A scarf is a simple piece of fabric that performs many duties. They’re usually longer than they are wide, but that’s about all they have in common. As you’ll see, many stylish types of scarves can be made of different materials.
Scarves can be worn around your neck to protect you from a chill, or on your head to protect your hair. It’s a must-have accessory in every wardrobe. You’ll soon discover they can turn a plain outfit into a fashion statement.
1. Acrylic Scarves
If you’re allergic to natural textiles such as sheep’s wool, acrylic scarves are a good alternative. The material is soft and easy to care for.
Acrylic scarves can be worn anywhere but aren’t as breathable as natural fibers.
via Amazon
2. Alpaca Scarves
Alpaca is a natural, warm and weatherproof fiber. Lighter than sheep’s wool, it’s durable and hypoallergenic. It’s also another one of the wool textiles that’s breathable and can be worn in the summer.
Wear it to keep yourself warm and dry. If it stretches, it can be reshaped to its original form.
via Amazon
3. Cashmere Scarves
Cashmere originated in the Kashmir valley from the undercoat of goats in that region. It’s a prized fabric, adored for its warmth and softness. It will keep you warm in the winter, but doesn’t overheat in the summer.
They’re great for people with sensitive skin. You’ll most likely find them used in a wool blend. It’s very resistant to dye. This means the brighter colors were sent to high-end dye houses which adds to the cost.
via Amazon
4. Chiffon Scarves
Chiffon is a high-end material that’s on par with satin and silk. It’s lighter than its luxurious counterparts and has a see-through quality. It drapes well and can work as a shawl, too.
A chiffon scarf is the type of accessory that raises the level of everything else you’re wearing. If you’re wearing a polyester blouse, add a chiffon scarf and everyone will think your blouse is made of silk.
via Amazon
5. Cotton Scarves
Cotton scarves can dress up any outfit, keep you warm, and come in all manner of shapes, patterns, and sizes. It’s a natural material and great for people with skin allergies.
via Amazon
6. Crinkled Crepe Scarves
Crinkle scarves have a thin weave and are made to be worn during the summer. If you have sensitive skin, choose scarves made of satin or silk. They will feel very soft and last a very long time.
via Amazon
7. Fleece Scarf
Fleece is the synthetic answer to wool. It’s a knit fabric that’s easy to care for. This makes it one of the most popular materials for casual sportswear.
via Amazon
8. Linen Scarves
Linen scarves are considered a transformational accessory. They’re light and fit into a bag. If you think the evening may get chilly, keep one handy and use it in place of a sweater.
via Amazon
9. Net Scarves
Net scarves are named for the loosely woven fabric. They’re not recommended for their warmth. They can be worn in spring, summer, and autumn.
When choosing a net scarf, go for one made of silk. Polyester and nylon scarves can feel rough around your neck.
via Amazon
10. Pashmina Scarves
Pashmina is great for keeping warm. These soft scarves work as shawls or as a wrap around your neck with a wool coat.
In spite of their size, they’re lightweight, so you don’t feel like you’re carrying a blanket on your back.
via Amazon
11. Satin Scarves
Satin can be made from cotton or silk. Its vibrant color and shine are what makes it stand out. You’ll find satin in a wide variety of patterns and colors.
The weight of silk can vary, making it a good choice for wearing in autumn, winter, and spring.
via Amazon
12. Silk Scarves
When it comes to accessories, silk scarves are in a class all by themselves. Popular not only as a status symbol, silk is also hypoallergenic.
Some artists use silk as their canvas, painting intricate designs on the fabric. These one-of-a-kind accessories can fetch top dollar.
Every scarf can make a statement and should be considered an investment. A scarf that’s well cared for can be passed down to the next generation.
via Amazon
13. Velvet Scarves
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that comes in every color under the sun. It’s a thick fabric that is known for its softness and its ability to hold an embossed pattern.
Its thickness means it retains heat, so choose your outfit carefully.
via Amazon
14. Viscose Scarves
Viscose is a lightweight polyester that feels like silk. Because it’s a man-made material, there’s a lot of flexibility for prints and patterns.
One big drawback to viscose is it’s fragile. It easily picks up stains that can’t be removed. It also can’t be reshaped after it’s been stretched.
What it lacks in durability, viscose makes up for in affordability.
via Amazon
15. Wool Scarves
Wool is an ideal material for scarves. Top sheep’s wool is soft. They’re ideal for cold weather as they’ll keep you warm even if it gets wet.
Wool can be dyed and spun into a variety of patterns and colors.
via Amazon
16. Beach Scarves
Beach scarves have their own unique properties. They’re very big and lightweight and worn around your waist as a flowing cover up.
They’re the perfect warm weather accessory. It’s a great scarf to pack in your beach tote if you’re planning on stopping for a drink on the way home from a day in the sun.
via Amazon
17. Headscarves For Women’s Hair
Headscarves usually cover a woman’s hair and head. They can be part of a religious practice or an accessory as part of an outfit.
Materials used for headscarves are lightweight. They can be silk, cotton, pashmina, and chiffon.
via Amazon
18. Headscarves For Women’s Hair Bandana
Bandanas started as square pieces of cotton fabric folded into a triangle. They can be worn as hair scarves for women and neckerchiefs for men.
via Amazon
19. Headscarves To Church
These are pretty and delicate scarves that are worn on your head. They can be a simple draped veil or tied in the back. The materials are usually sheer, made from lace, silk, or tulle.
Mantillas are a type of church scarf that are famously worn by the women of Spain.
via Amazon
20. Infinity Scarf
Infinity scarves are loops of fabric. They are usually long enough to wrap around your neck twice. The popularity of the scarves means they’re available in many colors and types of fabrics.
via Amazon
21. Jersey Scarves
Jersey scarves are created using cotton, wool, and synthetic blends. One side of the fabric has pilled loops, and the other is a tight knit or rib knit. The rib knitting is the side that should be worn outside.
via Amazon
22. Neck Scarves
Neck scarves are lightweight and often made from high end materials like silk. Wear them to add a touch of glamor to an outfit.
via Amazon
23. Poncho Scarves
Ponchos are large, stitched scarves that drop over your head. It’s either square or triangular with a hole in it. They’re great for chilly days and can be worn with different styles of clothes.
via Amazon
24. Shemagh Scarves
These are very popular in Middle Eastern cultures. They were designed for protecting the eyes and mouth from sand and for protecting the head from the sun. They’re also known as a shemahz and keffiyeh.
via Amazon
25. Winter Scarves
Winter scarves are made from heavier fabrics. Their primary function is to provide warmth. Some can be worn indoors in place of a sweater. Favorite materials for winter scarves are wool from sheep, alpacas and llamas.
via Amazon
