Designer Silk Scarves: Twill, Satin and Size, and Ten Ways to Wear One

A designer silk scarf is a printed square of silk twill, finished at the edges by hand, and it is one of the few luxury pieces that work at any age, in any season and with any wardrobe. The newest at Coveti are four 110 cm squares from Scanlan Theodore, including the Silk Lily Scarf, in our full edit of designer scarves.

Key facts

• Silk twill has a fine diagonal weave, holds a knot and takes a print sharply
• The common squares are 55 cm (a neckerchief), 90 cm (the classic) and 110 cm and up (a sarong, a top, a wrap)
• A hand rolled edge is rolled toward the printed side and slip stitched, the mark of a quality scarf
• Each new Scanlan Theodore scarf is 110 by 110 cm in 100% silk twill, with a hand sewn rolled edge
• Silk scarf is searched about 110,000 times a month worldwide, rising to 165,000 in December

Silk twill against silk satin

Silk twill is woven with a diagonal rib, so it is matte, slightly firm and grips when knotted; it is the classic scarf cloth. Silk satin is woven to float the threads on the face, which gives a liquid shine and a soft drape, better for a loose wrap than a tight knot. Twill also takes a print more crisply, which is why most printed designer squares use it.

Which size to buy

The new Scanlan Theodore scarves

All four share the same construction: 110 by 110 cm, 100% silk twill, a hand sewn rolled edge and the vintage Scanlan Theodore signature. Each print also appears on ready to wear in the same drop, so a scarf can complete a set. The lily print matches the Silk Lily gown, top and skirt; the animal print matches the silk shirt and short; the desert print matches the Silk Desert Gown.

Ten ways to wear a silk scarf

1. The neck knot. Fold into a long band, wrap once and knot to the side.
2. The headscarf. Fold into a triangle, place over the hair and tie under the chin, then at the nape.
3. The hair tie. Fold into a narrow band and knot around a low ponytail.
4. The belt. Thread a long band through the loops of jeans and knot at the hip.
5. The bag charm. Wind a narrow band around a handle and knot.
6. The sarong. A 110 cm square wraps the hips and ties at the side over a swimsuit.
7. The halter top. Fold into a triangle, tie two points at the back of the neck and the third at the waist.
8. The shoulder wrap. Leave it open across the shoulders over an evening gown.
9. The bandeau. Fold into a wide band and knot at the back.
10. The wrist cuff. Fold narrow and wrap twice around the wrist.

Our picks

1. Silk Lily Scarf in Chocolate Jungle

The lily print in chocolate and olive. Wear it as a sarong over the cobalt Turban Drape One Piece.

2. Silk Mosaic Scarf in Navy Chocolate

A navy and chocolate mosaic, the most versatile of the four with tailoring.

3. Silk Twill Animal Scarf in Jungle

An olive animal print. Knot it at the neck of a white shirt.

4. Silk Desert Scarf in Cobalt Black

Cobalt and black. The richest colour of the drop, made to pair with the Silk Desert Gown.

5. St. Agni Savannah Silk Scarf in Sand

A sand coloured silk scarf, the neutral choice.

6. Versace Printed Silk Twill Scarf 90 cm in Purple and Gold

A 90 cm silk twill square in purple and gold.

Caring for a silk scarf

Dry clean printed silk twill to protect the colour. To refresh between cleans, steam it on a low setting through a cloth, never directly. Store it folded flat, away from light, and never hang it on a hook, which pulls the hem. A hand rolled edge should never be pressed flat.

Wearing it around the world

Scanlan Theodore designs in Melbourne, so its spring and summer pieces land in November, when the Gulf is at its most comfortable and the northern hemisphere is planning winter sun. In Dubai, Riyadh and Doha the lightweight fabrics here suit the cooler months outdoors, and long sleeves and full lengths cover easily for the souq, the mosque visit and the family lunch. In London, Paris and Milan they pack for a January escape and come back out in May. In New York and Los Angeles they cover resort season. US shoppers subtract four from the Australian size; Europeans add twenty eight.

Frequently asked questions

What size silk scarf is most versatile?

A 90 cm square ties at the neck, on the head and as a belt. A 110 cm square does all of that and also works as a sarong and a top.

How can you tell a quality silk scarf?

Look for 100% silk twill, a sharp print that shows clearly on the reverse, and a plump, hand rolled edge stitched toward the printed side.

Can you wash a silk scarf?

Dry cleaning is safest for printed silk. If the label allows, hand wash in cool water with a silk detergent and dry flat away from sun.

How big are the Scanlan Theodore silk scarves?

Each is 110 by 110 cm in 100% silk twill, with a hand sewn rolled edge.

How do you stop a silk scarf from slipping?

Use silk twill rather than satin, since twill grips, and finish with a square knot rather than a loose loop.

Read next: Scanlan Theodore silk prints, Scanlan Theodore accessories, Silk evening gowns.

By Coveti Editorial. Updated 15 November 2026. Product details are taken from each house's own garment and care notes.