Whether you’re buying a new scarf or knitting one by-hand, the dimensions of the fabric matters more than you might think. In fact, the length and width of your scarf depends largely on how you want to wear it.
So, how long should a scarf be? This post will help give you a better understanding of the role a scarf’s length and width play in its use.
Standard Scarf Sizes By Wearer
A standard scarf can measure anywhere from 3 to 10 feet in length and between 3 and 12 inches wide. The reason for such a wide measurement range is that it gives manufacturers greater flexibility when coming up with different scarf designs for different types of wearers.
Most scarf manufacturers separate their scarves into three categories – children, preteens, and adults. And in each category, there are different size variations. For instance, scarves for children typically come in small and medium sizes while scarves for preteens tend to come in small, medium, and large sizes. Scarves made for adults go one step further by offering XL sizes.
The average lengths and widths of these scarves are as follows:
- Children (4 to 7 years)
- Small: (W) 3 to 3.5 in., (L) 36 in.
- Medium: (W) 4 to 4.5 in., (L) 44 in.
- Preteens (8 to 12 years)
- Small: (W) 4 to 4.5 in., (L) 50 in.
- Medium: (W) 5 to 6 in., (L) 55 in.
- Large: (W) 5 to 5.5 in., (L) 60 in.
- Adults (Men and Women)
- Small: (W) 6 to 8 in., (L) 60 in.
- Medium: (W) 6 to 8 in., (L) 65 in.
- Large: (W) 6 to 8 in., (L) 75 in.
- XL: (W) 6 to 12 in., (L) 120 in.
Infinity Scarf Sizes
An infinity scarf is a scarf that is designed to form a loop, so it’s length and width can be wildly different depending on how the infinity scarf is designed to be worn. These scarves typically come in five sizes, including:
- Cowl: (W) 3 to 4 in., (L) 30 to 35 in.
- Short: (W) 5 to 6 in., (L) 40 to 45 in.
- Regular: (W) 7 to 8 in., (L) 50 to 60 in.
- Large: (W) 10 to 12 in., (L) 65 to 70 in.
- XL: (W) 15 to 30 in., (L) 75 to 80 in.
Why Scarf Size is Important
A scarf’s length and width are important considerations, especially in the winter. This is because the length determines how many times the scarf can wrap around your neck, while the width determines how much of your neck will be covered by each coil.
If you choose a scarf that is too long, you will be forced to wrap it around your neck more times to keep the ends from drooping too low and this can create a bulky, uncomfortable wearing experience. Likewise, if the scarf you choose to wear is too wide, the fabric will push your chin upward to the point that it could limit your neck’s range of movement.
