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Scarves, Shawls & Cashmere
1 to 17 (from a total of 17)
Bandana, wrap or scarf: choosing the right size
The three sizes differ in more than measurements. Each one does a different job.
A bandana is 65 by 65 cm. It is the smallest and the most adaptable: knotted at the neck, tied in your hair, worn at the wrist or looped onto a bag handle. It is not there to keep you warm, it is there to lift an outfit. Ideal for spring and summer.
A wrap comes either square at 140 by 140 cm or rectangular at 180 by 120 cm. Wear it as a scarf, draped over the shoulders as a stole, or thrown on as a cape. Large enough to double as a blanket on a long flight.
A scarf measures 210 by 85 cm. It is the warmest of the three and takes a double loop easily, or hangs long and open. This is the winter piece.
How to tell good cashmere
Not all cashmere is equal. Three things separate the good from the ordinary.
The blend. Pure cashmere drapes more softly and weighs almost nothing. A blend of half cashmere and half wool holds more warmth and stands up to daily wear. Neither is better, they simply suit different lives.
Where the fibre comes from. Mongolian cashmere is prized because the harsh climate produces longer, finer hairs.
How it is made. Our scarves are hand finished in Nepal under certified fair trade conditions. You can see it in the edges and in the way the fabric falls.
Good cashmere never scratches. If a piece prickles against the skin, the fibres are too short.
Caring for cashmere
Cashmere asks for less than most people expect. It simply asks for the right things.
Air it rather than wash it. Hang it overnight after wearing and you will only need to wash it a few times a season.
Wash by hand at 30 degrees using wool detergent or a mild shampoo. Do not rub and never wring. Press the water out, roll the piece in a towel, then dry it flat.
Store it folded, never on a hanger. Hanging stretches the fibre over time. Cedar or lavender in the drawer keeps moths away.
Small pills are normal. They come from friction, not from poor quality. A cashmere comb lifts them away and the piece looks new again.
The labels in this section
Cute Stuff makes cashmere with a point of view: florals such as Dahlia and Ginko, leopard in unexpected colours, playful maritime prints. The scarves are hand finished in Nepal, some with cross stitch embroidery.
Oyuna works with Mongolian cashmere and soft colour gradients. The wraps are cut generously and work just as well folded over a sofa as packed for a journey.
They pair naturally with our glasses chains and clutches.
Frequently asked questions about cashmere
What is the difference between a bandana, a wrap and a scarf?
A bandana is 65 by 65 cm and works as a neckerchief, a hair tie or a detail on a bag. A wrap is much larger at 140 by 140 cm or 180 by 120 cm and can be worn as a stole or a cape. A scarf is long and narrow at 210 by 85 cm and gives the most warmth.
Is pure cashmere better than a wool blend?
Not better, just different. Pure cashmere is lighter and drapes more softly. A blend of half cashmere and half wool holds more warmth and wears harder, which often makes it the more practical choice for everyday winter use.
Does cashmere scratch?
Good cashmere does not. The fibre is finer and longer than ordinary sheep wool, so it lies flat against the skin. Prickling usually means short fibres or a high proportion of wool.
How do I wash a cashmere scarf?
By hand at 30 degrees with wool detergent or a mild shampoo. Do not rub or wring it. Press the water out, roll it in a towel, then leave it to dry flat. Between washes, airing it overnight is enough.
Why do small pills appear?
Pilling comes from friction, against a coat collar or a bag strap. It is normal in natural fibres and not a fault. A cashmere comb lifts the pills off without damaging the weave.