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Home » Infinity scarves – will we love them forever?

Infinity scarves – will we love them forever?

September 26, 2013
 
I know you’re shocked to hear that I don’t jump on every trend bandwagon that races through the streets of Chicago…  But lately I’ve been intrigued by the “infinity” scarf – aka an endless loop of fabric that you just toss over your head like a big poofy fabric necklace.  It would certainly obviate any worries about how to tie your scarf, and thus might be a good option for scarf rookies…  I’ve seen quite a few women wearing these around town, and they tend to look rather nice.  Maybe it’s just the novelty that appeals to me, but I am seriously pondering the possibility of one of these in my winter wardrobe.The pattern in this scarf appeals, and the range of colors available means that it could look good on many of us:

Fuschia/orange scarf – Lulla Collection by Bindya, aqua scarf – Lulla Collection by Bindya,  khaki scarf – Lulla Collection by Bindya

 
 
Or I could take my own advice and grab an infinity scarf in a “blush” color:

Hot pink lace cut-out scarf – BP,  coral lace scarf – BP, rose & white scarf – Collection XIIX

 

 Earth and sky colors abound in these scarves:

Olive scarf – Leith,  color-blocked scarf – Echo,  blue and brown scarf – BCBGeneration

 

 Although something bright like this might be just the ticket at 6:00 am in January:

color-blocked scarf – Echo, purple floral scarf – Tasha,  coral and aqua scarf – BCBGeneration

 

 But for me, nothing would take the place of a good graphic dot or stripe!

striped scarf – Vince Camuto,  dotted scarf – Nordstrom, multicolored striped scarf – Echo

 

 And the very uncertain could opt for a classic neutral color:

caramel scarf – Nordstrom, charcoal scarf – Nordstrom, cinder grey scarf – Nordstrom

 
 
Has anybody else bought one of these yet?  Are you loving it, or should I wait for my brief heartthrob to abate?  This is quite tempting, because it’s not a fortune to spend, it’s not something that will expose embarrassing chunks of the body, and it could ultimately be quite warm and functional.  But will I look like a turtle?

love,

Janice

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09.26.13 54 Comments

Tags: accessories, silk scarf
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Comments

  1. Susan says

    September 26, 2013 at 10:23 am

    I have read that the infinity scarf is not the best style for women with a larger bust. Since that's me, I'm going to pass on this trend.

    By the way, we are just home from a week in London and almost every woman on the street was wearing a scarf of some kind–including me, thanks to be blogs that I read.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 26, 2013 at 12:30 pm

      Ah, now I know why this kind of scarf doesn't look right on me. thanks for the insight!!

      Reply
    • Mary says

      September 26, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Me as well. Thanks.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 26, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      Agree…my infinity scarf on my big bust looks like a turtle on a shelf…I thought the longer loop would work with my short neck, but alas…

      Reply
    • Glenda Banta says

      September 27, 2013 at 2:14 pm

      I tried some on at Target one day because the colors appealed to me and they look good on models. I am rather short and have a mid-sized bust. The look was not at all attractive. I think they are best for tall thin women or women looking to accentuate the bust area because that is where all of the fabric "piles up."

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 27, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      I tried some on at Target one day because the colors appealed to me and they look good on models. I am rather short and have a mid-sized bust. The look was not at all attractive. I think they are best for tall thin women or women looking to accentuate the bust area because that is where all of the fabric "piles up."

      Reply
    • Glenda Banta says

      September 27, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      Sorry about repeating that comment, my computer seems to have gremlins this morning.

      Reply
  2. Vildy says

    September 26, 2013 at 10:34 am

    A small group of us have a sporadic round robin clothing swap that's being going on for years. My friend showed me how she took some removed layer, sewed the ends together by hand (no machine) and made an infinity scarf. This was last year. She's one of the 15% with no internet and buys no fashion magazines. She gets her style information from the tv shopping channels, the wardrobe in the one soap she watches and that of tv news anchors. She has her own style and looks great in everything she puts together. But this is no new trend. I think it'll stick around, too, exactly for the reason that scarf tying offers such imprecise results and, for women like her, who would only accidentally see an on-air fashion segment how-to, takes no special know-how.

    I can't see why anyone who likes and wears cowl necks wouldn't appreciate an infinity scarf. That's not me so I don't own any. I like jauntiness.

    Reply
  3. Cornelia says

    September 26, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I tried an EF infinity two years ago, but ultimately returned it and bought one of her regular scarves for winter instead. It looked all right since I am tall and have a long neck, but I don't find scarf tying all that challenging. And my practical side tells me that I get a lot more variety out of a regular scarf.

    Reply
    • Lisbet says

      August 13, 2014 at 8:13 am

      Exaclty my opinion. It lacks versatility. I can see it being a very easy do-it-yourself roject for a piece of pretty chiffon or such, though. For that price, I might consider.

      Reply
  4. Christina says

    September 26, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Just yesterday I was thinking about adding an infinity scarf. The weather turned wet and cooler yesterday and I just wasn't ready to pull out my silk scarves – I don't like wearing them in a downpour. I like the idea of adding a light weight cotton scarf for the fall. For all the reasons Cornelia suggested, I will probably stick to a long rectangle instead.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 11:30 am

    A year or so ago, I got in a knitting frenzy and knitted about 12 infinity scarves in numerous colors. I wear them constantly in winter. The bust area is not an issue…just wear the scarf long, without wrapping as in a long "necklace". The ones I made fall nearly to the waist. But let me tell you, living in a Northern climate, was I glad of them when the winter winds howled. The knitted ones can be worn around the neck like a turtleneck with a long loop hanging down, or pulled up like a hood. I own a multitude of scarves of every kind, but in winter, these are the ones I turn to every time. All the friends I made them for say the same. The hand knitted ones are practical and pretty.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 26, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      Oooh. Love the idea of the hood – thanks!

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 27, 2013 at 8:12 am

      I have a thick, chunky knit one that I wear in winter when I'm going to have to park far away from where I'm going. I pull it up like a hood to keep my ears from freezing, especially in the wind, and I can drop it down easily when I arrive, without having to hang onto or pack a hat. It's loose, so you don't end up with plastered-down hair the way you would with a hat.

      Reply
    • Paula says

      September 27, 2013 at 2:07 pm

      Me, too. Love the hand knit infinity scarves and wear them constantly. I even have one with a shawl like cake. It covers my shoulders and back. I have a scarf with me all the time. Try one. Paula

      Reply
    • mary g says

      September 27, 2013 at 10:21 pm

      I would say yes with cold weather and thick sweaters etc. No if in a heavier fabric worn with a sundress, which honestly you see. I think in general huge wrappings around one's neck are not flattering for most people especially if out of proportion in texture and weight to the season's clothing..something light and filmy in the summer and fluffier in the winter…but never wrapping the neck like you would wrap a faucet in winter…

      Reply
  6. Marta says

    September 26, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I have two … and they've become my most-worn scarves. The ripples and folds make for intriguing texture, I think, with no effort. In the morning, I like no effort.

    If I decide I don't like them any more, I"ll just rip out the seam, hem the ends and have two long rectangular scarves, no biggie. And if someone wants to try the style, just baste the ends of a long scarf, as others have said. It's a trend with very little startup investment.

    Reply
  7. Jennifer (Jen on the Edge) says

    September 26, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    No, I'm not jumping on this trend. I like to change how I wear scarves, so I find infinity scarves to be limiting. Also, I'm not interested in wearing the same things everyone else is wearing and right now I'm seeing infinity scarves everywhere.

    Reply
  8. Susan in NC says

    September 26, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    The infinity scarf,like any other accessory looks good on certain body types. I love scarves and love the idea of not having to drape and tie or secure my scarf, however there seems to be too much material around my face and detracts from the overall flow of my clothes. I do think they are extremely practical in bad weather.

    Reply
  9. une femme says

    September 26, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    I just tie the ends of my longer scarves together to make a DIY infinity. :-) I have some very long, narrow scarves that work quite well this way.

    Reply
    • LeBonVoyage says

      September 26, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      Absolutely! I do this, too. I like the option of my scarves being able to do more than one thing.

      Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 26, 2013 at 6:20 pm

      Ditto.
      One cannot "sarong" an infinity ;))

      Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    It's not for me. I need the option to unwrap my scarf if I get too warm and, conversely, to drape it over my shoulders and back when it's drafty and I'm too cold. I also like the flexibility to change how I wrap the scarf.

    Reply
  11. Nan North says

    September 26, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    I just make my own all the time by tying the ends of any oblong in a sort of loose knot which I then place anywhere I want depending on what kind of collar I'm wearing. I loop/unloop once, twice or even three or four times around my neck. For my lifestyle which frequently requires no dangling ends and ability to adjust quickly for temperature, it's the best. Plus it lends a more casual, less studied air to my mind. Untie and I've still got my oblong to tie with longer draping ends if I wish.

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    I agree with Nan. Love the ease of the infinity scarf, but you can try it first by tying the opposite corners (opposite left corner with opposite right corner so you have a small knot) of a rectangular scarf together making it an infinity. You can tuck in the sides to make it look like the infinity, or leave a corner loose to add another bit of interest to the scarf. It works really well with silk scarfs, can get a little bulky with challis. Give it a try!

    Reply
  13. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    September 26, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    I love the infinity scarves…but I find myself purchasing regular scarves more often and then tying the ends if I want the infinity feel. I found some great infinity scarves for $13 last year on Amazon…and they are my favorite scarves right now! One thing I loved about visiting Chicago was seeing all of the women in scarves…I came home with two I love!!

    Reply
  14. Virginia says

    September 26, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    I was in the no-infinity camp for all the reasons mentioned here. But knitting Anonymous got me thinking. Here in New England we're entering the season of sunny-warm-chilly-windy-cold (all in the same day). That trick of using the infinity scarf as a hood — that's got me thinking. Clever! I may have to try one.

    Reply
  15. Fly Away Home says

    September 26, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    I can wear the knitted one my mother in law made for me last Christmas – with my winter coat. It is beautiful, cozy, and I never worry that it will fall off during howling winds. I, otherwise, cannot wear them.

    I am petite (5' 2") and struggle with (all) scarves as an accessory to my apparel. I try to find ways to make them look good on me. Every time, I look overwhelmed in them.

    Reply
    • Glenda Banta says

      September 27, 2013 at 2:22 pm

      Thanks for this comment. I am 5'4" and avoid scarves for the same reason. It made me happy to know I am not alone.

      Reply
    • evelynne says

      September 27, 2013 at 3:53 pm

      This has been a struggle for me (5'3") too. There is a magic scarf width that actually works, but it's hard for me to find. I'm considering cutting one of my bulkier scarfs widthwise in half and hemming the edge, to see if I can get the magic width out of scarves I already own that feel too overwhelming.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 27, 2013 at 4:27 pm

      I'm petite too. It's difficult to find the ones that don't overwhelm my look. I'm considering knitting a skinny one that's warm and a bit drapey.

      Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    I love scarves, but I like tying them in my own way and infinity scarves seem a little limiting.

    Reply
  17. frugalscholar says

    September 26, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    My daughter made a diy infinity from a poncho bought at a thrift store. And lucky us–my son loves to knit (he learned a year ago in France) and he's knitting an infinity for each of us.

    I wouldn't spend a lot on one, but these have kept their chic a lot longer than I thought they would–same goes for leggings.

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    My sister gave me a beautiful linen Robin's Egg Blue infinity scarf for a birthday month gift. Wearing the scarf adds a little elegance to outfits, but like Fly Away Home, I am also petite and struggle with the scarf overwhelming me. I still try to incorporate scarves into my wardrobe.
    Robin

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    I am too much of a purist to go for this trend. I agree with the other commenters in that I think a traditional type of scarf is much more versatile. I use my scarves as impromptu wraps at times when I don't have a cardigan or jacket.

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    I love the thick knitted infinity scarves for warmth and style in winter. However, last year I was looking for a scarf in the perfect colours for my Project 333 wardrobe and the perfect one happened to be an infinity scarf. After the second time wearing it, I cut the ends open to make it into a regular scarf — I found that I prefer the options that gives me.

    Reply
  21. Little Miss Know-it-all says

    September 26, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Drapy scarves – either infinity or wrapped to look like them – have been fashionable in Europe since at least 1980…
    I therefore consider them classic and not a fashion trend!

    Reply
    • sara says

      September 26, 2013 at 6:48 pm

      I agree !

      Reply
  22. Sara says

    September 26, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    I just bought the "tea rose" infinity scarf at J Jill (http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?BID=409758009&rPFID=51&item=L2057C&h=A&sk=A) It's lightweight, and hits almost every single one of my "soft fall" wardrobe colors. (Kind of amazing, if you ask me.) I did wait until it was half of it's original price, though, in case I don't love it.

    I've only worn it once, but I think it may be an all-season accessory — it looked as good laid against my wine sweater dress as it did over my peach tank top.

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says

    September 26, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    I live in a warm climate so generally I wear light, chiffony scarves in the evening if I wear one at all. When I visit cooler places, though, I pack the soft gray infinity scarf that I bought 3 or 4 years ago. As others have said, these scarves are great in cold weather. A jean jacket and the infinity scarf were enough to keep me warm at a football game in November in Texas during a storm, so I was happy. However, wearing an infinity scarf is tricky for people like me who are short and busty so I try to pull it away from the neck as much as possible.

    Reply
  24. gubblebumm says

    September 26, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    I have one infinity scarf. Not a big fan. I wouldn't mind one that had a kind of hoodie thing on it so it could be used as a hat of some sort, but its just too much bulk otherwise. I am not busty, but just don't like all that material. As well, pulling scraves over my hair gives my hair frizz. And having to do it several times a day, its like rubbing a balloon on my head.

    Reply
  25. Chicatanyage says

    September 26, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    I love them. warm and cosy and adds a pop of colour.

    Reply
  26. Janice says

    September 26, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    Hi Janice, I'm petite and the infinity is just too much bulk for me, and gets in the way. However I have a long taupe wool coat with a very small Asian collar. My bulky-knit brown infinity scarf really makes this coat look like something from the land of eternally chic fashion! Otherwise I like the versatility of my regular silk scarves as well as my oblong wool warming scarves worn with jackets and coats.

    Reply
  27. Bystander says

    September 27, 2013 at 2:37 am

    I have four and they are my favourite winter scarves. Really anyone can wear one, you just have to find the right material and length to suit you. Big, bulky knitted ones demand a longer neck and smaller bust (not me), but a light jersey one can look great. A solid colour is more practical and goes with more outfits.

    Reply
  28. Kay dancingbrushpainting.blogspot.com says

    September 27, 2013 at 5:10 am

    Love my infinity scarf! It's a soft yellow cotton with little black bicycles.

    Reply
  29. Anonymous says

    September 27, 2013 at 8:46 am

    This type of scarf has been very popular in the UK for the last few years, so I don't think it will look dated anytime soon. I have found that this is a good way to make too-short scarves wearable, or at least the warm winter variety. Two of mine are just a wee bit too short to hang nicely and the ends flop around annoyingly, but I pinned the ends together and they work well as infinity style scarves.

    Reply
  30. Christi Carlisto says

    September 27, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    I bought a leopard print infinity scarf from Coach about 2 years ago. I really like it. I have a long thin neck so I'm able to wrap it 3 times around but as menopause has created the cleavage that I lacked in my teens, 20's and 30's, I understand why this is style may not work for larger busts!. I can also make a loop out of it. Pulls black and camel or brown and camel color combos nicely. However, I have sensitive skin that gets red and blotchy quite easily in cold dry weather so I usually prefer the feel of silk next to my skin best! Long live my Hermes scarves!

    Reply
  31. Ardyth Eisenberg says

    September 27, 2013 at 9:53 am

    I knitted one of my own about 25 years ago. It's great for Chicago winters, especially since it makes an instant hood when needed. Try before you buy: the longer ones (if infinity can be longer?) can make your neck look swaddled.

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    September 27, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    I have a large bust and I love the two neutral ones I bought in the Brass Plum section of Nordstrom's several years ago. I usually don't cowl them–I just put them over my head once so they are quite flattering. Sometimes I knot them in the middle to give me a long line. I have also used a brooch to pull them together in the center of my shirt. I find them quite flexible. I have also used one of them under a blazer as a "mock top" while traveling. I'm sold! The trick is finding that is long enough and feels luxurious.

    Reply
  33. Nadine says

    September 28, 2013 at 11:53 am

    They do not look good on me but I bought my 15 yo dd one and she has worn it many ways. Recently it was a skirt on our Alaskan cruise, great double duty for her. Look on YouTube for many ways to wear these. It's astounding.

    Reply
  34. Gift Shop says

    April 8, 2014 at 8:21 am

    Infinity scarves are hot, a fashion must-have. They are easy to wear – never worry about your scarf falling off while you’re shopping, or about the ends dangling in your soup. And infinity scarf is fashion forward.

    Reply
  35. black infinity scarf says

    April 8, 2014 at 8:30 am

    Infinity scarf have a lots of advantages rather than the simple scarf. It is a large, closed loop of fabric that can be worn in a variety of trendy ways and it is easy to wear. Thanks for sharing your site, love the scarves, especially the last 3 scarves.

    Reply
  36. fashion haul says

    September 13, 2016 at 1:31 am

    Awesome collection of infinity scarves. I like infinity scarves. It will give fab look to your personality. Really love it. Thanks!!
    Fashion Haul

    Reply
  37. Mama Squirrel says

    November 29, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    If you get tired of wearing a circle scarf as a loop, you can fold it flat and tie it in more standard ways. You can also wear a large, lightweight one as a shawl. There are quite a few online articles and videos with titles like "Ways to wear a circle scarf."

    Reply

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