piece of clothing is not only useful for keeping you warm, but it’s also a fashionable accessory. Scarves, when worn correctly, can completely modify your appearance.

What is a Scarf

Scarves come in a variety of sizes, textures, and patterns and are worn around the neck for fashion or comfort. They’re all stunning, yet some stand out more than others. I’ve tried to categorize my favorite scarves based on their materials, style, design, season, and purpose.

Scarves have numerous advantages that you may not have considered. They can provide a variety of benefits in addition to keeping you warm in cold weather and boosting your style.

Why Scarves are Popular
  • When you go out in the afternoon sun, scarves can help protect your skin from the blazing sun. Wrapping a scarf across your shoulders not only looks fashionable but also protects your arms’ skin from tan.
  • When the weather is dusty and windy, scarves can keep your hair from getting tangled. If you’re wearing a scarf, you won’t have to worry about the wind blowing your hair around. All you have to do now is wrap it around your head and you’re ready to go. It’s incredible how a single piece of fabric can serve so many purposes.

Let’s have a look at the numerous sorts of scarves available now that you’re persuaded scarves are a must-have accessory.

Types of Scarves based on their Material

Based on the materials used, there are many different varieties of scarves. Although any fabric can be used to produce a scarf, keep in mind that it will be worn around your neck the majority of the time. As a result, a soft, breathable, and comfy fabric should be selected. Following is a list of different types of scarves based on their material.

Scarves Materials

Cotton Scarves

Cotton scarves are by far the most popular and adaptable of all scarves. Cotton scarves go with everything, whether you’re wearing a skirt or jeans. Cotton scarves are popular among young girls for accessorizing their attire, but scarves are more vital for women. Scarves add to their outfit’s refinement and flair. Furthermore, the correct scarf can elevate your level of dressing sense.

Cotton scarves are popular among ladies because they are soft, pleasant, breathable, and inexpensive. Scarves made of cotton are also ideal for those with sensitive skin. They are quite gentle and do not irritate or itch the skin. Cotton scarves are perfect for keeping you secure from the summer heat and wind without making you feel smothered if you use scarves to cover your head.

Cotton scarves come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. You can pick the one that best suits your needs!

Chiffon Scarves

One of the most gorgeous materials available is chiffon. It’s a lightweight fabric that’s utilized to produce high-end clothing. It drapes well, which is why it’s a favorite fabric for scarves. Because of its semi-mesh weaving, this fabric appears to be see-through.

Scarves made of chiffon are really fashionable. Because they are too light to keep you warm, they are only used as a fashion accent. If you’re going to a fancy evening supper, hanging a beautiful chiffon scarf around your shoulders will give you a dreamy and stylish look!

Chiffon scarves are a versatile fashion accessory that may be used with both formal and casual attire. They can be worn both during the day and at night. Wearing a chiffon scarf at any time of day will undoubtedly enhance the elegance and attractiveness of your ensemble.

Silk Scarves

The colorful designs and colors of silk scarves are well-known. Silk clothing has been worn by royalty for centuries, and it retains its elegance and worth today. Silk is a high-end material, and silk scarves are no exception. They are more expensive than other scarves, but they are well worth it. Silk scarves are unquestionably beautiful and high-quality. These incredible scarves not only enhance your appearance but also provide numerous benefits that you may not be aware of.

Silk, unlike cotton, keeps your skin and hair moisturized. Silk scarves might make you look youthful for extended periods of time. Silk scarves help to keep your skin looking youthful for longer by retaining moisture. It gives your hair the same benefits, keeping it soft, smooth, and silky smooth. Pure silk scarves are also helpful for people with sensitive skin because they are hypoallergenic.

Silk scarves are pricey, but they’re an investment. They’ve been in style for as long as fashion has existed, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon!

Cashmere Scarves

In the fashion sector, cashmere is the most sought-after fabric. It not only keeps you warm but also enhances your appearance. The nicest thing about cashmere scarves is that they keep you warm in the winter while not making you sweat in the summer, making them perfect for all seasons.

The undercoat of cashmere goats found in China and Mongolia is used to make cashmere. When the temperature drops, the cashmere coat on the goat’s body grows thicker to keep the goats warm.

Because cashmere is a lightweight fabric, cashmere scarves are easy to carry. Cashmere scarves are exceptionally smooth and silky to the touch, making them comfortable to wear in any season, including summer.

Scarves made of cashmere come in a wide range of hues. They are safe to use by those with sensitive skin, contain no added chemicals, and pose no damage to the environment because they are obtained from a natural source.

Cashmere scarves are the best type of scarves for a variety of reasons. The most crucial benefit is that they enhance your appearance! What more could one want?

Pashmina Scarves

The insulating properties of pashmina fabric, as well as its lovely texture, make it appealing. It protects you from the coldness of the winter breeze while keeping you warm in chilly weather. Furthermore, pashmina scarves are really stylish and lovely. They enhance clothing and make you appear more attractive. Wrapping a pashmina scarf over your neck is enough to add interest to your ensemble.

Pashmina scarves are extremely soft and comforting — so soft that they may be wrapped around a baby. Because the fabric is non-irritating to the skin, you’ll enjoy the feel of a pashmina scarf on your bare arms.

Pashmina scarves are lightweight, making them convenient to carry. During the winter, they are the ideal accent to add to your ensemble when going out for a formal evening dinner. They’re a popular choice among many ladies because they’re soft and lightweight, and they don’t bulge around the neck. With a pashmina scarf wrapped around your neck or shoulders, you may walk around with ease and comfort.

Velvet Scarves

Velvet scarves are lovely, but the fabric is thick, which makes putting a velvet scarf around the neck in the wintertime a little uncomfortable. They are warm and soft, making you feel warm and snug throughout the winter months, but the width of the velvet scarf you plan to wear should not be excessive. If that’s the case, it’s possible that you’ll be bothered by it.

Velvet scarves come in an enormous variety of colors. Have you ever seen a store full of velvet scarves? The variety of hues in one line is so appealing that you want to buy them all. Velvet scarves are undeniably attractive, respectable, and beautiful. To show off your ladylike beauty, wrap them around your neck or carry them gently across your shoulders.

Wool Scarves

When it comes to choosing a material for scarves, wool scarves are the greatest option. Wool is the most frequent and natural substance derived from mammals, yet it is also the most expensive. Many mammals create this substance to keep themselves warm. Wool is safe for humans to utilize because of its natural origin.

Wool scarves of high quality are exceptionally soft to the touch, as well as breathable, and easy to wear. Wearing a wool scarf manufactured from the highest grade wool will make you feel like you’re not wearing anything at all while keeping you warm and comfortable. However, there’s a reason we stressed the need of purchasing scarves made of high-quality wool. Wool of poor quality might itch and make you feel uncomfortable.

Wool, as a general rule, is thought to keep you warm. Allow us to enlighten you with a fact that you may not be aware of. Wool is a fabric that helps to keep your body temperature in check. This implies that it keeps your body warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Did you realize that?

If you have allergies to certain textiles, the safest and best solution for you is a pure wool scarf. Because it is a perfectly natural material derived from mammals, it will not cause any allergies or irritation.

Wool fibers are extremely fine, which makes this material extremely durable. You can wear a wool scarf for years and be shocked at how well it keeps its shape and does not stretch, fade, or wear out.

Another interesting feature about wool is that it contains lanolin, which is a wax that makes it waterproof. Furthermore, because wool has a special fiber structure that prevents body odor from accumulating in the fabric, you don’t even need to wash it on a regular basis. Cleaning the wool scarf is as simple as airing it out.

With so many benefits to wearing wool scarves, it’s easy to understand why everyone should have at least one in their collection. Wool scarves are the best scarf investment you can make because of their durability, extended lifespan, and comfort.

Net Scarves

Depending on the type of fiber used in the production of the fabric, the net fabric can be soft or coarse. Scarves should be made of a delicate net fabric. A scarf is typically worn around the neck, and you don’t want it to puncture your skin the entire time you’re wearing it. Silk fiber net is extremely delicate and is frequently used to make scarves. Polyester net scarves range from coarse to soft, whereas nylon net scarves are stiff.

Due to their inability to keep you warm, net scarves are only used to accessorize an outfit. Net scarves look lovely and sophisticated, and you may carry one with formal attire to an evening supper or drape it around your shoulders to show off parts of your bare arms. Net scarves are undeniably attractive and enticing!

Viscose Scarves

Scarves made of viscose are another frequent form of scarf that is popular among women. Viscose is a silk-like substance that is extremely soft. Scarves made of this fabric drape nicely, adding a polished, elegant touch to any ensemble. The nicest thing about viscose scarves is that they combine the softness of silk and the breathability of cotton, all at a low cost. Yes, you read that correctly. Scarves made of viscose are affordable, which contributes to their appeal.

Viscose scarves come in a wide range of vibrant hues due to the material’s ease of dyeing. If you want a luxurious feel and look at a low price, viscose scarves are an excellent choice.

However, there are several disadvantages to wearing scarves made of viscose. Viscose is prone to stretching and does not recover its original shape once stretched. It’s a flimsy cloth that gets increasingly flimsier when wet. It absorbs the body’s sweat and oils, causing stains to appear on the cloth. The worst is yet to happen. When you launder a viscose scarf to remove stains, the washing procedure leaves lasting imprints.

Due to the fact that it provides a regal and elegant look at a reasonable cost, it is still a popular fabric for scarves.

Acrylic Scarves

Acrylic scarves are an excellent substitute for wool scarves. They’re perfect for a morning jog or a casual coffee meet-up with a close buddy in casual wear. They have the same softness as wool. They’re also affordable, and they’re a great option for folks who are allergic to wool.

Acrylic scarves are constructed of exceptionally lightweight acrylic fibers. They don’t need to be cared for in any particular way. They are stain and wrinkle-resistant in general. Acrylic scarves aren’t as soft or breathable as wool scarves, but they’re a suitable enough substitute for folks who can’t wear wool owing to medical reasons (like allergies). An acrylic scarf can be wrapped around your neck, tied in a knot, or wrapped loosely around your shoulders. They will keep their shape and give warmth and comfort.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that acrylic and wool are the same material. Wool is a natural material, whereas acrylic is a man-made synthetic fiber.

Alpaca Scarves

We invite you to try alpaca if you think sheep’s wool is the softest and warmest of all-natural fibers. Alpaca is a lighter, warmer alternative to sheep’s wool. To the touch, it is exceedingly soft and pleasant. Alpaca scarves are perfect for winter because they are natural insulators.

Alpaca scarves feature a one-of-a-kind blend of properties. Despite being the warmest weatherproof fabric available today, it keeps you cool in the heat. Isn’t that amazing? This is one of the characteristics of this fabric that contributes to its popularity in the textile business! It’s made of a breathable and lightweight cloth that may be worn in any environment.

Alpaca fabric is stain, weather, and water-resistant. You will be covered at all times if you go outside on a windy or rainy day. The rain takes a long time to soak through the alpaca fabric. Furthermore, alpaca fabric is hypoallergenic, so if you’re sensitive to wool, alpaca scarves can provide you with even more tenderness and warmth than wool.

Finally, durability and strength are two of the most significant characteristics of alpaca scarves. In comparison to other materials, it can readily maintain its original shape. Because it is so tough and resilient, an alpaca scarf can become a family legacy that can be passed down through generations without being destroyed!

Linen Scarves

The inclusion of a scarf in your ensemble demonstrates your thoughtfulness and attention to detail when it comes to getting dressed. Linen scarves aren’t limited to one season. Linen scarves are a terrific accent to any outfit, whether it’s summer, winter, autumn, or spring.

Linen scarves can be worn when the temperature is too cold for a sleeveless top but too hot for a jacket since they provide the perfect amount of warmth. A linen scarf may easily turn a sophisticated outfit into a more relaxed one. Assume you receive a call from your pals inviting you to join them for coffee after work. You may easily turn your workplace outfit into a traditional evening look by just wrapping a linen scarf around your neck.

Linen scarves are light and thin, making them ideal for toting around in your handbag. Apart from all the other reasons why linen scarves are a must-have, one of the most popular uses for them is to add a splash of color to your ensemble. They come in a wide range of hues, and you can easily balance your outfit by wearing a contrasting linen scarf with a plain shirt.

Satin Scarves

Satin is a silky or polyester fabric with a delicate texture. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and shapes. The weight and flexibility of the material change as the thickness changes. Satin is a lustrous fabric that makes a terrific scarf for situations when you want to look your best, such as heading to the club. Satin scarves come in a variety of brilliant colors and patterns.

Satin scarves have the ability to instantly change the look of your outfit. If you think your clothing is too plain or uninteresting for a party, simply put a satin scarf around your neck and you’re ready to go!

These scarves might help to keep your skin and hair wet. Wearing a satin scarf on a regular basis can make your skin and hair look younger and more vibrant. Many people have reported seeing a significant difference in the health of their hair after sleeping with satin caps on.

Scarves based on Season

The scarf’s construction material will decide the best season for wearing it. They are divided into three sub-categories:

Winter Scarves

Winter scarves, as the name implies, are scarves that are worn in the winter. They’re frequently composed of wool, alpaca, or other warm fabrics to keep their wearers comfortable in the cold.

The top fabrics used to make scarves for the winter or cold seasons would be Wool, Acrylic, Alpaca, Satin, and Velvet.

Summer Scarves

Scarves should not be avoided in the heat, especially since they are also designed to provide protection. The following varieties of scarves, based on the material used in their construction, are ideal for hot and humid days: Chiffon, Cotton, Silk, Polyester, and Viscose.

All-Season Scarves

Although you can wear some winter and summer scarves during fall or spring, the perfect all-year scarves are made from Cashmere, Pashmina, and Linen.

Scarf Types based on Style

Most people believe scarves are only worn in the winter or that they are used as headcovers in numerous civilizations. Scarves, on the other hand, have a far broader application. Scarves are classified into four categories based on the purpose for which they are intended. The following are examples of scarves made on this basis:

Headbands

Headscarves are supposed to be worn over the head, as the name implies. They can be worn for fashion, to protect the hair from the sun and dust, or as a religious symbol in various nations. Headscarves are extremely popular. Linen, pashmina, cashmere, chiffon, and cotton are common materials for headscarves.

Neck Scarves

Neck scarves are worn around the neck as a fashion accessory or to complement an outfit. Neck scarves are worn by many ladies and men as a fashion statement. Young girls like to wear stylish neck scarves with their dresses since they make the whole look more elegant and appealing. Neck scarves are frequently seen on office-going women, as they add to their elegance and charm.

Beach Scarves

Beach scarves don’t appear to be conventional scarves at first glance. They’re huge, light, and flowy, and they’re usually wrapped around the waist rather than the neck or shoulders. They are, nevertheless, very much a part of the scarf family and are typically used in the summer. They can also be worn casually whether heading out for a walk or hanging out with friends.

Bandana Scarves

A bandana is a printed cotton square with a lovely border and intriguing designs. Although it is too little to be used as a scarf, many people wear it around their neck in unusual ways.

Hand Knitted Woolen Scarves

Before winter, scarves are meticulously hand-knotted in a variety of forms and sizes. To keep warm, nothing beats a hand-knitted woolen scarf. And the nicest part about hand knitting is the range of yarns available – if you don’t like the bulkiness of wool, opt for lighter weight acrylic or a blend of wool and acrylic; if you want a more expensive yarn, go for cashmere or merino wool yarns. The variety is incredible.

Infinity Scarves

The infinity scarf resembles cowl scarves in appearance, but it has a larger opening and two circles that cover the neck, giving it an infinity form. Although it’s more of a winter scarf, you may buy summer versions as well.

Cowl Scarves

The cowl is a circular neck scarf with a hole in the center that is one of the greatest winter neck scarves. It’s usually composed of pashmina or wool and drapes beautifully. The best part about this scarf is how simple it is to wear.

Blanket Scarves

The blanket scarf, as its name suggests, is the largest. It can be used as a blanket to keep you warm and comfortable. These scarves are commonly worn by Muslims and individuals from several Middle Eastern countries.

Muffler Scarves

The muffler is a scarf made of acrylic, cotton, satin, velvet, or wool that can be worn in both summer and winter. One of its most notable features is that you can wear it not just around your neck, shoulders, and head, but also around your waist.

Sarong Scarves

A sarong is a long scarf that looks like a blanket. It’s frequently wrapped into a knot or tucked in over the armpits, hips, and waist to keep it in place. On the beach, individuals commonly wear a sarong as a cover-up.

Shemagh Scarves

This scarf, also known as ghutrah, keffiyeh, and schmog, was designed to protect men’s heads and eyes from the weather in the Middle East. It is now a trendy and functional accessory for men and women alike. These square-shaped scarves are usually made of cotton fabric and have a black backdrop with white checkered weave patterns.

Snood Scarves

The snood scarves are similar to a cowl but have a “hood,” hence the name. Keep in mind, though, that the hood isn’t the conventional hood found on most hooded tops. It has a wider breadth than the cowl, allowing you to wrap it around your neck and head.

Triangle Scarves

The bandana is probably the first thing that springs to mind for most of you when you hear “triangle scarf.” The third angle drapes to cover your chest, while the corners fall freely over your shoulders, making it broader than the bandana. This scarf is made from a variety of fabrics, allowing you to select the one that best suits the season.

Boa or Stole Scarves

These scarves are a little longer and thicker than the muffler and are made of acrylic, fur, pashmina, silk, viscose, or wool. As a result, it’s a winter scarf. It has a stripe-like shape and is ideal for formal occasions because of its luxury feel and appearance.

Vintage Scarves

The conventional form of a scarf, which most of you are familiar with, has a rectangular shape and a length of 60 to 70 inches. Cashmere, wool, and mohair are commonly used. Traditional scarves with pockets are also available, which are useful for storing small valuables, especially when traveling.

Scarves Categorized by Design

Scarves can also be classified according to their patterns. Hand-painted, block-printed, dyed, decorated, embroidered, beaded, or lacy scarves are all options. When we talk about different sorts of scarves based on design, dyed scarves are the most frequent. For formal occasions, however, embellished and embroidered scarves are popular.

Scarves by Design

Scarves are worn by men and women alike. Men also enjoy wearing the proper kind of scarf with their clothing. Neckties and neckerchiefs are required accessories for formal men’s attire. A scarf, no matter what sort you choose, is an essential part of any costume. Scarves are a terrific item to wear with any outfit because they do not just keep you warm in cold weather (as the prevalent belief is).

Scarves with Tassels

For a colorful and fascinating aesthetic, tassels or pompoms are added to the scarf edge.

Scarves with Animal Print

Animal prints are very very popular in scarf fashion. 

Scarves with Fleece

Fleece is a strong fabric that does not fray, making it simple to manufacture a scarf out of this affordable cloth. It’s bulky, but keep in mind the warmth it can provide.

Scarves with Crinkled Crepe

The crinkled or crushed fabric has a depth that makes it good for scarves of solid colors.

Scarves with Contrast Borders

For a dramatic effect, use contrasting fabric embroidered on the edges of whatever cloth you choose.

Photo of author

Kiara Shailene

Kiara has branched out into freelancing after years of managing hundreds of fashion brands for a major store. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, we're connected to a number of fashion retailers and media platforms. As an editorial strategist for a number of online magazines, Kiara uses her experience to help growing fashion firms develop high-quality content. Her work in JazzyFeed consists of articles on Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle products.