The Best Blanket Scarves to Keep You Warm at 30,000 Feet

Skip to main contentFind hotelsFind hotels by location...Find hotels by city or location...These ultra-soft, oversized scarves will make any long-haul flight a more comfortable one.Anyone who has spent hours on a freezing airplane knows that a warm scarf can make all the difference. A blanket scarf is one of my favorite in-flight essentials: It's easy to throw on before boarding, doubles as an extra layer when cabin temperatures drop, and makes even the simplest airport outfit feel more put together. The best blanket scarves for travel balance comfort, versatility, and style. A large scarf can double as a shawl or blanket on long-haul flights, while lightweight cashmere scarves keep you warm without taking up too much room in your carry-on. Below, I've rounded up the best blanket scarves to travel with this season, from soft, oversized knits to packable, 100% cotton styles.Top picksMore of the best blanket scarvesFrequently asked questionsTop picks:Best packable scarfFree People Movement Pixie Packable Puffer scarfJump to reviewBest cashmere scarfEileen Fisher Italian Cashmere Triangle scarfJump to reviewBest plane scarfZestt Organics The Dreamsoft Travel scarfJump to reviewBest oversized wrapJ.Crew Oversized cashmere wrapJump to reviewBest winter scarfAlo Merino Wool Oversized ScarfJump to reviewAritziaEssential Cashmere blanket scarfFor those who prefer classic cashmere scarves, Aritzia's blanket scarf checks all the boxes. Made from 100% mid-weight cashmere, the soft jersey knit provides plenty of warmth without feeling too heavy. A narrow silhouette and rolled hem offer it a streamlined look. The cashmere is also verified to The Good Cashmere Standard, which promotes improved animal welfare practices.Material: CashmereEileen FisherItalian Cashmere Triangle scarfThe beauty of Eileen Fisher's Triangle scarf lies in how many ways you can wear it. Its triangular shape looks great draped over the shoulders, wrapped around the neck, or loosely tied for a more relaxed look. Made from fine Italian cashmere designed to grow softer over time, this versatile piece is one you'll reach for well beyond a single season.Material: CashmereWhite+WarrenCashmere travel wrapThere may be no brand more synonymous with cashmere than White + Warren, so it’s no surprise that its travel wrap is one of my favorites. I carried a navy version of it all over the country last 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.Material: CashmereFree People MovementPixie Packable Puffer scarfThink of Free People's packable scarf as a miniature puffer jacket for your neck. Made from padded nylon, it's a cozy option for winter travel and outdoor adventures, whether you're checking into a cozy cabin or a ski resort. A concealed zip pocket keeps small essentials close, and the included pouch makes it easy to tuck into your carry-on or tote bag.Material: NylonZestt OrganicsThe Dreamsoft Travel scarfLong flights, chilly train rides, and overzealous air conditioning are no match for Zestt Organics' Dreamsoft travel scarf. Made from plush, 100% organic cotton, this large scarf measures 28x78" and doubles as a cozy shawl or travel blanket when you need extra coverage. It's also machine washable, making it an especially practical companion for trips near and far.Material: CottonJ.CrewOversized cashmere wrapJ.Crew's cashmere wrap, which comes in a range of colors from classic black to camel, is both cozy and sustainable. It's very oversized, keeping you fully covered on the plane, in the car, or even just on the couch. Even better, the company is the first US partner of Aid by Trade Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agricultural development around the world.Material: CashmereGapSherpa & Vegan Leather scarfGap’s chic scarf combines cozy sherpa with edgy faux leather for an unexpected mix of textures. The rich, on-trend chocolate brown shade makes it especially appealing this season, perfect for city trips and holiday outings. Pair it with a wool coat or leather jacket, et voila.Material: Sherpa, polyesterQuinceMongolian Cashmere scarfUntil 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 products 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.Material: Mongolian cashmereAloMerino Wool oversized scarfSure, nothing is as soft as cashmere, but when it comes to keeping you toasty, no material beats a wool weave. Alo's wool scarf is very oversized; you can loop it around your neck several times or easily drape it on your shoulders during a chilly flight. Thanks to its extra-long length and thick material, it's a go-to for commerce editor Meaghan Kenny in the winter.Material: WoolSofia CashmereSequined Metallic Cashmere wrapWho says scarves have to be strictly practical? Sofia Cashmere's wrap brings a little sparkle to cold-weather dressing with shimmering metallic fibers, delicate beading, and sequins. The soft, cashmere-blend knit drapes elegantly over the shoulders, adding a stylish finishing touch to fancier looks for holiday parties, evening outings, and winter weddings.Material: Cashmere, metallic fibers, nylonJacquemus' Carro scarf is anything but subtle. Measuring nearly eight-and-a-half feet long, this oversized scarf takes winter accessorizing to the next level. The fuzzy, mohair-alpaca blend adds texture, and there's also an embroidered grosgrain logo. Wrap it around your neck a few times or let the extra-long ends hang loose for maximum impact.Material: Mohair, wool, polyamideAs the name implies, this wrap is a generous piece of fabric that’s 44" wide by 72" 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. I love that it comes in a handful of seasonal colors, from a deep plum you can even wear to a fancy dinner, to a muted sand that would pair well with anything in your suitcase. Plus, it’s fully machine washable and can go in the dryer without shrinking.Material: Modal, spandexFAQ:A blanket scarf is a large, oversized wrap that offers more coverage than a traditional scarf. Typically made from cozy materials like wool, cashmere, or cotton, you can wrap it around your neck, drape it over your shoulders, or wear it as a shawl. Some are even large enough to double as a blanket.Are blanket scarves ideal for the plane? Blanket scarves are especially useful for air travel because they can serve as both a stylish accessory and an extra layer when cabin temperatures drop. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or cashmere that feel comfortable against your skin.What are the most packable blanket scarves?The most packable blanket scarves are typically made from lightweight, flexible fabrics that fold down easily without taking up too much suitcase space. Cashmere scarves are a great option because they provide warmth without excessive bulk. For something specifically designed for travel, Free People's Pixie Packable Puffer scarf folds into an included pouch, while Zestt Organics' Dreamsoft travel scarf offers the versatility of a scarf, shawl, and blanket all in one.This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based freelance writer and editor. A graduate of Syracuse University, Lauren's work has been published in Brides, The Knot, Allure, Elle, SmarterTravel, and ShermansTravel, among other digital lifestyle publications. ... Read More