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Scarves are essential for keeping the neck and body warm during cold, frigid temperatures — but that’s not the only reason why we love them. In addition to their important function, scarves are an excellent way to tie a look together with their abundance of patterns, colors, fabrics, and textures, too.

“A scarf is a chic and timeless accessory with a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt,” says Bloomingdale’s Accessories Fashion Director Marissa Galante Frank. She explains that this wardrobe accessory is a must-have because it's the perfect mix of function and fashion. “Scarves have so many uses, from keeping you warm and cozy to being the exclamation point for your look,” she adds.  So whether you’re shopping for that so-called exclamation point moment or need something ultra-warm for the winter season, we’ve got all of your scarf shopping covered with our top picks for the best scarves on the market.

From cashmere to merino wool and everything in between, shop PEOPLE's best scarves for women selections ahead.

Best Overall

Free People Fringe Scarf

Our top pick for the best overall scarf is the Shetland Recycled Blend Fringe Scarf from Free People. A cross between a blanket scarf and a more classic style, this scarf is ultra-warm, stylish, and soft. Wear it long, wrap it around your neck, or create a makeshift head cover to keep warm all winter with virtually any outfit. In addition to its style and function, the scarf is also constructed from 50 percent recycled polyester.

Material: 50% polyester, 50% recycled polyester | Colors: Gingerbread, Seafoam, Black, Emerald, Sugar Plum

Best Budget

Dimore Plaid Blanket Scarf

For a budget-friendly scarf that doesn’t sacrifice quality, consider the Dimore Plaid Blanket Scarf from Amazon. With its cashmere-like acrylic fabric, this $14 scarf looks and feels luxurious without the high price tag. It’s also available in 13 different plaid color combinations and comes highly recommended by over 3,000 Amazon customers for its durability, soft feel, warmth factor, and styling versatility.

Material: Acrylic | Length: 57 inches | Colors: Black and White Grid, Light Yellow, Blue and Green, Red, Orange and Red, White Grey, Red and Green, and more

Best Investment

White + Warren Cashmere Scarf

A classic cashmere scarf is one of the best accessory investments you can make — and this White + Warren scarf is definitely splurge-worthy. Made from 100 percent cashmere, the 78 by 26-inch scarf is ultra-soft, warm, and lightweight, making it the ideal everyday scarf for winter (and for wrapping around the neck multiple times). Despite its lightweight design, the scarf is one of the warmest on our lists, since cashmere is known to provide up to eight times the insulation compared to wool. It’s also sweat and moisture-wicking, doesn’t have a scratchy feel, and provides long-lasting comfort.

Material: 100% cashmere | Length: 78 inches | Colors: Electric Fuchsia, Soft White, Black, Soft Iris Heather, Charcoal Heather, Grey Heather

Best on Amazon

Wander Agio Long Shawl

The best scarf on Amazon is the Wander Agio Long Big Grid Large Scarf, thanks to its under $20 price tag and luxe-feeling cotton material. The plaid scarf also comes in 25 different color combinations and is top-rated by over 22,000 Amazon customers for its soft touch, warmth, and length. Additionally, it’s highly versatile as you can wear it as a wrap scarf around your neck, a shawl, or an open blanket scarf.

Material: Cotton | Length: 79 inches | Colors: Beige, Camel Pink, Plaid Black, Blue, and 21 other colors

Best Heat Tech

UNIQLO Scarf

The warmest scarf on our list is the Uniqlo Heattech Scarf, which is designed with special technology to insulate the body with lasting warmth. Featuring a classic cashmere-like style, the ultra-soft unisex scarf can be styled in a variety of ways, giving it lots of styling versatility — layer it over a cozy shacket or classic blazer. Plus, it comes in several fantastic colors, including two gray hues, a classic black, and vibrant red and blue colors, too. If you’re looking for a lightweight yet super warm scarf, this one is it.

Material: 65% acrylic, 35% wool | Length: 70.9 inches | Colors: Blue, Brown, Red, Black, Dark Gray, Gray, Off-White

Best Puffer

lululemon Puff Scarf

Puffer coats are a winter staple — and puffer scarves kick the warmth up a notch. The Lululemon Wunder Puff Scarf is made from a water-repellent polyester with 600-fill-power goose down for extra warmth. Made for frigid temperatures and movement, the scarf features buttons along the sides that attach to the Lululemon Wunder Puff Jacket, too. In addition, it has a slit at the end of one side so you can easily tie it around the neck for insulation.

Material: Fill: 80% grey goose down, 20% grey goose feathers; Body: 100% polyester; Inner Layer Lining: 100% recycled polyester | Colors: Black

Best Infinity

NEOSAN Circle Loop Scarf

For the best infinity scarf, look no further than this option on Amazon. This scarf has a circumference of 55 inches and has a soft pashmina-like acrylic fabric so you can wear it wrapped snuggly around the neck for extra warmth and coziness. On top of that, it comes in a whopping 35 colors, including neutrals as well as bright shades so you can choose one that best matches your winter wardrobe. The best part is that some colors are only $10.

Material: 100% acrylic | Length: 55 inches | Colors: Khaki, Mustard, Black, White, Charcoal, and 30 other colors

Best Balaclava

Free People Fleece Balaclava

Designed for chilly and frigid temperatures alike, the Free People Cold Snap Fleece Balaclava is one of the warmest and most comfortable balaclavas we’ve ever worn. While this style doesn’t cover the face, it features a drawstring design — kind of like a hoodie — that allows you to secure it around the face and chin to keep warm. And, when not in use, it doubles as a neck gaiter so you can keep warm while playing in the snow, skiing, or braving below-zero temperatures digging your car out from under a frosty blanket with an ice scraper.

Material: 100% polyester | Colors: Snow, Jet

Best Blanket Scarf

Asos Design Scarf With Tassels

Blanket scarves are one of our favorite styles because they boast so much warmth and are the ultimate winter statement piece. For the best blanket scarf, consider the Asos Design Supersoft Scarf with Tassels. The $20 scarf has a sophisticated and luxe look with a rectangle cut and fringe tassels on both ends. And, while it’s made from acrylic, it actually feels more like cashmere, making it an excellent cheap cashmere alternative.

Material: Acrylic | Colors: Mid Gray

Best Cashmere

Naadam Cashmere Solid Scarf

Cashmere is one of the warmest and softest scarf materials and the Naadam Cashmere Solid Scarf is one of our favorites. Constructed from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, the 75-inch unisex scarf is one of the best and most functional investments you can make in your winter wardrobe. Additionally, the scarf comes in a variety of colors, including some stunning neutral tones as well as vibrant peacock blue and a beautiful soft lavender.

Material: 100% Mongolian cashmere | Length: 75 inches | Colors: Black, Smoke, Peacock Blue, Camel, Cement, Oatmeal, Pale Gray, Oatmeal and White, Dusty Lavender, Latte

Best Cotton

Komodo Organic Cotton Scarf

Komodo's Sendai Organic Cotton Scarf, which is made from 95 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton and 5 percent cashmere, is soft, warm, and ultra-stylish. The minimalistic scarf features a light ribbed texture in neutral shades that match plenty of winter wardrobe pieces, including a creamy off-white, burgundy, and dark khaki.

Material: 95% organic cotton, 5% cashmere | Colors: Off-White, Dark Khaki, Cherry Red

Best Silk

Dandy Del Mar Silk Satin Scarf

Whether you’re shopping for a silk scarf or want something more versatile that can be wrapped around your wrist, tied in your hair, wear it as a top, or looped onto your purse strap, the Dandy Del Mar Moorea Silk Satin Scarf in Alhambra Check is our top pick for the best silk scarf. Made from 100 percent silk satin fabric with a handhold hem, the scarf is the perfect mix of timeless and trendy with its warped checker print pattern and green, navy, and cream hue.

Material: 100% silk | Length: 35 inches | Colors: Green/cream

Best Crochet

Letsluv Square Crochet Scarf

Crochet accessories are one of the most popular fashion trends, and influencers and celebrities alike can’t get enough of the granny square style. This handmade and custom option from Etsy has all the cozy vibes of a comfy throw blanket. The Letsluv Colorful Granny Square Crochet Scarf is constructed from cotton and acrylic yarn with your choice of length — either 40 or 103 inches — and primary color.

Material: Cotton and acrylic yarn | Length: 40 or 103 inches | Colors: Black, Clear, Red, Blue, Green

Best Reversible

Vineyard Vines Woven Scarf

The greatest thing about a reversible scarf is that you essentially get two scarves in one, making it worth the investment. Our favorite reversible scarf is the Vineyard Vines Camo Reversible Woven Scarf, which is made from a super-soft cashmere and wool blend fabric to keep your neck warm and cozy. The scarf features a plain black style on one side and a subtle gray herringbone camo pattern on the other, allowing you to mix up your winter style.

Material: Cashmere and wool blend | Colors: Black/gray

Best for Travel

lululemon Snap Scarf

If you’re shopping for a scarf that travels well, you’ll find it in the Lululemon Customizable Snap Scarf. This lightweight scarf can be worn in multiple ways, including a twisted infinity scarf, wrap, and even a cardigan thanks to its versatile design featuring snaps at both ends for customization. Additionally, it’s constructed from a Rulu fabric material which boasts softness, four-way stretch, and sweat-wicking abilities. It also features lycra for additional shape retention and stretch.

Material: 91% nylon, 9% lycra elastane | Colors: Black

Best Merino Wool

Made Trade Merino Wool Scarf

Merino wool is one of the best scarf materials because it’s not itchy (unlike other wool fabrics), provides a ton of insulation, and is anti-static. The breathable material makes it ideal to wear for a cold weather walk on the trails in your favorite hiking boots. For the best merino wool scarf, we recommend the Made Trade Rib Merino Wool Scarf. This comfortable knit scarf is handmade from extra-fine merino wool with a chunky knit texture for warmth and added style.

Material: 100% merino wool | Length: 70.9 inches | Colors: Gray, Black, Beige

Best Travel Wrap

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap

The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap is our top pick for the best travel wrap because it’s super soft, comes in several fun colors, and boasts tons of versatility. The scarf works as a shawl, wrap, blanket scarf, and even a lightweight blanket for the plane to go with your travel pillow, and looks great with casual and formal looks alike, so you’ll get plenty of wear while traveling. In addition to its function, the scarf is made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, making it one of the warmest options on our list.

Material: 100% Mongolian cashmere | Length: 86 inches | Colors: Olive, Burgundy, Black, Heather Gray, Navy, Oatmeal

Best for Head Wraps

Wrap Life Ribbed Head Wrap

The Wrap Life Ribbed Head Wrap is our top pick for the best head wrap, thanks to its versatile design and incredible fabric. Constructed from a blend of polyester and viscose with plenty of spandex stretch, this head scarf wraps around the head with ease, allowing you to style in a variety of twisted and wrapped styles. On top of that, it comes in 11 different colors so you can choose one (or a few) that best fits your style and wardrobe needs.

Material: 70% polyester, 25% viscose, 5% spandex | Length: 64 inches | Colors: Ash, Fern, Linen, Saffron, Pecan, Sage, Adobe, Lapis, Amaranth, Marigold, Black

Best Waffle Knit

Everlane Waffle-Knit Scarf

There’s something so luxe about a waffle knit texture in a scarf. This Everlane scarf is our top pick for this category because it has that delicious texture yet still feels minimalistic and versatile enough for virtually any winter look. The scarf is constructed from soft and warm merino wool and measures 70 inches long so you can wrap it around your neck a couple of times to keep warm in frigid temperatures.

Material: Body: 100% wool; Trimming: 96% wool, 1% elastane, 3% other fiber | Length: 70 inches | Colors: Deep Camel, Black, Heathered Oat, Mid Heathered Grey

Best Lightweight

Marine Layer Scarf

This polyester scarf from Marine Layer is lightweight yet still ultra-soft and comfortable. Plus it features a subtle lavender plaid pattern which is a nice way to mix up a winter look. The scarf also boasts a more traditional design with tassels on the end and an overall timeless feel, making it an excellent winter wardrobe investment.

Material: 60% recycled polyester, 40% polyester | Colors: Lavender Plaid

How to Pick the Right Scarves

Fabric and Material 

First and foremost, you want to consider the fabric and material of a scarf. The warmest scarf material is cashmere (the White + Warren Cashmere Scarf and Naadam Cashmere Solid Scarf are both solid options), followed by merino wool — and both materials are considered high-quality, too. Scarves also come in acrylic (which is often designed to mimic soft blankets and even cashmere), cotton, polyester, and silk.

Length and Size

Depending on how you want to wear your scarf, length and size are also important. If you wish to wrap your neck a few times, a scarf with lots of length is required. However, those that want to wear an open scarf or just one wrap can get by with something a little shorter instead. If you plan to wrap your head or hair in a scarf, the length and size also matter and will determine how well it fits. 

Purpose

When shopping for a scarf, it’s also important to consider the overall purpose. If you’re planning to wear it out in the dead of winter, it will need to keep you warm and, therefore, be made of cashmere, wool, or other insulating materials. For a summer look, consider a silk scarf, like the Dandy Del Mar Moorea Silk Satin Scarf, or even a lightweight cotton scarf shawl.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best kind of scarf?

  The best kind of scarf varies, depending on function and styling. However, a winter scarf should certainly meet a few requirements. “The best scarf for winter should be warm, but not so warm that you wouldn’t want to wear it through a brunch date indoors,” says Carla Rockmore, a fashion influencer dubbed TikTok’s “real-life Carrie Bradshaw.” She recommends going for a pop of color in the winter to liven things up, as we tend to look a little gray during the dreary winter months. “There’s nothing better than to wrap a celadon green or tomato red scarf around your neck in order to strategically pull out your eye color or give some life back into your cheeks,” she notes. 

  If you’re looking for the best scarf overall, our top pick is the Free People Shetland Recycled Blend Fringe Scarf because it’s the perfect mix of a blanket and traditional scarf, comes in a few fun and vibrant colors, and feels ultra-soft and warm when bundled around the neck.

• What scarf is best for winter?

• What is the softest scarf material?

  According to Frank, cashmere wool is the strongest and softest. “A good cashmere scarf is an essential and a building block for everyone’s wardrobe,” she explains. With that said, there are many cashmere-like materials available that can feel equally as soft. For example, the Asos Design Supersoft Scarf with Tassels is constructed from acrylic but has a cashmere-like feel.

Take Our Word for It 

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best scarves, Jessie first looked at the overall function and considered items made from durable, high-quality materials. She also considered season and usage, making sure to keep an eye out for the best scarves for winter, as this is the season where they shine the most. Additionally, Jessie reached out to fashion experts Carla Rockmore and Marissa Galante Frank to learn more about what makes the best scarf.

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