What is blanket scarf?

A blanket scarf is an oversized scarf or small blanket that you can style in many different ways. You can wear them as a large scarf, a shawl, use them as a small blanket, or even as a pillow when you travel.

If you like an accessory that’s versatile and you can wear all year round, a blanket scarf is perfect for you! Choose to invest in an oversized scarf that will last for many years with good care, and wear it over and over again. These scarves are an adult version of a comfort blanket, and sometimes that’s just what you need on a cold day, or a long journey.

Blanket Scarf Style #1 : Wear it as an Oversized Scarf

This is the way I normally wear mine- as a big scarf, just wrapped around the neck once.

This is simple, easy, and very cosy.

For maximum impact, wear it over your coat. For maximum warmth, wear it underneath and spread out the ends over your chest- it’s like wearing an extra sweater as well as a scarf!

Shop Blanket Scarves

Blanket Scarf Style #2: Add a Big Knot

Another easy way to wear a blanket scarf. Wrap it once around the neck and then tie it once- nothing complicated, no fancy twists. I have tried the fancy twists/knots in the past with the blanket scarves and found them a bit big for my taste. This works better in my opinion. It’s quite a casual look, which is great if you don’t want to worry about the scarf much, and it’s very warm.

Blanket Scarf Style #3: Drape it Over Your Shoulders

Again, there’s no real skill to this one. Just drape the blanket scarf over your shoulders and let it hang. This works particularly well if sitting at a desk during the day, and can look every elegant.

No good for strong winds though!

Mist Blanket Scarf and stole. Ethical knitwear by Collingwood-Norris, Made in Scotland — Mist blanket scarf, draped over shoulders

Blanket Scarf Style #4: Wear it as a Shawl

Wearing a blanket scarf as a shawl over a dress is the perfect way to keep warm on a summers evening. These blanket scarves are lightweight but warm, as they’re made with the finest lambswool, so they ake a beautiful light warm layer without feeling bulky.

Just wrap around the shoulders with the blanket scarf at full width, and flick over a shoulder if you wish.

Perfect for wearing to summer weddings or for sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sunset.

Lambswool blanket scarf in rich blue and magenta, handmade in Scotland by Collingwood-Norris — Tiroran blanket scarf, worn as a shawl

Blanket Scarf Style #4: Wear it with a belt

Drape your blanket scarf around your neck and let it hang down at the front. Keep it in place with a belt!

I think this works best if you’d like to wear the scarf long with a coat, as I’ not convinced this is flattering from the side otherwise.

Blanket Scarf Style #4: Wear it as a Poncho

These blanket scarves are so wide they can be worn as a poncho if tied with a belt. I’ve not styled this especially well (the belt isn’t quite right), but hopefully it will give you the idea and you can do it better! Wrap the scarf around your shoulders at full width, take it over your arms and belt to keep in place. A great way to wear it as an extra layer.

Blanket Scarf Style #4: Flick it over your shoulder

Another simply but stylish way to wear your blanket scarf. Simply flick it over your shoulder, so one end hangs at the front, and one at the back. You can decide which end you’d like to be longest! This is a great way to add a splash of colour to your outfit.

Can Men Wear Blanket Scarves?

Of course men can wear blanket scarves- anyone can! They’re great for those times when you need a really big warm warm scarf.

All these blanket scarves have the option of being customised with a hand stitched woven patch. A little extra splash of colour to make your scarf truly unique. Knowing that something is handmade just for you is a great reason to care for you scarf and make sure it lasts. We need more and more reasons to cherish the garments we wear and reduce waste and I hope this is just one of them.

For my own part, blanket scarves are my favourite thing to make and to wear. I have one blanket scarf that’s now 8 years old and still looking great (Collingwood-Norris turned 8 this year), and I have worn it as a scarf, a shawl at weddings, a blanket/pillow on the train (both at the same time), and a pillow for camping (wearing it in the cold evenings, then using it as a pillow afterwards, to reducing the amount I’ve had to carry!). I’m totally biased, but I mine brings me great comfort and confidence, and I hope one of these scarves can do the same for you.