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A plaid scarf may be the ultimate accessory and will never go out of style. While you can buy one piece and be done for a few years, adding a few new ones to the collection can open up your wardrobe to a host of styling possibilities.
Below are some great plaid scarf options in a variety of sizes that will keep you warm. These scarves can be worn with or without a jacket, wrapped around the neck multiple times for some fashionable flair, and can take a plain tee and jeans up one or two style notches.
Our options also come in generous sizes, allowing them to be worn as a shawl, wrap, or even a blanket when traveling, and their seemingly endless color options make them great for gift giving as well.
The Top Plaid Scarf in 2024 Compared
Love Lakeside Scarf — Best Overall
Made from 100% viscose, this classic buffalo plaid scarf is a must-have in any wardrobe. This scarf is the ideal size for daily wear, provides ample neck coverage, and will not overwhelm with a ton of excess material. Pair this scarf with any number of outfits from a simple sweater and jeans combo to more formal holiday dress attire as it will always make a great standout piece.
Pros
- This scarf comes in over 30 color options
Cons
- This scarf may not keep you very warm in colder climates
Lucky Leaf Scarf — Runner Up
Another great scarf option is this infinity-style one, made from a soft acrylic material that is lightweight and comfortable. The infinity scarves are slightly unique as they stay high around the neck for extra warmth with nothing hanging down however this particular one is also long enough to wear stylishly doubled up around the neck.
Pros
- Wear this scarf as a single loop for warmer days
Cons
- If you prefer a regular style scarf, another option might be better
Wander Agio Scarf — Honorable Mention
This generously sized plaid scarf is both wide and long for the utmost warmth. It is made from a soft fabric that feels good against the skin and is large enough to style in many different ways. Wrap this around your neck a couple of times to keep you warm, wear it as a shawl, wrap or even hanging open once around the neck when the weather starts to warm up.
Pros
- This scarf comes in a bunch of different plaid color options
Cons
- This scarf does not contain any wool or cashmere
Bess Bridal Scarf — Editor's Pick
This oversized plaid knit wrap shawl is very soft, cozy, and made to keep you warm and stylish on cold days. It is large-in-size and in addition to a scarf, makes a great travel piece as it can be used as a blanket, wrap, or shawl to keep you comfortable when on the plane or even in an office setting.
Pros
- This scarf is available in multiple plaid color options
Cons
- It is advised to wash before wearing
Plum Feathers Scarf — Also Consider
Made from 100% acrylic, this soft infinity scarf is a great alternative when you don’t want to fuss with tying a larger blanket-style scarf. Wrap this scarf around your neck once or twice and you have a great layering piece that will keep you warm throughout the day. It will also look great paired with a coat or jacket or wear it on its own as an accessory with a sweater or tee for a bold, chic look.
Pros
- This scarf is not too bulky
Cons
- The scarf is very wide
Buying Guide: Plaid Scarves
The finest plaid scarves in 2024 are a classic clothing choice that goes well with different dressing styles. To rock a super-chic look, it is essential to buy the right plaid scarf in terms of fabric, style, color, etc.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Plaid Scarf
Below is a list of top factors you need to focus on while buying a plaid scarf that looks good on you in different seasons.
Fabric
The first thing to consider while buying a plaid scarf is its fabric. Plaid scarves come in various fabrics, including cotton, wool, cashmere, linen, silk, etc. So, choose the plaid scarf fabric depending on the region you live in as well as the season you want to wear it in. You can choose a lighter weave for mildly cold regions/seasons. Silks and satins are suitable for formal occasions, while linen is usually considered perfect for summers. However, if you want to feel snug and cozy on a winter evening, go for wool or cashmere.
Length
Most plaid scarves are between 50 to 90 inches long, but as a rule of thumb, always choose a scarf that is 10 inches shorter than you are. But if you are on the taller side, choose one that looks more proportionate to your height.
Color
A plaid scarf can be found in about every color available on the planet. So, do thorough research of the ongoing fashion trends and choose a color and design accordingly. Moreover, seasons also influence colors, so choose dark colors for winters and bright ones for summers.
Shape
A long rectangular strip is the most versatile shape for a plaid scarf. However, other shapes are also available, like square cuts, circular ones, etc. Instead of the classic look, these scarves are meant to be worn like bandanas and infinity scarves.
Edging
When it comes to edging, a short fringe or tassel is the right way to go, but a flat sewn edge looks more elegant. Alternatively, you can also go for the one with matching or contrast piping.
What Are Plaid Scarves Made Of?
Plaid scarves are made of a variety of fabrics, including the following:
Wool
The most common plaid scarf fabric is wool. Wooly scarves are durable, warm, and super soft. Moreover, these scarves are easy to maintain, and their ability to insulate against cold makes them ideal for winters. Wooly plaid scarves look super classy with winter coats and long boots.
Cotton
Cotton plaid scarves are the popular choice all year round. The cotton fabric is lighter than wool, so it does not make you sweat during hotter months. These scarves are usually worn in summer and spring. Moreover, they are super-easy to wash, dry, and iron.
Cashmere
Cashmere scarves are ultra-soft and feel incredibly luxurious. The cashmere fabric is also relatively more expensive than all other scarf fabrics. Cashmere plaid scarves look like royalty and keep you warm in the coldest of winters.
Linen
Linn scarves are better-suited for everyday use, especially in summers and spring. Linen is a lightweight and breathable material, so it doesn’t make you sweat in hot weather.
Silk
Silk is a beautiful fabric that is soft and stays wrinkle-free. Silk plaid scarves are perfect for formal events, as they look sophisticated and classy.
How to Style Plaid Scarves
Plaid scarves can up your dressing game a notch if you know how to style them with different outfits. Some common ways of styling a plaid scarf are as follows:
Bandana
While plaid scarves are the ultimate definition of classy, you can always put your own spin on them with bold choices. For instance, you can take a plaid scarf and use it as a bandana with one quick fold. You can pair it up with a black leather jacket and ankle boots to rock a rock star look.
Stole
Bold choices are perfect for making a statement, but sometimes a laid-back look with a conventional elongated plaid scarf is better. Depending on the occasion, you can wear a long rectangular scarf with its ends hanging loose over your shoulders. Besides, you can also tie the ends together and create a cozy wrap.
Infinity
An infinity scarf, loop scarf, or snood is the most advanced way of styling a plaid scarf. It can enhance the entire attire to a casual look. You can use this scarf to loop around your neck to keep you warm. On the other hand, you can wrap it around your head to give a slouchy beanie hat effect. Wear a vibrant plaid scarf with a plain white t-shirt and a long cardigan to pull together a chic look.
Which Plaid Scarf Colors Work Best in Each Season?
Different colors and prints work best for plaid scarves in different seasons.
When it comes to fall and winter, dull, dark, and deep colors tend to look more beautiful. For instance, black, brown, red, maroon, charcoal, navy blue, emerald green, mustard, etc., fit well with the fall and winter months.
On the other hand, bright, vibrant, and fresh colors tend to look more fitting when it comes to summer and spring. For instance, white, pink, yellow, purple, pale green, sky blue, etc., look great in the spring and summer months.
While these are the standard choices, you can always choose according to the occasion or your dress. Moreover, odd pairings are often memorable style statements. So, don’t be afraid to take a risk and make a bold choice with your plaid scarf.
