Collection: Scarves & shawls

Silk has a very low weight (60-90 g/m² for a standard square) and a very smooth surface: it slides on itself and unties easily. A silk scarf does not hold its position without being fixed. To keep a silk scarf tied: use a safety pin hidden in the knot, or a scarf ring (scarf ring) that holds the silk by friction. Silk has a characteristic color gradient under sunlight (the side exposed to the sun fades faster than the inside of the fold): store away from light to preserve colors. The silk twill square (silk twill weave) is more resistant to wear and retains colors better than the silk crepe square.

A cashmere scarf or stole (120-200 g/m²) is significantly heavier and warmer than a silk scarf. Cashmere fiber is hygroscopic (absorbs up to 20% of its weight in moisture) and releases heat through evaporation: thermoregulatory effect. The wide cashmere stole (50-70 cm wide, 180-200 cm long) can be worn as a shawl over the shoulders instead of a jacket in intermediate temperatures. Cashmere fibers slightly cling to each other (microscopic scales): cashmere ties and stays tied without slipping like silk. A cashmere square tends to pill less if in grade A (long and fine fibers).

Modal (cellulosic fiber derived from beech wood) and bamboo are softer than cotton, more affordable than silk, and have a drape similar to silk. Typical weight: 80-120 g/m²: between silk and cashmere. Non-allergenic, machine washable (advantage over silk). Disadvantage: less luster than silk, less warmth than cashmere. It is the most practical material for mid-season scarves (spring, mild autumn). Viscose (rayon) has similar properties to modal: same fluid drape, same ease of care, same accessible price.

A silk square can be folded along two axes: on the straight grain (straight fold, horizontally or vertically on the square) or on the bias (diagonal fold at 45 degrees). A scarf folded on the bias has a completely different drape: the threads are cut at 45 degrees from their natural orientation, which uses the elasticity of the bias and creates a supple and rounded drape. The straight fold gives sharp edges. The bias fold gives rounded edges and pointed ends: it is the typical shape of the silk square worn as a neck scarf. For a scarf tied as a bandana (around the head): the bias fold is mandatory for the scarf to keep its shape and wrap well. For a scarf worn in the collar of a blazer: straight or bias fold depending on the desired effect.

Pocket square (25x25 cm): for the suit pocket or bag: too small for the neck. Neck handkerchief (45x45 cm): neck or hair scarf: the cowboy scarf size. Standard square (65x70 cm): the classic Hermes square size: neck scarf, head bandana, bag square. Large format square (90x90 cm): worn around the shoulders as a light stole or in a large headdress. Long scarf (30x150-200 cm): worn around the neck in a twist or wrapped. Stole (50x200 cm): the most versatile: on the shoulders, around the neck, as a summer sarong.

For a cashmere scarf (material): cashmeres. For silk squares specifically: silk squares. For necklaces (alternative to the neck scarf): necklaces. For accessories in general: accessories. To give a scarf or shawl as a gift: women's gift ideas. To compose a summer outfit with a silk scarf: women's summer outfit. To compose a winter outfit with a cashmere scarf: women's winter outfit. For blog articles on scarves: care and tying guides in the Misciano journal.