8 Men’s Scarves That Keep You Warm and Stylish

Want to buy a scarf? You have roughly tons of choices. Don’t worry: we hand-picked the best scarves for guys to buy this year.

The humble scarf is one of the more underrated fall/winter garments. Even if you’ve 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.

What’s 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:

Read on for more info and the complete list…

The Best Men’s Scarves

Now that you know your scarf preferences, you can get to the exciting part! We’ve made it easy by handpicking 8 of the best men’s scarves out there right now, and there’s 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 Barbour’s best. It’s made from a premium blend of merino wool and cashmere and features a traditional tartan pattern. It’s an unmistakably British look that pairs nicely with plenty of cold weather fits.

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the 8 colorways, but if you want the trademark Barbour look, then you’ll probably want to opt for the classic or dress tartan.

Buck Mason Pine Donegal Scarf

While Buck Mason isn’t a heritage brand, you could easily mistake it for one thanks to its modern-meets-vintage approach to design.

That’s 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.

It’s a seriously handsome scarf, though it’s priced quite high for a scarf that’s 30% nylon. If you’re after a mid-weight scarf that looks incredible (and you don’t 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. It’s 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).

You’ll have to fork over $520 for it, but if you’re 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, that’s a ludicrous price for a scarf).

Everlane ReCashmere® Scarf

If sustainability is a key concern for you, then you’ll appreciate this scarf from Everlane.

The ReCashmere® Scarf foregoes virgin materials in favor of a blend of 96% recycled cashmere and 4% recycled sheep’s wool. You can choose from 5 solid colors and 2 striped patterns, all of which share the same simple design.

It’s rare to find a scarf with completely recycled construction, so that’s a big plus. And with its clean edges and lack of tassels, the ReCashmere® 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 there’s a fascinating story behind the garment’s 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. It’s a slightly more premium option, but it’s one to consider if you’re 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 brand’s 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, it’s 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 that’s 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 that’s somehow both vibrant and understated.

It’s fantastic for adding a bit of extra color to a neutral outfit, but it’s 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 it’s no surprise to see this organic cotton scarf in its catalog.

The Cotton Ribbed Scarf is another minimal option that keeps things simple — its full cardigan knit is only interrupted by a small cork trim on the end.

It’s 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 you’ll 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.)

Here’s 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. It’s also usually much softer than sheep’s 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.

It’s a good choice if you want a multi-season scarf, but it doesn’t 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 don’t provide that much warmth.

Unless you’re on a really tight budget, it’s 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 it’s worth doing a bit of research if you end up going with one of them.

Scarf Sizing

Next, there’s size. Even though scarves are pretty basic, you’ll need to choose width and length measurements that suit you.

Most scarves are around 60” to 70” long and 6” to 10” 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 you’ll want to have enough length.

On the other hand, if you’re 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 it’s 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 men’s wardrobe item, but there are still some guys who consider scarves to be too feminine.

There’s nothing inherently masculine or feminine about scarves — it’s just slightly more common for women to wear them. However, that doesn’t make scarves any less “manly” than t-shirts (which women also wear, by the way).

That said, scarves won’t suit everyone’s 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, it’s worth having at least one good scarf in your closet. (Though you’ll probably end up with a few after you realize how amazing scarves are.)

FAQs About Men’s Scarves

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about scarves for men:

Are Men’s Scarves in Style in 2023?

Absolutely! If anything, scarves are more in style than ever before.

What Is a Good Length for a Man’s Scarf?

60” to 70” is standard length, so that’s a good range to look for (unless you’re exceptionally short or tall).

What Is a Man’s Scarf Called?

There’s no surprise answer here — a man’s 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, there’s no universal consensus on what the “best” scarves are.

Which Scarf is Right for You? 

A good scarf is an excellent addition to any man’s wardrobe, so if you don’t 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 don’t forget to experiment with different scarf knots! You’ll quickly find out how much variation you can get out of the same scarf.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!