The short answer: the best alpaca scarf is the one that is long enough to wrap twice, light enough to wear all day and in a color you will reach for every morning. Our scarves are 11 x 78 inches, 60% alpaca and 40% acrylic, hand woven by artisan families in Ecuador, and start at $65. If you are buying a gift, a plaid is the safest pick. If you want something a little special, go for a double weave.
The best Winterborn alpaca scarves, by what you need
| Best for | Scarf | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A classic gift for anyone | Alpaca Plaid Scarves, 16 plaids | $65 |
| A bold, cheerful look | Alpaca Striped Scarves | $65 |
| Going with every coat | Alpaca Solid Scarves | $65 |
| Color lovers | Alpaca Variegated Scarves | $65 |
| A gift that feels extra special | Alpaca Double Weave Scarves | $75 |
| A scarf plus a matching piece | The Cozy Classic gift set, scarf and reversible beanie | $109 |
Best for a classic gift: Plaids ($65). Our plaid scarves are among the best sellers at our holiday markets. There are 16 to choose from, from black with white and gray to burgundy, lilac and dusky pink. A plaid works for him, for her, for a parent or for a teacher, which is why it is the scarf we suggest when you are not sure.
16 plaids, 11 x 78 inches, our safest gift scarf.
Adds Black with White Plaid. More choices on the product page.
Best for a bold look: Stripes ($65). Striped scarves bring a bit of color to a dark winter coat. Choose a soft blue stripe for something quiet, or a multi stripe if they love color.
A bit of color for a dark winter coat.
Adds Soft Blue Stripes. More choices on the product page.
Best for everyday wear: Solids ($65). A solid alpaca scarf goes with everything. Black, white and the jewel toned "sheen" colors (ruby, emerald, sapphire, amethyst and mulberry) are the easiest to style.
Goes with every coat. Black, white and jewel tones.
Adds Sapphire Sheen. More choices on the product page.
Best for color lovers: Variegated ($65). Variegated yarn shifts gently from one shade to the next along the scarf, so no two look quite the same. One customer called hers "a wonderful piece of art to add to any winter collection."
Color that shifts gently along the scarf.
Adds Dark Blue Variegated. More choices on the product page.
Best special gift: Double Weave ($75). Double weave is a traditional technique that weaves two connected layers at once. Our double weaves come in 10 two tone pairings, such as camel and white, iris and lilac, and wine and smoke. It is our most dressed up scarf and a lovely choice for a milestone gift.
Alpaca Double Weave Scarves $75
Two woven layers in 10 two tone pairings.
Adds Black & Charcoal Double Weave. More choices on the product page.
Best value gift: a scarf in a set. If you want to give more than one piece, our gift sets cost less than buying the pieces on their own. The Cozy Classic pairs a plaid scarf with a reversible beanie for $109 (save $16), and the Scarf and Headband Gift Set is $95 (save $15).
The Cozy Classic Gift Set $109
A plaid scarf and a reversible beanie. Save $16.
Adds Pink & White beanie, Black with White Plaid scarf. More choices on the product page.
Scarf and Headband Gift Set $95
An alpaca scarf plus a headband. Save $15.
Adds Mottled Blue headband, Black with White Plaid scarf. More choices on the product page.
Shop every color in our alpaca scarves collection.
Why choose an alpaca scarf?
People choose an alpaca scarf for three reasons: warmth, softness and how light it feels.
Warm without bulk. Alpaca fiber is naturally warm for its weight, so a scarf can keep your neck warm without feeling heavy. One customer wrote that her Winterborn scarf is "so lightweight yet keep me warm unlike any scarf I have ever owned."
Soft on the neck. Alpaca has no lanolin, the natural grease in sheep's wool that many people find irritating. That is a big reason people who gave up on wool scarves are happy wearing alpaca.
Made by hand. Every Winterborn scarf is designed by Winterborn and hand woven by artisan families in Ecuador. Small differences from one scarf to the next are part of the charm.
Alpaca vs wool vs acrylic: an honest comparison
Here is the honest version. A 100% acrylic scarf is cheap and easy to wash, but it does not have the soft, natural feel of alpaca. Sheep's wool is warm, but its lanolin and coarser fibers make some people itch. Alpaca sits in a sweet spot: warm, light and soft against skin.
Our scarves are a blend: 60% alpaca and 40% acrylic. We use the acrylic for shape and easy care, while the alpaca brings the softness and warmth. We list the exact blend on every product page, so you always know what you are buying.
Buying guide: how to choose an alpaca scarf
1. Check the length. A scarf you can wrap twice is warmer and more versatile. Ours are 11 x 78 inches (about 28 x 198 cm), long enough for a double wrap, a loop knot or a simple drape.
2. Check the blend. Some "alpaca" scarves contain very little alpaca. Look for the percentage on the label. Ours are 60% alpaca.
3. Pick the pattern for the person. Plaids and solids are the safest gift. Stripes and variegated suit someone who loves color. A double weave is the special occasion pick.
4. Match their coat. Think about the coat they wear most. A black or camel coat goes with almost any plaid. A bright coat looks best with a solid or a soft stripe.
5. Think about a set. If the scarf is a gift, adding a beanie or headband in a set saves money and makes a complete gift. See all alpaca gift sets.
6. Know the shipping and returns. We ship from Lincolnwood, Illinois, with free US Economy shipping on orders over $50. Unused items with tags can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Alpaca scarf FAQ
Is an alpaca scarf itchy?
Many people find alpaca much softer than sheep's wool. Alpaca has no lanolin, which is one of the things that makes wool feel scratchy to some people. If you have very sensitive skin, a scarf is a good first alpaca piece because you can feel it right away.
Is alpaca warmer than wool?
Alpaca is warm for its weight, so you get real warmth without the bulk. As one customer put it, our scarf is "so lightweight yet keep me warm."
How do you wash an alpaca scarf?
Hand wash in cold water with a gentle soap, or use a gentle cold cycle. Press the water out without wringing and lay it flat to dry. Do not put it in the dryer. Always check the care note on the product page. One customer told us: "I wash mine normally ... it comes out as beautifully and soft as when I bought."
Does an alpaca scarf pill?
Any natural fiber can form a few small pills where it rubs, for example under a coat collar. Gently remove them with a sweater comb or soft brush and the scarf will look fresh again.
Is an alpaca scarf a good gift for a man?
Yes. Plaids in gray, black and white, or blue and tan, and solids in black are easy choices for men. All our scarves are unisex.
Is an alpaca scarf worth the price?
A good alpaca scarf is made to be worn every cold day, season after season, with gentle care. At $65, a hand woven scarf that is warm, light and soft is a gift that gets used.
Shop the scarves in this guide
$65
Goes with every coat. Black, white and jewel tones.
$109
A plaid scarf and a reversible beanie. Save $16.
Ready to choose?
Browse every color in our alpaca scarves collection, or make it a complete gift with an alpaca gift set. Want the whole look? Pair a scarf with an alpaca beanie or headband and a pair of alpaca mittens.
Designed by Winterborn, handmade by artisans in Peru and Ecuador. Customer quotes are from published reviews; some reviewers received a discount for sharing an honest review.