Sustainable Wool Scarves

It’s scarf season again. Below is a list of sustainable wool scarves to help you stay cosy all autumn and winter!

What to look for when buying a scarf?

When I buy a scarf, I like to do it in person. I love online shopping, but scarves are different! I want to feel the fabric, which sounds a bit cliché but makes a difference when buying a scarf. It’s essential to check what the fabric is – pure wool is much nicer than polyester. Wool can be different- it can feel rough and itchy or smooth and soft. So check what it is made of and feel how soft it is against your skin. Also, check who made the scarf. Handmade can mean many things, but it is more likely to last longer and wear better if made by someone who puts time and effort into it.

Also, consider the length and width of the scarf. It creates a vastly different look! I like to check Pinterest for ideas about what kind of look I’m going for before purchasing, but a quick check would be to see if it goes well with your coats and jackets.

What is the most sustainable wool?

Natural fibres are usually more sustainable. So, in the case of sustainable wool, scarves made from sheep, alpaca, or even merino or cashmere wool are more sustainable than polyester, acrylic, or any other plastic fibres. Natural wool is biodegradable, which makes it more eco-friendly, but it is also breathable and nicer to wear, in my opinion. Wool from local animals is preferable as it is easier to track where they came from and whether they are treated appropriately.

Is there such a thing as ethical wool?

Yes, but it can be hard to know where to find it. Try to buy local wool, as it is easier to trace where it came from. And always purchase non-mulesed wool. Mulesing is still legal in Australia and involves cutting into sheep to stop the sheep from contracting fly strike—for which there are now alternatives.

What is the best non-itchy scarf material?

Trying before buying is the best way to ensure a scarf isn’t itchy! Merino wool, cashmere, alpaca, and yak wool are all super soft.

What type of scarf is the warmest?

The warmest scarves are the big oversized woolly variety. The more wool, the better!

What colour of scarf goes with everything?

A black or grey scarf is an enduring choice for matching everything in your wardrobe.

The Black Scarf

The black scarf in the image is from Cos. They usually sell a great basic cashmere scarf in either black or grey every year. And these scarves stand the test of time, which is a great way to shop sustainably. The scarf in the image is maybe eight years old and still looks new. And it gets worn every winter without fail. Cos is now a member of the Good Cashmere Standard, but I can’t tell if they do much. They are at least taking steps to minimise their impact on the animals and environment.

For a beautiful alternative (and it’s cheaper), try the woven scarf from The Slow Label. It’s made of 100% recycled wool and cashmere and has lovely, timeless colours.

The green yak scarf

The green scarf is from Shokay, a sustainable brand with a vast selection of yak wool scarves. It was hard to pick a favourite colour. I went for the olive, but I’m also eyeing the pomegranate. The scarves are sustainably made and very soft and cosy. If you love yak wool, I’ve written a post with a lovely selection of sweaters.

The tartan scarf

A tip for picking up sustainable wool scarves is to check out little tourist shops. They often sell handmade or ethically made bits you can’t find elsewhere. The purple and green tartan scarf is from a shop near Skye in Scotland. However, the brand has a website; you can find every tartan combination imaginable. They are made in a mill at the Scottish borders.

The muted scarf

The orange and blue muted scarf is from The Tartan Blanket Company. They sell a huge selection of cosy, sustainable wool scarves and provide information about where the wool is sourced and where the scarf is woven. The Houndstooth scarf is beautiful; I love how oversized it is. The gingham scarf is lovely, too, and much cheaper.

The red scarf

The oversized red scarf in the images is from a little shop in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I recommend browsing if you are in the area; it is beautiful, with many gorgeous scarves and antiques. The scarf looks like silk in the images but is, in fact, wool. I’m hoping to wear it all winter as a wrap and scarf. It brightens up a dull outfit. A similar sustainable alternative is the Dragon Dust Wool Scarf from One Hundred Stars.

The big blanket scarf

The big blanket scarf is an old sale buy from Zara years ago. It’s not sustainable, but I love to wear it because it’s so bright and bulky. For a more sustainable alternative, the Rowan Scarf from Lucy & Yak is like a giant pink hug. The Brea blanket scarf from &Daughter is so oversized and cosy. It’s felted lambswool made in Scotland. Or the responsible wool mohair scarf from Cos.

Other sustainable wool scarves!

It’s not a scarf as such, but the Snowdrift Recycled Fleece Hood from Passenger excites me for winter. How cute is the Arctic colour? This post is great for more cosy, sustainable winter hats.

Skall have a timeless brown wool scarf made from recycled soft wool which would look great with coats in the winter months.

The blanket scarf from Urban Outfitters is made with 100% recycled content, so I’ve included it on this list. The colours are bright and cheering if you are looking for something fun!

The current trend of matching scarves and coats is exciting, but at the same time, there is so much copying and ripping off of designs. Maybe it’s easier to notice clothes that are different from the norm. The Toteme scarf jacket is good (made with responsible wool), but there is a direct rip-off in every high street shop just now, and all I can see is the poor quality. I’ve searched on Vestaire; there are lots for sale (as well as other vintage scarves), although still a lot more expensive than a high street rip-off.

Speaking of scarf jackets from Toteme, I’m still in love with the scarf trench coat from earlier this year (or was it last?) I found a secondhand one on Vestaire Collective!

This silhouette is perfect. If I wanted to know how to wear a scarf – this is it. Do I need a triangle-shaped scarf to attain it? I’m not sure, but the Toteme cashmere scarf is beautiful. The hooded trench coat from Cos is giving me similar vibes. By the way, the trench coat in the images is an old Cos coat. If you keep an eye out, they sometimes do one with organic cotton.

Knitting Sustainable Wool Scarves?

The Wool and the Gang knitting patterns make it easy to knit a scarf if you have never done it before. It’s probably the only knitting project I’ve finished, so I can attest to how easy they are. I came across this Instagram post of a woman who added tassels to hers. It elevates the whole scarf! If you are in the mood for more knitting, these are beautiful sweater patterns.

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