How to Choose a Cashmere Scarf: A Johnstons of Elgin Guide
A good scarf is one of the few things you will wear almost every day from October to March, so it pays to choose carefully. Here is what to look for, using the Johnstons of Elgin scarves we stock as examples.
1. Decide on the fibre
Pure cashmere is the softest choice. The Johnstons of Elgin Lofty Twill scarf is 100% cashmere, woven in a soft twill that feels plush and airy and keeps you warm without weight.
A blend costs less and suits a bolder pattern. The Mull tartan scarf is 95% wool, 4% cashmere and 1% silk: lightweight, with the crisp colours of a traditional Scottish tartan.
2. Check who made it and where
Johnstons of Elgin has been making textiles in Scotland since 1797, and all of its products are still made there. Woven pieces such as scarves come from the mill in Elgin, and knitwear from its mill in Hawick. In 1851 it became the first Scottish company to weave cashmere. Its cashmere comes mainly from Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, from farms certified by the Sustainable Fibre Alliance. In 2024 the company was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty The King.
3. Get the size right
Both scarves measure 180 x 30 cm. That is long enough to wrap once around the neck with the ends left to hang, and slim enough to sit under a coat collar without bulk.
4. Choose a colour you will actually wear
A plain scarf in a quiet colour goes with almost everything. The Lofty Twill comes in Peregrine, Storm blue and Cream Dun.
A tartan lifts a plain coat. The Mull comes in a versatile Grey tartan and in Royal Stewart, one of the most recognised tartans in the world, in red, green and navy.
5. Buying as a gift
A scarf is one size, which makes it an easy gift to get right. For a fuller present, pair it with cashmere gloves: the Patrick for men, or the women's glove with a turnback cuff. You will find more ideas in our gifts for him and gifts for her, and ideas by budget in our Christmas gift guide.
How to care for a cashmere scarf
Johnstons of Elgin recommends dry cleaning woven cashmere such as scarves. Between cleans, give the scarf a gentle shake and hang it so that dust falls away, and spot clean any marks with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Never tumble dry cashmere.
Knitted cashmere, such as gloves, can be washed by hand in lukewarm water with a cashmere shampoo, then reshaped and dried flat. Small balls of fibre are normal in the first few wears and lift away with a cashmere comb. Store cashmere folded in a drawer or a breathable bag with cedar wood balls.
Shop Johnstons of Elgin at MinimuMaximuM, with free UK delivery on orders over £50.
