What Type of Scarf Is Warmest? Fabrics Compared

What type of scarf is warmest? It depends on the fibre, the weave and the size. This guide compares wool, cashmere, pashmina, fleece, silk and cotton for warmth, explains whether a pashmina is warm enough for winter, and shows how to wear a scarf or shawl for the most warmth.

What is the warmest type of scarf?

Natural animal fibres are the warmest scarf materials. Their fibres are crimped, so they trap still air, and still air is what keeps you warm. Roughly from warmest to least warm:

1. Cashmere and other fine wools: very fine, very soft fibres that trap a lot of air for their weight. Warm and light, but expensive.
2. Wool and lambswool: the classic winter scarf. Warm, hard-wearing and still warm when slightly damp. A thick knit wool scarf is the warmest everyday choice.
3. Pashmina wraps made with wool: a finer, thinner weave than a chunky knit, so slightly less warm than a heavy wool scarf, but large enough to wrap twice or cover the shoulders.
4. Fleece and acrylic: warm and cheap, but less breathable, so they can feel clammy indoors.
5. Silk: thin but surprisingly good at keeping the neck warm under a coat collar, and breathable. Best as a light layer.
6. Cotton and linen: the least warm. Ideal for spring and summer.

What makes a scarf warm?

• Fibre: wool and other animal fibres hold warmth better than plant fibres.
• Thickness and weave: a dense or chunky weave traps more air.
• Size: a bigger scarf covers more of the neck, chest and shoulders and can be wrapped twice. Width matters as much as length.
• How you wear it: a scarf wrapped close to the neck and tucked into a coat keeps far more warmth in than one draped loosely.

Is pashmina warm?

Yes. A pashmina made with wool is a warm layer for autumn, spring and mild winter days, and a very warm one when wrapped twice around the neck. Its strength is its size: at 200 × 80 cm, a wrap such as the grey pashmina wrap shawl is wide enough to fold into a thick scarf or to open out over the shoulders like a blanket. At around 220g it still folds into a handbag, which makes it a practical warm shawl for cold offices, trains and evenings out.

For freezing days, wear a pashmina under your coat, wrapped twice and tucked in, or pair it with a knitted wool scarf.

What is the warmest shawl?

For a shawl, the warmest choice is a large wool wrap that covers the shoulders and upper arms. A 200 × 80 cm pashmina is wider than most scarves, so it gives more coverage than a narrow scarf of the same fabric. A classic black pashmina shawl works over a coat in the day and over a dress at a winter wedding, while a pink pashmina shawl adds colour to dark winter outfits. See our pashmina shawl size guide to compare 200 × 70 and 200 × 80 cm.

How to wear a scarf for maximum warmth

• The double wrap: wrap the scarf around the neck twice and tuck both ends into your coat.
• The Parisian knot: fold in half, loop around the neck and pull the ends through. It seals the gap at the throat.
• The shoulder wrap: open a pashmina out across the shoulders and cross the ends at the front under a coat.
• Layer: a thin silk scarf under a wool scarf adds warmth without bulk.

Our guide on how to wear a pashmina shawl shows more wraps.

Warmest scarf for men

For men, a knitted or woven wool scarf is the warmest everyday option, especially in a longer length that wraps twice. Read our guide to men's wool scarves for how to choose and tie one.

Questions and answers

What is the warmest type of scarf?

Wool and cashmere scarves are the warmest, because their fine, crimped fibres trap still air. A chunky knit wool scarf is the warmest everyday choice.

Is pashmina warmer than wool?

A pashmina made with wool is a wool scarf in a finer weave. A chunky knitted wool scarf is usually warmer; a pashmina is lighter and larger, and very warm when wrapped twice.

Is a pashmina warm enough for winter?

On mild winter days, yes. On very cold days wear it under a coat or with a second scarf.

Is silk warm?

Silk is thin but holds warmth close to the skin and is breathable, so it is a good light layer under a coat.

Are bigger scarves warmer?

Yes, generally. A wider, longer scarf covers more and can be wrapped twice.

Shop warm pashmina shawls

Browse our pashmina shawls for women and the full range of women's scarves for a warm winter layer.

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