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If you feel it's time for a scarf refresh and can’t be bothered looking, we have sourced some great ones below that will hopefully find a place in your wardrobe and help you accessorize for the next few months and beyond.
These plaid scarves for women are a great place to start as they never go out of style, are warm, and come in a ton of stylish color schemes. We have also included a variety of styles such as large blanket scarves that can also double as blankets, shawls and wraps, and even infinity scarves.
No matter what type of plaid scarf you’re looking for, you will surely find one you love from our list below!
Top Plaid Scarf for Women Reviewed
Dimore Scarf — Best Overall
This generous-sized plaid blanket scarf is a must-have for any wardrobe. Similar to our other options, this scarf is made from a soft acrylic material that is breathable, skin-friendly, and will keep you warm when the cold weather strikes. Style this scarf over your favorite coat or jacket and it can also be worn over any blouse, shirt, or sweater when it’s just not cold enough for a jacket.
Pros
- This scarf makes the perfect travel blanket to take on a plane or car ride
Cons
- Is it recommended to hand wash only
Veronz Classic Scarf — Runner Up
A great alternative to the blanket scarf is this traditional scarf option with a generous-sized length and shorter width. This scarf is made from a soft, cashmere-like material and is easily suited for both formal and casual occasions. Pair this scarf with a long coat or jacket for some extra warmth during extreme weather conditions or wear it hanging open around your neck giving your outfit a fun pop of color.
Pros
- This scarf is available in over 20 color and plaid pattern options
Cons
- If you prefer a wider scarf, another option might be better
Century Star Scarf — Best Value for Money
Slightly larger than our other blanket scarf options, this warm scarf is super soft, reversible, and can be wrapped and styled in a ton of different ways. This scarf is large enough to use as a shawl, wrap, or even a picnic blanket and is lightweight enough so you won’t get overheated.
Pros
- This scarf is tassel-trimmed
Cons
- This scarf may leave behind some fuzz
Plum Feathers Scarf — Editor's Pick
Made from 100% acrylic, this soft infinity scarf is a great option 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. Pair it with a coat or jacket or wear it on its own as an accessory with a sweater or tee for a chic look.
Pros
- This scarf is not too bulky
Cons
- The scarf is very wide
Woogwin Scarf — Also Consider
This warm plaid scarf is very wide and very long and makes an ideal shawl or wrap in addition to your traditional scarf. This scarf is also very soft and has long tassels going down the edges for some character. When wearing this scarf, take comfort in knowing it is large enough to double as an impromptu blanket when it gets too cold or you just need some extra warmth.
Pros
- The material is soft and won’t irritate the neck area
Cons
- It is recommended to wash prior to the first wear
JESSIVO Scarf — Another Option
This infinity scarf option has basically done all the work for you with regard to tying around the neck and can simply be placed and looped around to your preference. Great for year-round wear, this soft scarf is long enough to be wrapped a couple of times around your neck and can be used as a shawl or wrap.
Pros
- This scarf is available in four different color options
Cons
- This scarf should be hand washed only
Buying Guide: Plaid Scarf for Women
Now that you have gone through our reviews, you can see that there is no shortage of plaid scarves on the market today. It can be hard to sift through all the options and figure out which one is right for your needs. But don't worry, we're here to help! We have put together this handy guide that'll help you pick the right one with ease.
What Is a Plaid Scarf?
A plaid scarf is a type of scarf that features multiple colors of fabric woven together in the same direction to create a pattern. Typically made of wool, cotton, or acrylic fabrics, these scarves come in different sizes, patterns, and colors. They add style to your look while keeping you warm during the cold winter months. You can use a chunky knit plaid scarf with embellishment to create a bold statement, or you can opt for faux fur and pair it with an overcoat and some long boots for a minimalist and elegant look. However, they're not just reserved for winter clothing. As long as you pair them with the right clothing, plaid scarves can be worn all year round without any issue.
What Are the Popular Styles of Plaid Scarves for Women?
Tartan
Tartan is the most traditional pattern of plaid. It originated in Scotland as a way to distinguish between various Scottish clans. A tartan is made from horizontal and vertical stripes that have gradients of one color.
Gingham
Gingham was originally associated with cotton fabric made in Manchester and is characterized by small checks patterned in two colors (usually white and colored). This style is often distinguished by the transparent check design.
Houndstooth
Houndstooth is similar to gingham but has more of an uneven look when it is finished. It is made with a series of small checks (often black-and-white) in a symmetrical pattern with one or two large checks or spots placed diagonally to create the design.
Pinstriped
Pinstriped plaids have long and short lines that alternate across the scarf in a contrasting color to produce a checkerboard effect.
Windowpane
Windowpane plaid scarves have large squares on the scarf that create a diamond shape when the scarf is folded in half.
How to Choose the Right Plaid Scarf for Women
A plaid scarf is an investment, so you have to make sure you're getting exactly what you want! Here are some essential factors that will help pick the perfect plaid scarf or at least narrow down your search.
Fabric
Just like any other clothing garment, plaid scarfs are available in different fabrics, including wool, silk, cashmere, cotton, and fleece. Wool and cashmere are generally considered the best materials for any kind of scarf as they are durable, resist shrinkage, and have the ability to keep you warm on colder days. Cotton and silk are breathable and comfortable on the skin, but they shrink slightly when subjected to heat.
When picking out a plaid scarf, consider how breathable the fabric is and how often you plan on wearing it. If your job entails frequent public speaking or traveling, buy a high-quality silk or wool scarf that will last longer and look better after each wash. For everyday use, try something made from cotton as it'll be easier on your skin.
Length
Next, you have to think about the length of the scarf. Some scarfs are wide enough so you can use them as wearable blankets, while others come in a square shape with frayed edges and can be wrapped around the neck to keep the user warm on colder days. A good rule of thumb is that your scarf should wrap around your neck twice. This way, you will stay warm and still be able to achieve a sophisticated look without making much effort.
Style
You'll also want to consider the style: rectangular scarves are simple and classic; poncho scarves are thinner and perfect for layering; infinity scarves are the most versatile type, making them perfect for incorporating into your wardrobe.
Color
From bold maroon to neutral beige, plaid scarfs are available in an assortment of color combinations. Before making the purchase, you have to decide whether you want something that makes you stand out among your friends and colleagues or you want a scarf that goes with every other outfit. If you want to wear your plaid scarf as an accessory, you can try a bright and vibrant red and blue one — or maybe a subtle pink/green combo. If you're more on the traditional side, black/white or neutral colors might be up your alley.
When Should You Replace a Plaid Scarf?
Every clothing article has a lifespan, and plaid scarves are no different. A plaid scarf can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on how well you take care of it. Here are some tell-tale signs that'll indicate the time to replace your plaid scarf:
- When the fabric starts to fray
- When the fabric becomes thin and worn through
- When you start noticing holes in it
- When the color has faded
If you want to help extend the useful life of your plaid scarf, hand-wash it in cold water with mild detergent and hang it up to dry. Be gentle when washing, and don't use bleach or fabric softeners on your scarf, as these materials can damage the fabric over time.