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As miserable as winter can be, the small silver lining is always the clothing: most notably, layering looks together. This season, the scarf sweater has us flipping around this extra strip of cloth faster than you can say “Timothée Chalamet.” You can probably trace it to the 2021 launch of Toteme’s viral embroidered scarf jacket, but a coordinating scarf with your outfit now seems like a prerequisite for battling arctic temperatures — and looking good doing it. Though I’ve heard that despite its $1,130 price tag, the Toteme coat doesn’t really do much to keep you warm. These sweaters, however, will actually help you brave the elements, and you can layer them under your go-to coat or jacket.
Some are sold with a matching scarf, while others have a built-in one that you can haughtily toss over your shoulder. I gave these styles a test run myself and rounded up more that will pull double-duty in your winter wardrobe — and potentially beyond. I feel these designs will stick around in warmer weather with halter-top iterations like this whimsical swan scarf from Emily Dawn Long’s recent collection.
So you’re looking for the best sweater scarfs
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
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Our top picks
The heavy-weight knit
I love the weight and length of this cream-colored sweater. The ribbed trim at the neckline and sleeves carries over into the scarf, which you can weave through a convenient but subtle loop at the base of the neck. If you don’t want to shift your scarf back into place constantly, this is a very thoughtful feature that keeps the matching neckwear secure. Just one note: I kept seeing the outline of my bra underneath it (which was surprising considering that this degree of fabric thickness usually hides such things), but that probably says more about the state of my bras than the sweater itself.
The shawl-like sweater
The color of this Massimo Dutti knit is perfect, and the built-in scarf is more like a shawl with its draped effect in the front. You can toss it over your shoulder, double-loop it, or wrap it loosely around your shoulders. The versatility in how you can style it makes it a winner, and the super-soft wool fabric doesn’t hurt either. I am also a fan of the brand’s wool-blend knit double sweater, which resembles the effect you get by tying or draping a sweater around your shoulders without you actually having to wear two sweaters. Efficient, right?
The textured one
This has been a mainstay in my closet for the past few months and even made it into the holiday-party circuit last December. I’ve found that it’s easy to dress up or down with the right accessories, and you can tie the attached scarf into a cute loop, wear it loose, or throw one side behind you for an effortless look. Its brushed texture differentiates it from other plain gray sweaters, and the knit has a good amount of stretch. The buttons aren’t the most practical to deal with if you want to wear it open, so I just avoid the endeavor altogether and throw it over my head without unbuttoning it.
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More tried-and-true options
The oversize one
There’s always a sale at J.Crew, and you can take another 50 percent off sale items with the code EXTRA right now. Although this style is final sale, it’s an amazing gem with great reviews. The neutral color looks very luxe, and if you prefer a roomier silhouette, the good news is that it runs slightly big — or you can size down if you want it more fitted. The scarf is attached at the front of the neckline so you can wrap it all the way around or leave it hanging loose at the back to dramatically catch any gust of wind. Reviewers love the way it drapes and say it feels cozy while still looking polished enough for work.
The striped one
The color combination here is eye-catching, but the price is even more so. Another tip for styling your matching scarf? Wear it over your noggin to keep your ears warm. I heard headgear is in.
The statement one
When you’re feeling the bleakness of winter, liven things up with this bold red sweater.
The ribbed one
This one is going fast and is available in three colors: black, gray, and beige. You can really bundle up against the elements with the thickness and length of its built-in scarf.
The fitted one
This charming sweater from Gimaguas is making me rethink my aversion to pink.
The turtleneck one
Okay, so your neck is really cold. I get it. If a turtleneck simply does not do, add the matching scarf to make 100 percent sure that no icy air is touching your skin.
The whipstitch one
A hybrid between a coat and cardigan, this Quince design has contrasting whipstitch details and two very handy front pockets to warm your hands in.
The tank top one
A cashmere-blend tank top will serve you well when spring arrives. The sleeveless design and added scarf balance out the warmth needed for transitioning temperatures.
The asymmetrical one
Between the asymmetrical design, the attached scarf, and the neutral hue of this sweater from Copenhagen label the Garment, you’ll get plenty of compliments.
The cashmere one
This drapey sweater has a cowl-neck effect because of how the attached scarf loops around the side. It also has that not-too-loose-but-not-too-tight silhouette, which means you can layer under it or over it.
The designer one
From the brand that arguably started it all. Nail the winter-white aesthetic with this fuzzy sweater. Yes, it’s an investment, but consider this: It’s less expensive than the label’s viral coat and will probably keep you warmer since it’s made with alpaca fibers.
