How to choose and care for a wool or cashmere scarf
How wool, cashmere, and blends differ, what size scarf you need, and how to wash it so it lasts for many winters.
A scarf is often a hurried purchase: the weather turns, last year's has disappeared and none of the others works with your new coat. Choose well, though, and a scarf can outlast many winter essentials — especially when you know what it's made of and how to care for it.
Here are the questions we're most often asked in our Trakų Street shop: how wool, cashmere and blends differ, what size to choose and how to wash a scarf so it still looks good after its first winter.
Wool, cashmere or a blend?
Natural wool is a warm, durable choice. It retains warmth even when damp, breathes and holds its shape. Wool can feel a little prickly at first and may soften with wear.
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats. Its finer fibres make for a lighter, softer scarf that is still warm. Pure cashmere is more expensive and delicate, so a wool-and-cashmere blend can be a practical alternative for everyday wear.
Acrylic blends are light and easy to care for. They can be less warm than natural fibres, but work well in autumn or as an accent with a jacket. For colder weather, look for a higher proportion of wool.
Checked or plain?
A plain scarf goes with almost anything: black or burgundy can lift a grey coat, while olive green looks beautiful with brown leather. If your coat and shoes are already one colour, let the scarf provide contrast.
A tartan scarf can be the focal point. Keep the rest simple: a neutral coat, an easy knit and dark jeans. Choose a colour from the check that appears in your coat or shoes to bring the look together.
What size should you choose?
A long, wide scarf can be wrapped several times and adds warmth beneath a coat. A shorter or triangular scarf is easier to tie and sits neatly under a collar — ideal with a jacket or blazer.
A narrow triangular scarf (128 × 13 cm) is more of an accent than a warmer: tie it at the neck or drape it over your shoulders. A hooded scarf takes care of headwear too, especially when you'd rather leave your hair undisturbed.
Caring for wool and cashmere
Wool doesn't need frequent washing; airing it is often enough. When it does need a wash, hand-wash in cool water with a wool detergent. Don't wring or rub it: gently press out the water, roll it in a towel and dry flat, away from radiators.
Natural fibres can pill over time, especially where a scarf rubs against a bag strap or coat collar. This is a result of friction, not necessarily a defect. Remove the pills with a suitable comb or fabric shaver.
For summer, store scarves clean and dry, ideally in a cotton bag with lavender or cedar. Moths love wool and cashmere as much as we do.
Still unsure what works with your coat? Visit us at Trakų g. 16 and try them on — choosing a scarf is always more enjoyable in person.
