Silk v. Knit Scarves - Warmth?

luftvier · Dec 22, 2009

Scarves are a cold-weather necessity to keep out biting wind. I've always worn bulky wool or wool blend scarves, operating under the impression that the sheer bulk of the wool would keep the warmth in and the wind out. They are rarely elegant, though.

I've admired a lot of silk scarves in the WAYWYN thread, but always from afar, as I am afraid they they're sacrificing function for form. And while I'd purchase one to try out, they're pricey compared to wool.

For those of you who own both - are silk scarves relatively warm for serious winter wear, compared with the bulkier, less-elegant wool?

Your expertise is greatly appreciated.

JayJay · Dec 22, 2009

Originally Posted by luftvier

Scarves are a cold-weather necessity to keep out biting wind. I've always worn bulky wool or wool blend scarves, operating under the impression that the sheer bulk of the wool would keep the warmth in and the wind out. They are rarely elegant, though.

I've admired a lot of silk scarves in the WAYWYN thread, but always from afar, as I am afraid they they're sacrificing function for form. And while I'd purchase one to try out, they're pricey compared to wool.

For those of you who own both - are silk scarves relatively warm for serious winter wear, compared with the bulkier, less-elegant wool?

Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Are you including cashmere in your assessment of wool? I have light-weight and heavy cashmere that are both terrific this time of year.

Sam Hober · Dec 22, 2009

Originally Posted by luftvier

Scarves are a cold-weather necessity to keep out biting wind. I've always worn bulky wool or wool blend scarves, operating under the impression that the sheer bulk of the wool would keep the warmth in and the wind out. They are rarely elegant, though. I've admired a lot of silk scarves in the WAYWYN thread, but always from afar, as I am afraid they they're sacrificing function for form. And while I'd purchase one to try out, they're pricey compared to wool. For those of you who own both - are silk scarves relatively warm for serious winter wear, compared with the bulkier, less-elegant wool? Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Luftvier, Your question is a very good one and you will find different answers. I used to live in Denver and they have some nice blizzards so I understand your point. I wore a scarf which was a double layer of Thai silk which worked very well for me. By doubling the scarf I found myself warm at all times. Doubling meant 4 layers of silk as the silk was already double layered. I never felt the need for an interlining but I wonder if in Canada near the great lakes where the weather is wet and cold it might be a good idea? In summary I think that in terms of weight, looks and comfort silk scarves are more better.

luftvier · Dec 23, 2009

Originally Posted by JayJay

Are you including cashmere in your assessment of wool? I have light-weight and heavy cashmere that are both terrific this time of year.
I had not factored cashmere in at all.

fcuknu · Dec 23, 2009

Surpisingly, silk does a very good job insulating. I wouldn't go out in sub zero weather in silk, but it can do the job. Its hard to beat cashmere though. Oh hey, whats that down in my signature?

Tomasso · Dec 23, 2009

I like cashmere backed silk scarves.

11592-18--hermes-royal-blue-cashmere-blend-silk-equestrian-print-scarf1.jpg

globetrotter · Dec 23, 2009

I have a cashmere backed silk scarf. I am now planning on making a scarf with 3 layers - silk on one side and cashmere on the other, with an inner layer of alpaca. that will be hugely warm.

FIHTies · Dec 23, 2009

Originally Posted by globetrotter

I have a cashmere backed silk scarf. I am now planning on making a scarf with 3 layers - silk on one side and cashmere on the other, with an inner layer of alpaca. that will be hugely warm.

Seven fold scarves anyone?

Taxler · Dec 23, 2009

Originally Posted by FIHTies

Seven fold scarves anyone?

Loro Piana sells a scarf with 5 different colored panels stitched together along one of the long edges. You choose the inside and outside color you want and squeeze the other 3 inside. It was too complicated for me and way to chunky, but it is an interesting idea if you only want to own 1 scarf.

QuarantaLocatel · Dec 28, 2016

We have this gap... We love to produce silk scarves for winter too...but people don't imagine, generally, how silki is good in insulating from the cold when you can fold it just a bit.

QuarantaLocatel · Dec 28, 2016

I don't like cold months, but since I discovered silk scarves I use them instead than wool or cachemere most of time.
They are really light but they protect from cold and we generally don't imagine it. Of course there are textiles mixded silk-cachemere, but even just silk is insulating.

Latest posts

Silk v. Knit Scarves - Warmth?

luftvier

Distinguished Member

JayJay

Stylish Dinosaur

Sam Hober

Distinguished Member

luftvier

Distinguished Member

fcuknu

Distinguished Member

Tomasso

Distinguished Member

globetrotter

Stylish Dinosaur

FIHTies

Distinguished Member

Taxler

Senior Member

QuarantaLocatel

Well-Known Member

QuarantaLocatel

Well-Known Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Latest posts

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Members online

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON:

Newest Posts

New Listings in Buying and Selling