Lightweight scarves, aka summer shawls, are one of my favorite types of outerwear for summer. They are perfect for keeping you warm in overly air-conditioned buildings or on cooler California evenings, especially if you’re attending an outdoor event, like a concert or backyard dinner party. Plus, whenever you’re done wearing your summer scarf you can easily shove it in your purse or bag and don’t have to worry about lugging it around. Here are some other reasons I’m a big fan of summer shawls…
- They can also help protect your shoulders and neck from the sun without overheating you.
- They take up very little space in your closet — or suitcase!
- They typically cost less than a jacket.
- A patterned scarf is a great way to add a pop of color to a solid dress or tee.
- In a pinch, you can use your summer scarf as a makeshift picnic blanket at the beach or park.
If you’re wondering how to tie or wrap a summer scarf check out my post on How To Wear A Shawl, featuring eight different ways to easily style your scarf.
Best Scarf Material For Summer
The best summer scarves to wear as a shawl are either a linen-cotton or a rayon blend. Cashmere or wool blends can work too, but for many, it may literally feel too “fall” for summer, especially depending on where you live. I don’t recommend a 100% silk scarf for summer because sweat and sunscreen will stain and ruin it quickly. Plus, silk scarves are often too dressy or feminine for most of your summer looks.
The whole point of a large rectangle summer scarf is to beat it up. It will get sweat, food, and sunscreen on it, and then you’re going to shove it into your purse. It’s okay to have some percentage of silk, but 50%–100% silk can’t handle that abuse. However, cotton, rayon, and linen blends can take it and ask for more. Certain viscose, modals, and polyester blends can also be a good option when they are able to mimic a linen blend well. If you do choose a silk scarf, pick a darker color as it will hide stains better.
Best Summer Scarves
The best scarves to be used as jackets or shawls in the summer are medium to large rectangles. I like mine anywhere from 30 to 50 inches wide and 60 inches long to 80 inches long, give or take an inch or two. Below are all of the best lightweight scarves for summer I’ve come across this year that can easily be worn as shawls.
(If you end up with a large square scarf instead, I also have a post on how to wear and tie that style of scarf, though they’re not quite as versatile.)
Nordstrom Tissue Print Wool & Cashmere Wrap Scarf in Green Fluid Lines
Available at Nordstrom.
Size: 75″ x 29″; 3″ fringe
Material: 70% wool, 30% cashmere
Treasure & Bond Textured Tassel Scarf
Available at Nordstrom.
Size: 51″ x 56 1/2″; 2″ fringe
Material: 100% acrylic
Nordstrom Print Modal & Silk Scarf
Available at Nordstrom.
Size: 79″ x 41″; 1/2″ fringe
Material: 70% modal, 30% silk
Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf
Nordstrom’s cashmere and wool blend scarf has long been one of my go-tos for the best summer scarves. It does work year-round since it is wonderfully lightweight. They are constantly coming out with fresh colors. In addition to the ones pictured above, I also highly recommend the “ivory winter” color.
Available at Nordstrom.
Size: 29″ x 76″; 3″ fringe
Material: 70% wool, 30% cashmere
Faherty Variegated Stripe Wrap Scarf
Available at Nordstrom and Dillard’s.
Size: 74″ x 29″
Material: 100% modal
Nordstrom Tissue Print Wool & Cashmere Wrap Scarf in Coral Hilma Floral
Available at Nordstrom.
Size: 75″ x 29″; 3″ fringe
Material: 70% wool, 30% cashmere
MANGO Printed Scarf
Available at MANGO.
Material: 75% viscose, 25% linen
Nordstrom Tissue Print Wool & Cashmere Wrap Scarf in Ivory Labyrinthine Stripe
Available at Nordstrom.
Size: 75″ x 29″; 3″ fringe
Material: 70% wool, 30% cashmere
