A designer scarf may be the most versatile luxury you can own. Knot it at your neck, tie it to a bag handle, wear it in your hair, or wrap it around your shoulders on a cool evening. Silk and cashmere scarves from the great fashion houses are made to be treasured for decades, which makes them a beautiful choice to buy preloved.
Many collectors also love that preloved shopping brings back prints and colorways from past decades. A vintage design can feel completely fresh today, and every scarf carries a little story from its previous owner.
A Little History
Printed silk scarves became a fashion icon in the twentieth century. Hermès introduced its silk carré in 1937, and its hand-engraved prints of horses, gardens and travel scenes made the square scarf a collectible art form. Gucci’s Flora print, first created in 1966, became another classic, and houses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior and Burberry have each added their own signatures, from monograms to the famous Burberry check.
Popular Styles and Sizes
Silk Squares
The classic silk square is the most adaptable shape. Larger squares can be worn as a shawl or tied as a top, while smaller squares are lovely at the neck or on a ponytail.
Twillies and Bandeaus
Long, narrow silk strips, such as the Hermès Twilly, are made for wrapping bag handles, tying around a wrist or using as a hair ribbon. Many owners wrap a pair around the handles of a favorite bag to protect the leather.
Cashmere and Wool Scarves
For cooler months, cashmere and wool scarves add softness and warmth. Burberry’s check cashmere scarf is a timeless example, and monogram shawls from Louis Vuitton offer a lightweight wool-and-silk option.
Choosing Your Scarf
- Pick colors that echo your wardrobe so you reach for it often.
- Consider a print you love as art; scarves are easy to frame or display.
- Choose silk for year-round elegance and cashmere for warmth.
Not sure how to wear a silk square? Try folding it into a band and tying it loosely at the neck, knotting it over a bag handle, or folding it into a triangle to wear as a headscarf with sunglasses for a classic, relaxed look.
What to Look for When Buying Preloved
- Edges: hand-rolled hems on fine silk scarves should be intact without fraying.
- Color: look for even color without fading, especially along fold lines.
- Fabric: check silk for pulls or snags and cashmere for pilling or thin spots.
- Marks: small spots are sometimes noted in listings; read condition notes carefully.
Every scarf we list is professionally inspected and authenticated before listing, so you can shop with confidence. Read more about our Authenticity Guarantee.
Caring for Silk and Cashmere
- Store silk scarves folded loosely or rolled in tissue to avoid sharp creases.
- Keep cashmere folded, never hung, so it does not stretch.
- Avoid spraying perfume directly onto silk, which can leave marks.
- Professional dry cleaning is the safest choice for fine silk prints.
- Use cedar or lavender sachets to protect wool and cashmere from moths.
Looking for another finishing touch? Our bag charms and keychains guide pairs beautifully with a scarf-wrapped handle.
Shop Designer Scarves at Authentic Preloved
Find a print you will love for years. Browse our current selection of preloved designer scarves; our inventory changes often, so new pieces arrive regularly. Have scarves you no longer wear? Sell with us and pass them on to someone who will cherish them.