Caring for Silk Scarves

Silk has a reputation for being delicate. It isn’t especially, but it does want handling differently from cotton. Looked after properly, a silk scarf outlasts almost everything else in a wardrobe.

Washing

Hand wash in cool water. Use a small amount of a gentle detergent made for delicates. Move the scarf through the water rather than rubbing or wringing it.

Don’t soak it for long. A few minutes is plenty. Prolonged soaking can affect the colours of a printed silk.

Rinse thoroughly in cool water until the water runs clear.

If a scarf is marked rather than dirty, spot cleaning with cool water and a soft cloth is gentler than washing the whole thing. For anything stubborn, a specialist cleaner is safer than experimenting.

Drying

Lay the scarf flat on a clean towel, roll the towel gently to take out the excess water, then unroll and let it dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight.

Never wring silk, never tumble dry it, and don’t hang it wet, since the weight of the water pulls the fabric out of shape.

Ironing

Iron on the reverse, on the lowest silk setting, while the scarf is still slightly damp. If it’s already dry, put a clean cotton cloth between the iron and the silk.

Don’t use a steam burst directly onto silk, as water spots can mark it.

Storing

• Fold loosely or roll rather than creasing along the same lines every time
• Keep scarves out of direct light, which fades colour over time
• Give them room, rather than compressing them under heavier things
• A drawer or a box is better than a hanger, which can distort the edges

If you tie a scarf to a bag handle, untie it occasionally rather than leaving it knotted in the same place for months.

Snags and pulls

Silk snags on rings, watch clasps and rough bag hardware. If a thread pulls, don’t cut it. Work it gently back through to the reverse with a blunt needle, and it will usually disappear.

This is one reason hardware quality matters on a bag. Our guide to leather bag hardware explains what to look for.

Hand rolled edges

Our full scarves are finished with hand rolled hems, which is the traditional method and part of why a good silk scarf hangs the way it does. Treat the edges gently when washing and ironing, and the roll keeps its shape for years.

Getting the wear out of it

The best care is regular wear. Silk that stays in a drawer doesn’t improve; it just waits. Our guide to how to style a silk scarf has plenty of ways to use one.

Our scarves

See our silk scarves collection, including full scarves and twillies. For leather care, our bag care page covers the other half of the wardrobe.

Frequently asked questions