A good travel scarf is your secret weapon on the road. It doesn’t take up much space, but it can serve countless purposes beyond simply keeping you warm—like dressing up an outfit, covering your shoulders or head in conservative destinations, serving as a cozy airplane blanket, and even hiding your valuables.
Fashion can be a force for good. You can choose to wear clothing that lifts the communities who make it. Through economic empowerment artisans can improve their own lives, invest in their families, and give work and training to other women in their communities.
Discover where to find beautiful handmade, ethically made and fair-trade scarves and shawls from brands that give back and are transforming lives around the globe. Each scarf tells a story of resilience, fair trade work and artisanship.
Bloom & Give
Based In | India
Ethics | Artisan Made, Proceeds Benefit Girls’ Education
Best For | Silk & Cashmere Scarves
Price Range | $50 – $250 USD.
Bloom & Give believes in the power of education for young girls everywhere – so much so, that they provide 50% of their profits directly to support education initiatives across India. With a mix of pashmina weaves, block printing, and Khadi cotton handmade in small batches by a women’s cooperative, their stunning pieces will complete any ensemble.
LikeMary
Based In | Himalayan Mountains
Ethics | Fair-Trade, Ethically Sourced Wool
Best For | His & Her Scarves
Price Range | €16 – €49.
You’ll feel wrapped up in a little slice of heaven with LikeMary’s scarves & shawls. Ethically sourced Merino wool is handwoven by a cooperative nestled in the Himalayan mountains, resulting in a beautiful piece that will last for years to come. With options for both men and women, this may be your one-stop shop for scarves for the whole family.
Krochet Kids
Based In | Uganda & Peru
Ethics | Fair-Trade, Women’s Empowerment & Economic Independence
Best For | Staple Winter Pieces
Price Range | $29 – $68 USD.
Krochet Kids are known for their ethically made headwear and scarves all over the world. Handmade in Uganda and Peru, their scarves come signed by the woman who made it – and you can even thank her directly, on their website. Their wool will feel soft against your skin and keep you warm in your travels. Their products are versatile, durable, and Fair-Trade.
Choki
Based In | Bhutan
Ethics | Proceeds Support Women’s Cooperative
Best For | Variety of Colours/Styles
Price Range | $30 USD.
Choki is a non-profit dedicated to empowering disadvantaged communities across Bhutan, especially those struggling with globalization. Their 100% handmade Bhutanese scarves are created by the Alumni of the Choki Traditional Art School, and all proceeds go back to serve their community for sustainable development projects and their Women’s Cooperative. With various colours and styles, there is a scarf that anyone will love.
Mayamam Weavers
Based In | Guatemala
Ethics | Certified Fair Trade Federation, Women’s Empowerment
Best For | Infinity and Multi-Wear Scarves
Price Range | $20 – $25 USD.
Mayamam Weavers uses rich colours and traditional weaving techniques from Mayan culture for stunning handwoven accessories, including 100% cotton scarves. Mayamam is a cooperative of women from Cajola in Guatemala, where over 20 weavers and seamstresses earn fair trade wages, on-site childcare, and adult literacy programs. Plus, their multi-coloured scarves are sure to compliment any outfit.
