After a fruitless search for an affordable medium-brown oversized scarf in natural-fiber, I capitulated and ordered the Acne Studios Canada scarf in caramel brown, my original choice that I initially deemed too expensive.
The size—78.75″ long x 27.5″ wide—is versatile and can be worn in dozens of ways (though my default is the classic loop). The material, 100% virgin fleece wool, is warm but soft and medium weight so it’s also easy to manipulate when you need to tie or knot it for variety.
The Acne Canada scarf, made in Italy and the signature of a Swedish fashion house, is also available in a narrower size, which is 78.5″ long and 17″ wide, and is significantly less bulky (compared to its wider sibling) when wrapped around one’s neck.
The Canada Scarf went up $10 in price recently and is now $180 at retail (the narrower version is $150), which is pricey for a plain scarf. I’ve found scarves in synthetic materials that are similar for about $6 at Forever 21, but they were (predictably) less warm and the material was fairly scratchy.
If you are less particular about color, I found this Unlabeled Cashmere & Lambswool Scarf (30% Cashmere and 70% Lambswool) on Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors) that I feel is comparable in size and quality. The Acne scarf measures 78.75″ long and 27.5″ wide, whereas the Unlabeled scarf is roughly 28″ wide and 74″ long.
These two scarves are similar in weight and warmth. Texture-wise, the Canada scarf is more brushed (felt-like) in appearance while the Unlabeled scarf has a hairier appearance (and noticeable static cling under certain conditions).
Bottom: Acne Studios Canada Narrow Scarf in Grey Melange
Buy the Acne Canada scarf at Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, SSense, Acne, Matches Fashion, Forward, or Mr. Porter.
Here are a few more scarves with fringes at different price points:
