The Best Blanket Scarves to Keep You Warm at 30,000 Feet
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As a travel writer, I’m often quizzed on my favorite in-flight essentials. A supportive neck pillow, sure, and plenty of reading material, but one item that often surprises people is a voluminous, oversized scarf. And this accessory, I should note, is not reserved just for trips during the chillier months:After all, planes are fairly cold regardless of what time of year you’re traveling. So why the scarf? Apart from—obviously—keeping your neck warm, a larger scarf or wrap pulls triple-duty as an in-flight blanket (because, let’s be honest, those never get the job done), as well as a makeshift pillow. Plus, nothing can turn a casual, flight-optimized sweat suit into a chic matching set faster than the addition of a drapey scarf. Luckily, we’ve done a lot of research (and in-air testing) to find an option that’s perfect for nearly every type of traveler. Read on to discover the best blanket scarves to have with you at 30,000 feet.
Our top picks:
- Best cashmere: White + Warren travel wrap
- Best wool: Alo Yoga oversized scarf
- Best sustainable: J.Crew oversized wrap
- Best under $100: Quince ribbed wrap
- Most stylish: Toteme wool scarf
White + Warren cashmere travel wrap
Best cashmere
There may be no brand more synonymous with cashmere than White + Warren, so it’s little surprise that its travel wrap is our pick for best overall cashmere scarf. I have been toting a navy version of it all over the country this winter, from a trip to The Green O in Montana, down to Primland in Virginia. The light cashmere weave adds warmth without bulk, and its extra-long size means it can drape over my whole body during a plane nap.
J.Crew oversized cashmere wrap
Best sustainable
A cashmere wrap that’s under $200 and sustainable? J.Crew’s cozy version, which comes in a range of colors from classic black to soft lilac, hits both notes, as it's made from cashmere that’s sourced responsibly. (The company is the first US partner of Aid by Trade Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agricultural development around the world.)
Alo oversized scarf
Best wool
Sure, nothing is as soft as cashmere, but when it comes to keeping you toasty, no material beats a wool weave. Athleisure brand Alo Yoga’s version is suitably oversized to loop around your neck several times over, or can easily drape on your shoulders during a chilly flight, making it a favorite of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. The ivory, black, and gray versions, offer a neutral hue for every traveler.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere scarf
Best under $100
Until Quince came along, it seemed that affordable cashmere was an oxymoron. But this direct-to-consumer brand has continually surprised me with the high quality of its product at prices that won’t make me cringe. Quince’s ribbed wrap is no exception: It’s a thick, sturdy weave that’s equally perfect around shoulders or as a lap blanket.
J. McLaughlin Julia scarf
Best wrap
I was gifted this wrap by a dear friend a few years ago and I’m tempted to buy five more just in case they ever stop producing it. The ingenious design allows it to rest over your shoulders without ever slipping off, and the lightweight cashmere makes this especially great to grab on a summer’s night. I love wearing it on a flight because it instantly elevates any outfit, and can still fit under a coat if needed.
Toteme Monogram jacquard scarf
Best fashion-forward
You know what your most stylish friend has in their closet? Probably a Toteme handbag. But if you’re not ready to commit to one of those, may we suggest its subtly branded, oversized wool scarves? Stocked in a variety of colors from eggnog to charcoal, this chic piece transitions effortlessly from plane staple to Paris street essential.
Hermès Rayee H stole
Best splurge
There’s luxury brands and then there’s Hermès. And while the French house is well-known for its printed silk scarves, don’t overlook its cashmere offerings. The brand’s ultra-soft, amply sized stole has the brand’s signature H hidden in a jacquard weave: quiet luxury if we’ve ever seen it. And in colors ranging from cream to poppy, you can get as subtle (or not) as you’d like.
Baserange Whit scarf
Best recycled
Baserange hand selects the fibers that go into its recycled cashmere line, ensuring only the best quality material makes it into pieces like this oversized scarf. Combined with 5% wool, the sturdy, square-shaped knit looks as good on your neck as it does knotted around your waist. And every time you purchase one of Baserange’s recycled items, you’ll know you saved clothing from being dumped in a landfill, and that the reuse of fibers means this piece took less energy, dye, and water to create than virgin cashmere.
Zestt Organics The Dreamsoft Travel Scarf
Best multi-colored
This brand’s bestseller is this GOTS-certified organic cotton wrap, which looks as good draped over a little black dress as it does with a coordinating sweatsuit. We love the four color-blocked varieties, ranging from a peppy blush to a cheery sky blue, to add a bit of color to your plane wardrobe.
Bleusalt The 2 Yard Wrap
Best long scarf
As the name implies, this wrap is a generous piece of fabric that’s 44-inches wide by 72-inches long. The material is a sleek mix of 95% tencel modal and 5% spandex; the stretch is key for allowing it to drape just so. We love that it comes in a full rainbow of colors, from a sea blue that can go straight from the jetway to a fancy dinner, to a muted sand that would pair well with virtually any other shade. Plus, it’s fully machine washable and can go in the dryer without shrinking.
Nantucket Looms Mohair warp
Best patterned
It can be difficult to find scarves or shawls with a pattern that still allows them to coordinate with most of your wardrobe, but Nantucket Looms’ classic designs thread that needle well. We love this fuzzy mohair wrap with a subtle blue-and-white stripe knit, which looks just as good with a tan blazer as a pair of gray sweatpants.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
