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A scarf can turn any plain-looking outfit into a runway masterpiece. Blanket scarves, especially, can be styled in a myriad of ways. With different color scarves or draping styles, the same outfit can be styled up or down and adapted to seasonal trends. Blanket scarves can’t help but make a statement with their oversized design. Plus, they aren’t called blanket scarves for nothing. They really are big enough to use as picnic blankets or to drape over yourself during a flight to stay snug. Although you do get various patterns, most blanket scarves come in tartan, checkered, or solid designs with tassels. Before we get into the ‘how’ of wearing a blanket scarf without looking like you’re wearing…well…a blanket, here are our favorite picks for the top blanket scarves in 2024.
Reviewing the Highest-Quality Blanket Scarves of 2024 in Detail
American Trends Scarf — Best Overall
Key Features
- Available in 26 colors
- Tartan patterned design with tassels
- Made from soft acrylic fabric
- Dimensions: 59 x 59 inches
These classic plaid scarves are made from acrylic fabric for a warm, soft, and lightweight wrap. The trendy tartan designs are either matching or reversed on the front and back, allowing them to be worn and folded in a way that shows both sides. Not only are they great as a scarf, shawl, or wrap, but they can double-up as a picnic or travel blanket. For the best care, hand wash the fabric to ensure long-lasting wear.
Bess Bridal Scarf — Runner-Up
Key Features
- 39 color and tartan pattern varieties
- Made from acrylic fabric with tassels
- Dimensions: 55 x 55 inches
- Versatile as a shawl, blanket, and scarf
This cozy oversize scarf is ideal to keep you warm during the cold months and makes the perfect accessory to spruce up your winter-style classics. You can wrap it around your neck and shoulders, drape it across your body, use it as a picnic blanket, or cuddle up with it in front of the TV. The fashionable plaid design features elegant tassels and is available in a range of colors to match your winter wardrobe. These scarves make gorgeous and versatile gifts for almost any occasion. Be advised, the fabrics are best hand-washed, for optimal care and longevity.
Dora Bridal Scarf — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- 40 plaid pattern varieties
- Made from acrylic fabric with tassels
- Dimensions: 55 x 55 inches
- Lightweight and soft
Dora’s classic plaid scarves with light tassels feature an elegant and timeless design that can last you years without going out of style. The lightweight acrylic fabric weighs only 200 grams yet offers optimal warmth and insulation. It is even reversible, making it perfect to wear folded or draped in any way without looking back-to-front. With a soft-touch feel, you’ll stay cozy regardless of whether you are wearing it or using it as a blanket.
Wander Agio Scarf — Contender
Key Features
- Available in 9 solid color designs
- Soft knit fabric without tassels
- Dimensions: 83 inches long x 23 inches wide
- Can be used as a head wrap, scarf, shawl, or wrap
Wander Agio has designed a long infinity scarf to make sure you stay super snug this winter. The knit design is available in solid colors including beige, black, blue, dark green, soft pink, grey, purple, red, and magenta. The scarf measures 83 inches in length for a long drape and 23 inches wide, so although it is not quite wide enough to be repurposed as a blanket, it can be used as a gorgeous headwrap.
Zando Scarf — Also Consider
Key Features
- Available in 16 gorgeous tartan color designs
- Soft acrylic fabric with fine tassels
- Dimensions: 55 x 55 inches
- Great gifts as a scarf, wrap or travel blanket
Zando’s chunky tassel blanket scarves are never out of style, meaning you’ll always be able to turn a plain outfit into a unique ensemble with these soft oversized fabrics. The wraps are available in 16 plaid color designs from soft pink to gorgeous autumn color combinations. Since they are so versatile, they make the ideal gift for women of all ages. But, to make sure your piece lasts a few seasons looking as good as new, hand wash it to avoid any fading.
Buyer's Guide to Finding a Fashionable Blanket Scarf
Blanket scarves are a must-have for every girl's wardrobe. Not only are they perfect for keeping you snug at the office, outdoors, or during happy hour, but they are the ideal travel companion. They are compact and lightweight and besides sprucing up an outfit, they can be used as a blanket. If you’re looking for Christmas or birthday gifts, these are a great go-to for close relatives, loved ones, or even acquaintances you don’t know all that well. To make sure you get the best bang for your buck in wear and quality, check out our top blanket scarf tips below.
Blanket Scarf Buying Tips
Check the actual fabric composition
Scarves (and blankets) should be soft on your skin without causing any itch or scratch. Some materials can give off fluff, while others can be heavy. You will notice that many online brands describe their blanket scarf fabric as cashmere-like acrylic. Don’t be fooled. These scarves are 100% acrylic material, although they may feel super soft (like cashmere).
The acrylic yarns can be woven in different thicknesses or knitted in a host of different ways. Don’t let the fact that there is absolutely no cashmere in your scarf put you off, as acrylic is not only going to save you a lot of money, but offers softness, insulation and great warmth, fade resistance, and durability. They also drape with elegance which is an important factor for being able to wear your wrap in a variety of different folds and styles.
Color
Besides picking out colors that you like to wear and that enhance your natural complexion, think about where you are planning to wear the scarf and what you plan to wear it with. Colorful designs can add a pop of color to any plain outfit, while more understated designs can be paired with formal wear for business meetings and even with a cocktail party dress.
Size
If you are planning to use your scarf as a blanket as well as an item of clothing, it should generally measure around 55 inches in width and length. Scarves that are longer but have less width may be ideal as a headcover or to double as a belt but won’t necessarily work as a blanket.
Care and durability
Always check the care instructions of your scarf. Most blanket scarves require hand washing with delicate soaps to ensure they last a long time, but there are some machine washable options. If you know there is no way that you are going to hand wash your wrap, even with good intentions upon purchase, opt for something you can toss into the washing machine. The first-time wash is always best done separately or by hand, even for machine-washable items.
Reversible
When wearing a blanket scarf, it is inevitably going to be folded in some way that both sides are showing. Make sure that the scarf design is reversible. You should have the same pattern and color quality on both sides, but sometimes the colors may be reversed on either side. Either way, you should be able to wear it without there really being a distinguishable front or backside. Also, make sure the tassels are elegant and not something that will constantly feel like it's in the way.
Ways to Wear a Blanket Scarf
Kerchief
Fold the blanket scarf diagonally from corner to corner to create a triangle. With the bottom corner of the triangle facing toward the ground in front of you, take the other two corners and loop them around your neck to the back, before bringing them around to the front again in a full circle. Tuck the ends into the rest of the scarf or let them hang around the front.
Traditional style scarf
Holding the scarf in front of you, fold it lengthwise in half. Gather the width to make a long, thinner ribbon shape rather than a folded blanket. Drape the scarf around your neck from the back to the front. Pull one side down a little more than the other to give it a longer length in front. Wrap the long side around your neck again, bring it to the front, and slip it through the hoop.
Shawl
Fold the material in half either diagonally or lengthwise and simply drape it over your shoulders and part of your arms.
Under a coat
Fold the material in half either diagonally or lengthwise. Drape it around your neck, letting it hang down in front. Tie your belt over it at your natural waist. Wearing this under an open long winter coat can make for a stylish and very cozy outfit.
Cardigan
The cardigan wrap looks great when paired with fitted clothing like a bodycon dress or turtleneck and leggings. Fold the material in half either diagonally or lengthwise. Drape it over your shoulders, letting it hang down the front. Tie your belt over it at the front, making sure there is enough space for your arms to comfortably move around.
Head Scarf
Using your scarf to protect your head in wind and rain can save you from a disastrous hair day. Fold the fabric in half diagonally to form a triangle. Holding one corner in each hand, lift the scarf over your head so that the bottom corner hangs behind your back. Drape the scarf over your head bringing your hands down and forward to cross over at your neck and lightly frame your face. Tuck each end in towards the opposite shoulder.
Besides getting the ‘scarf’ part sorted, you can also use your blanket scarf as a picnic blanket, a travel blanket, or to stay warm while watching a movie or camping. Rather than trying to squeeze a thick wooly scarf into your travel bag, these fabrics fold up to a pretty small size. They are tidy when folded and easy to pack for work or leisure trips.
