Style, Jewelry & Accessories
Scarves & shawls
8 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A scarf or shawl is one of the safer clothing gifts, because fit barely matters. People usually buy them for mothers, close friends and partners, and the ones that get worn are soft, simple and easy to pair with a winter coat or an indoor outfit. A plain cashmere scarf in a neutral colour tends to come out every cold morning, while a wrap and shawl is better for drafty offices, flights and evenings out. When choosing, think about where the person will wear it more than how it looks folded in a box. Also think about the colours they already wear and whether they like things snug around the neck or loose over the shoulders.
Kind 1 of 8
A cashmere scarf for everyday winter wear
A cashmere scarf is soft and warm but not bulky, so it sits comfortably under a coat collar all winter. It suits almost anyone who commutes, walks the dog or waits at bus stops in the cold. Before buying, check the fibre content on the label, since many scarves sold as cashmere are mostly other fibres. Look for a length that wraps at least once, a tight, even weave with no thin spots, and a colour like grey, camel, navy or charcoal that works with most coats. A chunkier knit scarf is a sturdier option for someone rough on their things.
Classic winter knit scarf
This cozy accessory provides essential warmth and a touch of traditional style for anyone facing chilly temperatures.
Kind 2 of 8
Pashmina scarves that work as scarf or shawl
Pashmina scarves are wide, fine and light enough to wear knotted at the neck or opened over the shoulders. They suit someone who dresses up for dinners, weddings or church, or who wants one layer that works in several ways. The word gets used loosely, so read the fibre content rather than trusting the name. Check the size, since a good one is wide enough to cover the shoulders, and look for fringe that is neatly finished. Solid colours and soft tones tend to get more use than busy prints.
Elegant pashmina style shawl
This generous wrap offers sophisticated warmth and can elevate an evening outfit or provide comfort on cooler days.
Kind 3 of 8
A cashmere wrap for travel and cool rooms
A cashmere wrap is bigger than a scarf, closer to a small blanket you can wear. It suits frequent flyers, people who feel cold at their desk, and anyone who likes to curl up on the couch. Before buying, check the dimensions so it actually covers the shoulders and upper arms. Also check how heavy it feels and whether it can be hand washed. A wrap that folds small enough to fit in a carry-on bag will get used more often than one that lives in a drawer.
Cozy oversized travel wrap
A generously sized and soft wrap designed to provide comfort and warmth during journeys, perfect for planes, trains, or cool evenings.
Kind 4 of 8
Wraps and shawls for dressier occasions
Wraps and shawls are the layer people reach for over a dress or blouse when an evening turns cool. They suit someone with weddings, holiday parties or concerts on the calendar. Think about their usual evening colours, since black, ivory, deep red and metallic tones pair with most formal outfits. Check that the fabric drapes rather than sits stiffly, and that it stays on the shoulders without constant adjusting. A finish that doesn't snag on jewellery or beading is worth checking too.
Kind 5 of 8
Wool shawls with real warmth
Wool shawls and wool blend scarves are practical and warm, and they hold up well to regular winter wear. They suit people who spend time outdoors, live in older, drafty houses or just prefer warmth over polish. Some wool feels scratchy against bare skin, so ask yourself whether the person is sensitive to that, and look for merino or a soft blend if you're not sure. Check the care label, because some wool needs hand washing. Heathered and plaid patterns hide wear better than pale solids.
Warm wool blend scarf
This durable and insulating accessory provides reliable warmth and comfort during the coldest months, suitable for outdoor activities.
Kind 6 of 8
A silk shawl for a polished look
A silk shawl or scarf is about looks more than warmth. It's light, has a slight sheen, and dresses up a plain coat or blouse. It suits someone who already wears scarves as an accessory, often in spring, fall or indoors. Before buying, check that the label says pure silk and not a silk-look polyester, and look at whether the edges are hand rolled or machine stitched. Choose a print or colour that matches their style, since silk is harder to ignore than a neutral knit.
Luxurious pure silk scarf
A smooth, elegant accessory that adds a sophisticated touch to any ensemble, perfect for special occasions or daily refinement.
Kind 7 of 8
A shawl scarf for in-between weather
A shawl scarf sits between a neck scarf and a full wrap. It's long and wide enough to drape, but light enough to wear in fall and spring. Lightweight fashion scarves fit here too. It suits someone who likes to add colour or pattern to simple outfits. Check the fabric weight against when it will be worn, since a gauzy piece won't do much in January. Before buying, check that the print looks good both folded and spread out, and that the fabric doesn't wrinkle badly after a day in a bag.
Decorative lightweight fashion scarf
A versatile accessory that adds a pop of color or pattern to an outfit, suitable for various seasons and styles.
Kind 8 of 8
A wrap scarf that's easy to wear
A wrap scarf is for people who want something quick to put on. Loop infinity scarves go over the head with no knotting, and small bandanas or neckerchiefs tie in seconds. They suit busy parents, students and anyone who finds long scarves fussy. For an infinity style, check the loop size so it can be doubled around the neck without choking or sagging. For a neckerchief, a cotton fabric that softens with washing is usually the better choice. Patterned versions are a relaxed, low-risk gift for a friend.
Convenient loop infinity scarf
An effortless accessory designed to be worn in a continuous loop, providing warmth and style without complicated tying.
Versatile patterned bandana neckerchief
A small, multi-functional fabric square that can be worn around the neck, in the hair, or as a pocket accent for a casual look.
How to choose scarves & shawls as a gift
- Look at the coat or outfits they wear most and pick a colour that goes with them, not one that stands out on its own.
- Read the fibre content on the label, since names like cashmere and pashmina are often used for blends.
- Pick the weight for the season they'll use it most: knit or wool for winter, silk or light blends for indoors and spring.
- If they wear wool sweaters without complaint, wool is a safe choice; if not, lean toward cashmere, silk or cotton.
- Check the care instructions, because a scarf that needs dry cleaning may end up worn less often.
Usually safe to skip
- Loud novelty prints usually go unworn, because they only match a few outfits and are hard to wear more than once a season.
- Very thin or synthetic scarves sold as winter scarves tend to disappoint once real Canadian cold arrives.
- Scratchy, coarse wool often ends up in a drawer, even when the colour is right.
Questions people ask about scarves & shawls
- What colour scarf is safest to give as a gift?
- Neutral shades like grey, camel, navy, charcoal and cream go with most coats and outfits. If you know the person's favourite colour, a muted version of it is usually a better choice than a bright one.
- What is the difference between a scarf, a shawl and a wrap?
- A scarf is usually narrow and worn around the neck. A shawl is wider and drapes over the shoulders. A wrap is the largest and can cover the shoulders and arms, a bit like a light blanket.
- Is a pashmina the same as cashmere?
- Both terms refer to fine goat fibre, but pashmina is often used loosely for any wide, soft shawl, including blends and synthetics. Check the fibre content on the label to know what you are buying.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All scarves & shawls picks
Showing 1–9 of 9