Scarves have had a number of callings, and names, throughout history. As sudariums, ancient Romans used them to wipe sweat from their faces. As cravats, 17th-century Frenchmen wore them like a sort of necktie. Other types of scarves have also been worn as religious garments, as shields from dust and wind, and to signify rank by military personnel. Today, most people use scarves to stay warm in the winter. Yes, style is important, but a scarf’s main purpose is to keep the neck warm — to protect where a beanie and winter coat cannot. These scarves come in all kinds of fabrics, from silk to lambswool, yarn and cashmere, at least one of which is sure to match your style.

Polo Ralph Lauren Reversible Scarf

courtesy

Courtesy

Best Overall Scarf

Ralph’s had this scarf in the collection for years because it’s a great scarf. It’s made in Italy using a perfect mix of luscious wool and nylon for strength. Plus it’s double-sided so you’re really getting two scarves in one. There’s a grip of colorways to choose from every season, too, so you’re not limited to this handsome windowpane version.

Price: $65

Kapital Compressed Wool Scarf

courtesy

Courtesy

Best Upgrade Scarf

One of our top picks when the cold comes around, Kapital’s scarves are legendary and come in dizzying patterns, illustrations and colors every year. Made in Japan, it features buttery soft compressed wool that naturally rolls at the edges.

Price: $317

SHOP NOW

L.L. Bean Irish Lambswool Scarf

courtesy

Courtesy

Best Affordable Scarf

It’s tough to find a scarf made entirely of lamsbwool at a price like this. L.L. Bean’s outshines others in value thanks to its sweet lambswool, woven in Ireland by a century-old mill.

Price: $40

SHOP NOW

Uniqlo Patterned Heattech Scarf


Made from an acrylic-wool blend, this affordable scarf uses Uniqlo’s famed Heattech technology to keep you warm without adding bulk. It comes in a handful of colorways, too, should you be tempted to nab a few, especially at this price.

Price: $15

SHOP NOW

Barbour Tartan Lambswool Scarf


Barbour’s all-lambswool scarf serves up quality at a comfortable price point. The soft doodad comes in several different tartans so you can choose your clan (or just whichever goes with your outfit).

Price: $55

SHOP NOW

Colorful Standard Merino Wool Scarf


We like Colorful Standard’s Merino Scarf for balancing great materials and construction with a solid pricepoint, packing in some serious value.

Price: $65

SHOP NOW

Battenwear Either Way Warmer


One thing we saw way more of this year was neck warmers, otherwise known as neck gaiters, a tubular variation of the scarf. This one from Battenwear uses Polartec recycled shearling to keep you warm and can either be tucked into your collar or be used as a head warmer with a cute little brim.

Price: $65

SHOP NOW

Taylor Stitch Baby Yak Scarf


One of the softest scarves out there, this scarf uses nothing but super soft and rare baby yak wool. It feels just like cashmere but without the price.

Price: $88

SHOP NOW

Inverallan Aran Scarf


Like the famed Scottish sweaters, this cable-knit beauty is hand-knit using 100 percent virgin wool.

Price: $89

SHOP NOW

Howlin’ Moskow Discow Scarf


Howlin’ turned up the funk on the traditional Fair Isle pattern while maintaining the made-in-Scotland pedigree.

Price: $95

SHOP NOW

Alex Mill Boiled Wool Bandana Scarf


If you’re not about to drop potentially irresponsible dough on a Kapital scarf, Alex Mill’s Boiled Wool Bandana Scarf will get you half-way there. It features a super textured, but super soft boiled wool and a jacquard-knit paisley pattern.

Price: $95

SHOP NOW

MHL. by Margaret Howell Pocket Scarf


Margaret Howell’s collection of quality goods is the definition of understated elegance. This piece features a warm, silky smooth all-wool knit that’s made in the UK and features a pocket because, well, why not?

Price: $99

SHOP NOW

Mr P. Fringed Checked Wool Cashmere-Blend Scarf


If you took a classic Pendleton wool shirt, added a dash of cashmere, cut it up and turned into a scarf, you’d have this one from Mr P. It’s made in the UK and features a vintage-inspired check pattern that’ll pair well with any outfit (even the bad ones).

Price: $115

SHOP NOW

The North Face Brown Label Insulated Scarf

East Dane

A quilted fleece scarf — need we say more?

Price: $150

SHOP NOW

Kiriko Boro Scarf

scarf

END.

Made from vintage Japanese boro fabrics that date as far back as a century or more, these scarves are one-of-a-kind. Each one is unique and dyed using indigo, so they’ll get better with age.

Price: $250

SHOP NOW

Loewe Striped Brushed Mohair-Blend Scarf


This vivid scarf comes from none other than Loewe designer, JW Anderson. It’s rich colors are complemented by the hairy texture of the mohair fabric and make for one of the most playful accessories around.

Price: $270

SHOP NOW

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Fleece Scarf


Just when you thought the far reaches of cozy have found its limit, this wild scarf shows up. Made in the UK by storied knitwear brand Johnstons of Elgin, this scarf features an luxe cashmere knit into a fluffy fleece fabric.

Price: $395

SHOP NOW