Hooded Scarves: How to Choose and Wear a Hooded Scarf

A hooded scarf is a long knitted scarf with a hood shaped into its centre, so a single piece covers the head and then wraps the neck, which solves the problem of a coat that has no hood of its own. Worn up it shelters the ears from wind; worn down it settles at the nape like a soft collar. It pairs naturally with the tailored shapes in our wool coats for women guide.

ME+EM has two new cashmere hooded scarves arriving on Coveti, alongside two more cashmere scarves in different shapes. This guide explains how a hooded scarf differs from a balaclava scarf, what to look for in the knit, how the four new pieces compare and how to wear each one through a cold winter.

Hooded scarf and balaclava scarf: the difference

The hooded scarf. A hood sits in the middle of a long scarf. You raise it over the head, cross the tails at the throat and wrap them once, then let the ends fall. It is easy to put on over a finished hairstyle and comes down in one movement when you step inside.

The balaclava scarf. Here the hood is closer to the face and the neck section is shorter and more fitted, so the whole piece frames the face like a snood. It is warmer in a biting wind but more of a commitment, since it stays on as one shape.

Which to choose. If you want a scarf first and a hood second, take the hooded scarf. If you spend long stretches outdoors in real cold, a balaclava shape keeps more heat in. Both look best in a fine, soft yarn that drapes rather than stands away from the head.

What to look for in a cashmere hooded scarf

The fibre. Cashmere is light for its warmth, so a hood in cashmere does not feel heavy on the head. All four new ME+EM scarves are 100% cashmere.

The stitch. A plain stitch gives a smooth, flat face that drapes into soft folds around the face. Ribbed trims at the edges keep the scarf from curling and give a clean line.

The proportions. The tails need enough length to wrap once and still hang. At 169 cm long, the ME+EM hooded scarf has room for a single wrap with tails to spare.

Pilling. ME+EM says it has worked to make its cashmere yarn low pilling, while noting that some pilling is a characteristic of soft yarns. Gentle handling keeps the surface smooth.

The new ME+EM cashmere scarves

Hooded, in brown. The ME+EM Hooded Scarf in Rich Heather Brown is knitted in plain stitch with ribbed trims. The house suggests it with its Relaxed Crop Jumper for a colour-matched pairing, a tonal look that suits camel and chocolate coats.

Hooded, in grey. The ME+EM Hooded Scarf in Dark Charcoal Melange is the same shape in a deep, flecked grey. ME+EM describes it as perfectly proportioned to wear as a scarf, with the hood there when you need it. Charcoal is the easier shade with black, navy and grey tailoring.

The skinny scarf. The ME+EM Reversible Skinny Scarf in Brown Multi has a striped pattern on both faces, so neither side is the wrong side. ME+EM cut it slim to drape over blazer lapels and under coat hoods.

The triangle scarf. The ME+EM Small Triangle Scarf in Charcoal Multi is in brushed cashmere, which gives it a fluffy, wispy surface. The triangle shape is easy to wrap and lock in warmth at the throat, and the house pairs it with its Straight Knit Vest.

Comparison matrix: the new ME+EM cashmere scarves

All four are one size. Hood depth and weight are not published by the house.

How to wear a hooded scarf

With a hoodless coat. This is the main job. Wear the hood down inside the collar of a wool coat and raise it when the weather turns.

With a bomber. A short jacket with a collar and no hood, such as the herringbone style in our bomber jackets for women guide, gains a weekend layer.

With knitwear. Match the scarf to a jumper in the same shade for a tonal column. Our cashmere sweaters for women edit has the weights to pair.

In a capsule. One hooded scarf in a neutral covers a full season of coats. Build the rest with our winter capsule wardrobe guide.

Hooded scarves around the world

US. Hooded scarf is searched about 12,100 times a month, rising to around 40,500 in December, and balaclava scarf sees about 2,900, rising to around 14,800. A cashmere hood suits a windy Chicago and New York winter worn under a long coat.

UK. Around 5,400 monthly searches, peaking near 18,100 in November. British cold is damp and windy more often than freezing, so a soft hood you can raise and lower suits it well.

EU. In northern Europe the hooded scarf is a city piece for cold, bright days, and in the Alps it works as an off-slope layer over a ski jacket collar.

GCC. Desert winter nights in the region can turn cool, and a light cashmere hood is an easy evening layer. It also packs small for winter travel to London and the Alps.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hooded scarf?

A long scarf with a hood built into its centre, so one piece covers the head and wraps the neck.

Is a hooded scarf the same as a balaclava?

Not quite. A balaclava scarf fits closer to the face and neck, while a hooded scarf has longer tails you wrap like a normal scarf.

How long is the ME+EM hooded scarf?

169 cm long and 16.5 cm wide, in one size.

Can you wear a hooded scarf over a hairstyle?

Yes. A soft cashmere hood rests lightly on the head and lifts off without catching.

Will a cashmere hooded scarf pill?

Some pilling is natural in soft yarns. ME+EM says it has worked to keep its cashmere low pilling.

What colour hooded scarf is most versatile?

Charcoal suits black, navy and grey coats. Brown suits camel, chocolate and cream. Our ME+EM shoes, bags and accessories guide has more of the label’s winter pieces.

How we measured: fibre, finish, shape, length, width and country of manufacture come from the four ME+EM product pages; we did not re-measure the scarves, and nothing in the matrix is estimated. Read our editorial policy.