Types of Scarves: A Complete Guide to Every Style
From mufflers to neckerchiefs and stoles: the main types of scarves, how they differ, and the materials they come in.
“Scarf” covers everything from a thick winter muffler to a small silk square. Knowing the different types of scarves makes it easier to pick the right one and to describe what you are looking for, whether you are shopping, buying a gift or just trying to name the thing in your closet.
This guide sorts scarves four ways: by shape and style, by the types men wear most, by material, and by construction and pattern. Each section explains what the type is, when it is worn and what to look for.
Types of scarves by shape and style
| Type | Shape | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Long scarf / muffler | Long rectangle | Winter warmth |
| Blanket scarf | Large square or wide rectangle | Oversized winter layering |
| Infinity scarf / snood | Closed loop | Quick, no-knot warmth |
| Neckerchief | Small square | Tied at the neck, warm weather |
| Bandana | Square, usually cotton | Casual, neck or head |
| Ascot / cravat | Long, narrow, often silk | Formal, inside the collar |
| Square silk scarf | Square | Neck, head or bag |
| Skinny scarf | Very narrow rectangle | Decorative |
| Stole | Long, wide rectangle | Over the shoulders, evening |
| Shawl | Large square or triangle | Draped over shoulders |
| Wrap / pashmina | Large rectangle | Shoulders and arms |
| Neck gaiter | Tube | Sport, outdoors |
| Balaclava | Hood | Extreme cold |
| Keffiyeh / shemagh | Large square, cotton | Sun and sand protection |
| Headscarf | Square or rectangle | Worn over the hair |
A closer look at each type of scarf
Long scarf or muffler
The scarf most people picture: a long rectangle, usually wool or cashmere, wrapped or knotted around the neck under a coat. It is the most versatile type because it works with dozens of knots, from a simple drape to a twice-around wrap.
Blanket scarf
An oversized square or very wide rectangle, often in a check or tartan. It can be folded into a triangle and wrapped, or bunched loosely at the neck. It is warm and dramatic but bulky, so it suits roomy coats more than tailored ones.
Infinity scarf and snood
A scarf sewn into a closed loop. You loop it over your head, then twist it once or twice for a double layer. There are no ends to tie or tuck, which makes it quick to put on.
Neckerchief and bandana
Small squares folded into a band or triangle and tied close to the neck. A neckerchief is usually cotton or silk and a little dressier; a bandana is typically printed cotton and casual. Our neck scarf guide shows how to tie them.
Ascot and cravat
Narrow, formal neck scarves worn inside an open shirt collar, traditionally in silk. They are a statement piece today, mostly seen at formal daytime events and in vintage-inspired outfits.
Square silk scarf
A printed or woven silk square that can be folded many ways: as a neckerchief, a pocket square substitute, a headscarf or even a band on a hat or bag. Many are finished with a hand- or machine-rolled hem.
Skinny scarf
A very narrow rectangle worn mainly for decoration rather than warmth. It adds a line of color or texture to a jacket or sweater, much like a tie would.
Shawl, stole and wrap
Larger pieces designed to cover the shoulders rather than just the neck. They differ mainly in size and shape; see shawl vs scarf vs stole for the details.
Neck gaiter and balaclava
Performance pieces rather than fashion scarves. A gaiter is a stretchy tube pulled over the head to cover the neck and sometimes the lower face; a balaclava extends that coverage into a hood. Both are popular for skiing, cycling and outdoor work.
Keffiyeh and shemagh
Large cotton squares with roots in the Middle East, traditionally worn on the head and wrapped around the face for protection from sun and sand. They are often recognized by their woven check patterns.
The main types of men’s scarves
Men mostly wear four types:
- The classic long scarf. 60–75 inches, in wool or cashmere. The everyday winter scarf. Shop wool scarves.
- The chunky knit. Thicker and wider, for real cold. Shop winter scarves.
- The dress scarf. Thin silk, fine merino or cashmere, worn with a suit or overcoat. Shop silk scarves.
- The neckerchief. A small square of cotton or silk, tied short in warm weather. Shop neck scarves.
If you are choosing your first scarf, start with the classic long scarf in a neutral color. Our guide to the best scarves for men walks through materials, sizes and colors in more depth.
Types of scarves by material
- Wool: warm, durable, the winter standard. Merino is the soft, fine version. More in our wool scarf guide.
- Cashmere: very soft and warm for its weight. It comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats.
- Silk: light and smooth, with a sheen. Mostly for style.
- Cotton: breathable, washable, for mild weather. See the cotton scarf guide.
- Linen: very light and cool, for summer.
- Mohair and alpaca: fluffy, warm specialty fibers. Mohair comes from the Angora goat; alpaca from the South American animal of the same name.
- Acrylic and polyester: inexpensive and easy care, but less breathable.
- Blends: mixes such as silk-wool or wool-cashmere that balance softness, warmth and price.
Which keeps you warmest? See the best scarf material for winter.
Types of scarves by construction
- Knitted: stretchy and textured, often warmer and bulkier.
- Woven: flatter and smoother; drapes well under a coat.
- Brushed: surface raised for softness and warmth.
- Double-faced: two layers or two colors, one on each side, so the scarf is reversible.
- Felted or boiled: knitted wool compacted into a dense, smooth fabric that resists wind.
- Printed vs. woven patterns: printed patterns sit on top of the fabric; woven patterns (like tartan) are built into it.
Types of scarves by pattern
- Solid: the easiest to wear with patterned coats and suits.
- Stripes: from a single band near the ends to bold, regular stripes.
- Checks and tartans: woven grids of crossing colors, classic on wool.
- Herringbone and houndstooth: small, textured woven patterns that read as a solid from a distance.
- Paisley: curved teardrop motifs, common on silk.
- Foulard prints: small, repeating geometric motifs; read what is a foulard to learn the term.
How to tell scarf types apart when shopping
Names are not always used consistently, so look past the label and check three things in the listing:
- Dimensions: length and width tell you whether you are looking at a neckerchief, a long scarf or something closer to a shawl.
- Shape: square, rectangle, triangle, loop or tube.
- Fiber and construction: a knitted wool loop and a woven silk square are both “scarves,” but they do completely different jobs.
If a listing leaves any of these out, treat it as a question to ask rather than an assumption to make.
Which types of scarves suit each season?
| Season | Types that work best |
|---|---|
| Winter | Long wool or cashmere scarves, chunky knits, blanket scarves, gaiters for sport |
| Fall and spring | Lighter wool, cotton and blends, infinity scarves |
| Summer | Cotton or linen scarves, silk neckerchiefs, bandanas |
| Formal evenings | Silk dress scarves, ascots, fine cashmere |
FAQ
What is the difference between a scarf and a muffler?
A muffler is a type of scarf: a warm one, usually wool, worn in winter.
What is the difference between a scarf, a shawl and a stole?
Mostly size and how they are worn. See shawl vs scarf vs stole.
Which type of scarf is best for men?
A classic long wool or cashmere scarf is the most versatile. Learn how to wear it 12 ways.
What is a scarf called that has no ends?
An infinity scarf or snood: a scarf joined into a closed loop that you pull over your head.
Is a bandana a type of scarf?
Yes. A bandana is a square scarf, usually printed cotton, worn around the neck or head or carried as a handkerchief.