French Scarf Style: The Best Winter Scarves From Parisian Brands
There’s something about a French scarf that feels instantly chic. In Paris, scarves aren’t an afterthought to battle the cold — they’re a finishing touch, an attitude, a way of carrying the season with style. While silk foulards flutter elegantly through spring and summer, the Parisian winter calls for something softer, warmer, and more enveloping. Think cashmere bandanas, oversized wool wraps, and textured scarves slipped nonchalantly into the collar of a tailored coat.
If you’re here for something lighter and fashion-forward, you can find my full guide to The Best French Silk Scarf Brands in 2025. But if you’re preparing for crisp air and gray skies, this winter scarf edit is where to start.
The Language of French Scarves
The French have a precise vocabulary for scarves, and knowing the difference adds to the pleasure of choosing the right one:
- Écharpe — The classic long, warm scarf, usually in wool or cashmere, worn for both warmth and style.
- Foulard / Carré — A silk or lightweight square scarf, often patterned, more decorative than practical.
- Étole — A wide rectangular shawl or wrap, draped over the shoulders for extra warmth or evening elegance.
- Chèche — A soft, lightweight cotton scarf, often with a crinkled texture, traditionally associated with North Africa but now popular in Paris as a casual, year-round accessory.
In Paris, you’ll see all four in action — but when temperatures drop, the écharpe reigns supreme.
The Best Winter Scarves from Parisian Brands
Here’s an edited list of Parisian labels whose scarves embody both warmth and style. Each offers something distinctive, whether it’s minimalist elegance, playful details, or heritage craft.
Loewe
Though Spanish by origin, Loewe has become a Paris fashion-week staple and a favorite among Parisians for its sculptural approach to accessories. Their winter scarves, often oversized in wool and mohair, carry the same artistic edge as the brand’s iconic bags. The Anagram logo woven subtly into the fabric adds instant recognition without shouting, making a Loewe scarf a piece that feels both directional and timeless.
Saint Laurent
Sharp, sleek, and unmistakably Parisian, Saint Laurent scarves embody the brand’s rock-and-roll elegance. In winter, look for elongated wool or cashmere scarves in all-black or subtle houndstooth — pieces that mirror the label’s tailored coats and leather boots. A Saint Laurent scarf isn’t about coziness as much as attitude: it’s the finishing detail that turns a simple coat into a statement.
Jacquemus
Jacquemus brings its signature mix of modernity and Provençal charm to scarves. Expect oversized proportions, bold logo jacquards, and pure virgin wool that makes a statement without fuss. Perfect for wrapping over a tailored coat with just the right touch of irony.
Bompard
If Paris had a king of cashmere, it would be Eric Bompard. Since the 1980s, this maison has specialized in luxurious cashmere that lasts for years. Their scarves come in muted palettes and classic shapes — the kind of understated luxury you’ll see looped around the necks of Left Bank locals.
Kujten
Founded in Paris by two friends, Kujten has made the cashmere bandana a quiet obsession among Parisians. Ethically sourced in Mongolia and dyed in rich colors, their scarves are both playful and practical. You’ll spot them everywhere in Saint-Germain — tied snugly over a sweater or peeking out from under a trench.
Soeur
Soeur is Parisian minimalism at its best. Their winter scarves echo the brand’s ready-to-wear: muted colors, soft textures, and pieces that feel lived-in but polished. Perfect for someone who loves an understated wardrobe with a French sensibility.
Maison Kitsuné
Equal parts Paris and Tokyo, Maison Kitsuné infuses its scarves with playful modernity. The little fox logo is iconic, appearing subtly on knit scarves in wool or cashmere blends. Pair it with a wool coat for a casual-chic look that feels effortlessly young.
Ami Paris
Alexandre Mattiussi’s Ami de Cœur logo is stitched across everything from sweaters to winter scarves. Ami Paris pieces are warm, simple, and rooted in friendship and charm. Their scarves are a perfect entry point into the brand’s relaxed, unpretentious aesthetic.
Isabel Marant
For a bohemian touch, Isabel Marant delivers scarves with textured fabrics, relaxed proportions, and a slightly undone feel. Oversized checks, cozy knits, and wraps that look best thrown over an oversized coat — the very definition of Parisian cool girl style.
How Parisians Wear Their Scarves in Winter
The Classic Drape: Simply let the scarf fall over your coat without fuss.
The Tuck-In: Push the scarf into your coat collar for warmth and a clean line.
The Bandana Fold: Popular with Kujten’s cashmere bandanas — folded into a triangle and tied close to the neck.
Textural Layers: Parisians love pairing a wool scarf with a peek of silk foulard underneath.
Gender-Neutral Knots: Scarves are as much for men as for women in Paris — simple, unfussy knots remain a staple of men’s winter style.
Where to Shop French Scarves
- Flagship boutiques: Jacquemus, Isabel Marant, and Ami Paris all have Paris boutiques worth visiting.
- Department stores: Le Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps offer a curated mix of classic and contemporary French brands.
- Neighborhood finds: In Saint-Germain and Le Marais, it’s common to stumble across a Soeur or Kujten shop tucked into a side street.
Why Invest in a French Scarf?
- Materials: Wool and cashmere deliver not just warmth but a softness that elevates everyday wear.
- Design: Each of these brands has a signature aesthetic — from the playful fox of Kitsuné to the embroidered heart of Ami Paris.
- Cultural Credibility: A scarf is non-negotiable in Paris winters, but the right one signals not just practicality, but taste.
Final Thoughts
In Paris, a scarf is more than something to keep you warm — it’s how you tell the world you’ve arrived in winter. Whether you gravitate toward minimalist neutrals, bohemian textures, or playful logos, these Parisian brands deliver pieces that blend chicness and comfort.
For more seasonal inspiration, you might also like:
And when winter gives way to spring, don’t forget the lighter side of Parisian style: The Best French Silk Scarf Brands in 2025.
