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How to Wear a Scarf
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How to Wear a Scarf

A kid mohair scarf is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Lightweight enough to fold into a handbag but warm enough to replace a jacket on a mild winter's day, it works as hard as you need it to. The challenge most people face is knowing how to wear one beyond the basic loop around the neck. Here are five distinct ways to style a mohair scarf, from the effortless everyday drape to more intentional looks that feel polished rather than thrown together.

In this article

1. The Classic Drape

The simplest approach is also one of the most elegant. Fold the scarf in half lengthways to create a long, narrow panel, then drape it evenly over both shoulders so the ends hang in front at equal length. Alternatively, leave it unfolded and let it fall loosely over your collar or open jacket, one end slightly longer than the other.

This style works particularly well with a mohair scarf because of mohair's natural lustre. The fabric catches the light as it moves, giving you a quietly glamorous look with zero effort. It is the go-to style for wearing a mohair scarf over a coat on a commute, at a weekend market, or for anything that requires warmth without a heavy layer.

The Classic Drape suits every length of scarf, but it looks especially good with a longer scarf (around 180cm) where the ends have room to fall gracefully.

Mohair Scarf in Wanaka Earth, warm earthy tones
Versatile neutral
Mohair Scarf in Wanaka Earth

Earthy, warm tones that pair beautifully with winter coats, knitwear and tailoring. Made from superfine kid mohair.

2. The Double Loop

On a properly cold day, the Double Loop is your best friend. Fold the scarf in half so you are holding both ends in one hand and the looped fold in the other. Place the loop over your head and tuck the loose ends through it, pulling gently to tighten against your neck. The result is a snug, layered wrap that keeps draughts out without adding bulk under a coat collar.

Because kid mohair is so lightweight, doubling it up does not make the scarf feel heavy or stiff. The fibre's natural loft means there is still plenty of warmth-trapping air between the layers, so you get significantly more warmth than a single layer without the weight of a chunky knit.

This style works best with scarves that are at least 150cm long. The Glamorous Goat casual scarves are 180cm, making them ideal for the Double Loop.

Mohair scarves in various colours showing styling options for autumn and winter
Kid mohair scarves from The Glamorous Goat, available in over twenty colourways. Image: The Glamorous Goat.

3. The Shoulder Wrap

Think of this as wearing your scarf like a shawl. Open the scarf to its full width and drape it across both shoulders, letting the ends fall down in front. For extra security on a windy day, cross the ends once in front and let them fall back over each shoulder, or hold them together and tuck them into the waist of a coat or belt.

The Shoulder Wrap is especially useful for occasions where you want the warmth of a cardigan without the bulk. It works beautifully over a blouse or light knit at a restaurant, at the theatre, or on an outdoor dinner where you did not quite anticipate how cold the evening would get. Mohair's natural temperature regulation means it adjusts to conditions, keeping you warm when you need it without causing you to overheat once you are seated inside.

This style shows off the scarf's full width and texture, which makes a bold colourway like Cromwell Cherry or Roy's Blue a particularly striking choice.

Mohair Scarf in Roy's Blue, a rich deep blue colour
A statement colour
Mohair Scarf in Roy's Blue

Named after Roy's Peak in Wanaka, this deep blue is a classic winter colour. Beautiful worn as a shoulder wrap over a neutral coat.

4. The Casual Knot

For a relaxed, fashion-forward look, try a loose knot at the front. Drape the scarf around your neck with both ends falling in front, then tie a single overhand knot roughly at chest height. Pull the knot gently loose so it has some volume rather than pulling tight, and let the ends fall naturally below it.

This style works well with a long, lightweight scarf and is a particularly good look paired with a puffer jacket, a woollen peacoat, or a longline cardigan. The knot adds a deliberate, styled element that lifts an otherwise simple outfit. Avoid pulling it too tight as you want the natural drape of the mohair to remain visible.

If you own one of The Glamorous Goat's Handmade Infinity Scarves, a soft twist in the front achieves a similar effect while keeping the scarf securely in place throughout the day.

5. The Travel Layer

This is perhaps the most underrated use of a mohair scarf. A scarf that measures 180cm x 50cm can double as a lightweight travel blanket on a long-haul flight, a wrap at a cold airport, a layer on a draughty train, or a covering for your knees in an air-conditioned restaurant. Because mohair is so light, it adds almost no weight to a bag and packs down to virtually nothing.

The natural properties of mohair make it particularly well suited to travel. It is fire-resistant (a genuine consideration in an aircraft cabin), it does not retain odours the way synthetic fabrics do, and it resists wrinkling, so it comes out of your bag looking as good as it went in. Pack one in your carry-on and it will earn its place on every trip you take.

Mohair Scarf in Aspiring Forest, a rich forest green
A travel favourite
Mohair Scarf in Aspiring Forest

A deep, earthy forest green that works with almost anything. Lightweight enough to carry every day, warm enough to replace a layer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop a mohair scarf from shedding?

Some shedding is normal in the first few washes as any loose fibres work their way out of the weave. After the initial wash or two, shedding reduces significantly. To minimise shedding when the scarf is new, avoid rubbing it against rough fabrics and store it folded rather than hanging. Hand washing in cool water with a gentle wool wash will also help the fibres settle.

Can you wear a mohair scarf in spring and autumn, or is it only for winter?

Mohair is one of the few fibres that works across seasons. Its natural temperature-regulating properties mean it keeps you warm on cold mornings without overheating you as the day warms up. A lightweight kid mohair scarf is ideal for New Zealand's variable spring and autumn weather, where the temperature can shift significantly between morning and afternoon.

What colours work best with a winter coat?

Neutral colourways (Platinum, Dungarvon Grey, Almond, Wanaka Earth) pair with almost any coat colour, including black, navy, camel and olive. If you want to add colour to a neutral coat, the jewel tones (Roy's Blue, Cromwell Cherry, Hawea Heather, Aspiring Forest) are a beautiful choice. The natural lustre of mohair means even bold colours look rich rather than loud.

How long are The Glamorous Goat scarves?

The standard casual mohair scarves are approximately 180cm long and 50cm wide, which makes them generous enough for the Double Loop and Shoulder Wrap styles. The square scarves (also available) measure approximately 90cm x 90cm and suit draping and knot styles particularly well.

Can mohair scarves be washed at home?

Yes. Glamorous Goat scarves can be hand washed in cool water with a mild wool wash, or machine washed on a gentle/wool cycle. Reshape while damp and dry flat away from direct heat. Do not tumble dry.

Find Your Perfect Mohair Scarf

Browse over twenty colourways of kid mohair scarves, from classic neutrals to bold statement tones.

Shop Mohair Scarves →

Made from superfine kid mohair. Ethically farmed in New Zealand.

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