I Can’t Go Anywhere Without People Complimenting My Scarf

By,a senior writer at the Strategist covering appliances and men's style.He was formerly a deputy editor at Wirecutter.
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Photo: Michael Zhao

Many among us aretying scraps of cashmere around their necksthis frigid fall, but I am not among them because my triangular scarf is knit from humble lambswool. Since December began, I haven’t left the house without thisorange Kestin Alva bandannatied at my nape. It’s kept me warm physically, protecting my neck and chest from drafts, and emotionally with all the compliments I’ve been getting. From old friends I haven’t seen in months to colleagues I met for the first time at the office holiday party, everyone loves this jaunty woolen hanky as much as I do.

Kestin Alva Bandanna
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Like spotting a red fox lit by a streetlamp at night, the Alva’s subtly earthy orange hue brings a striking pop of color to otherwise drab surroundings. I especially appreciate how its natural-wool material softens an outfit centered on a more technical jacket or coat. Besides orange, it comes in gray, navy, and beige, but I doubt any of those neutral tones would attract as much fanfare as this brilliant orange.

The orange Kestin Alva scarf is a great way to add a pop of color to an otherwise drab winter outfitPhoto: Michael Zhao

At about $150 all in, including about $20 for import duties and another $20 for shipping, the Alva is not the most affordable way to acquire a bandanna scarf. That said, the construction and material quality of the Scottish-made piece justifies its price. It’s tightly and evenly knit throughout, finished with a selvedge corner, and shows no signs of premature pilling after several weeks of continuous use. It may not be cashmere, but the brushed new wool isn’t scratchy at all. It feels as soft against my neck as any merino-wool scarf I’ve worn.

The Kestin Alva scarf is woven selvedge corner that should hold up well over time.Photo: Michael Zhao

Note that international shipping can take up to ten days but if you’re seeing this in time, it would make an excellent gift for thepicky guy(orgal) in your life.

Other triangular scarves we like

Extreme Cashmere n°35 Bandanna
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Banana Republic Brushed Wool-Cashmere Triangle Scarf
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Le Bon Shoppe Cashmere Bandanna
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