There's a reason I can't quit a scarf coat - it's the high street's favourite coat

It's official - the scarf coat is the most elegant of coats, and there are plenty to shop for 2026 - here's our edit of the best ones...

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Carla ChallisCommerce Partnerships Editor

Updated: February 19, 2026Feb 19, 2026, 11:47 AM GMT

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There's a reason I keep defaulting to a scarf coat. Ever since the scarf coat catapulted into the mainstream in 2021, thanks to that trending Totême jacket, I can't give up the elegant, luxurious looking wool coat.

Scarf coats tick all the boxes as an easy elevation to my winter outfits; they're, warm, they're chic and surprisingly practical. I don't think I've ever felt as elegant as wearing one, as I throw the attached scarf over my shoulder with a laissez faire attitude of someone who's sauntering the streets of Paris, despite my reality being rushing on the school run.

Supermarket scarf coat: F&F Scarf Coat, £55
Black Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: Cos Scarf Coat, £189
Burgundy Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: Phase Eight Kaja Coat, £57.60 / $133.60
White Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: Karen Millen White Scarf Coat, £112 / $219
Grey Scarf Coat Editor's Pick: John Lewis Scarf Coat, £99.95

And they're in the running to be the most in demand coat of the moment, with the high street awash with scarf coats from muted colours to bright shades and patterned, wool versions. With good reason, in my opinion. They're rich-looing, and offer the most sophisticated of silhouettes. The addition of an attached scarf is the best way to keep you cosy - no more lost scarves and accessories on your morning commute, because these coats have them attached, although some scarf coat styles do offer a detachable version.

There's a scarf coat at every price point and in every type, too. Cashmere and wool options are the most prevalent - and closest to the original - but you'll find quilted scarf coats, cotton versions and lightweight wrap versions.

Leanne Bayley wearing scarf coat — HELLO!'s Leanne Bayley rates this Mint Velvet scarf coat option

I've never received as many compliments on a coat as I have done when wearing my high street dupe of the Totême jacket, and my Best Quality Designer Handbag colleague Leanne Bayley has already snapped up Mint Velvet's trending scarf coat, the Scarf Wool Blend Coat.

Scarf coats - the rise of the trend

Cast your mind back to 2021, as we emerged from Covid lockdowns and months of wearing practical puffa jackets and waterproof raincoats. Enter Swedish label Totême, who took us all by surprise with their bestselling - and now iconic - scarf coat. The draped, wool-blend coat was distinguished by its blanket-stitch border and matching fringed scarf, with the most popular colourway of dark grey with white stitching selling out continuously through its first season.

Emma Rose Thatcher in Toteme jacket — @emmarosethatcher makes a case for the original Toteme jacket

Cue countless high street iterations, all looking to emulate the easy elegance of the trending Totême jacket. Even those sold out when released, with new versions trickling through throughout the seasons. Now the scarf coat is as c

I spoke to stylist Helen Canning on the rise of the scarf coat: "Scarf coats have been in high demand ever since Totême introduced their iconic wool version, a piece that really set the tone for modern, minimalist outerwear. This season, the style is everywhere, and it’s easy to see why, because the integrated scarf detail adds an effortless, elevated touch that feels refined. It’s a look that brings instant polish to any winter outfit and no matter your budget, there’s a scarf coat for you."

Scarf coats - how to style

One scroll of your Instagram Explore page and you'll find plenty of scarf coat style inspiration. Treat like you would any other wool coat, and wear for any a occasion, from a smart jacket to evening to your everyday winter essential. Can you wear one with sneakers and a woolly hat? Absolutely, but swap the woollen hat for a baseball cap and you'll bring it right on trend.

Scarf coat inspiration — Styling inspiration from Ambre Deveaux, Ashley Wilson and Lois Sterling

Considerations should be taken when choosing the colour of your scarf coat, taking into account the colours you wear most. If you're someone who wears denim or black the majority of the time, you can afford to go for any shade of scarf coat. But winter neutral fans should stick to their colour palette of light greys, creams, and nudes. A pop of colour like a red or pink scarf coat is always welcome in the darker months, but you might find a classic black, grey or chocolate brown will be worn more. Burgundy, a perennial winter tone, is a hot choice this year for a scarf coat, as are checked and boucle versions - think heritage chic with added elegance.

How I chose the best scarf coats

Popular brands: Every single brand in this edit, I've shopped, and most for a winter coat so I can vouch for the quality and value for money.
Inclusive sizing: Where possible, the scarfs are available in petite sizing, curve and every single shape and size.
Variety: Scarf coats are not a one trick pony, and while wool is the most popular I've also found them in quilted, cotton and boucle.

Shop the best scarf coats

1/9

F&F Scarf Coat

£55 at Tesco

Editor's Note:

Such an affordable coat that looks luxurious and expensive - the attached scarf is the ideal width for draping, and the cute short length hits just above the hip. Supermarket fashion at its finest.

2/9

Cos Wool Scarf Short Jacket

£189 AT COS

Editor's Note:

Designed in a classic black shade, the Cos fringe scarf coat is double-faced, has a built in scarf at the neckline with on-trend fringing and made from wool to keep you warm.

3/9

Phase Eight Kaja Scarf Coat

£57.60 AT PHASE EIGHT UK

$133.60 AT PHASE EIGHT US

Editor's Note:

The burgundy tone is spot on for right now, if you want a little warmer colour than black, navy or grey.

4/9

Karen Millen Brushed Wool Detachable Scarf Tailored Short Coat

£112 AT KAREN MILLEN UK

$219 AT KAREN MILLEN US

Editor's Note:

A stunning, sleek wool coat from Karen Millen, this comes in cream.. It has a flattering fitted shape, and luxurious gold buttons.

5/9

KAFFE Scarf Detail Wool Blend Jacket

£99.95 AT JOHN LEWIS

Editor's Note:

For a slightly different silhouette, this asymmetric coat is modern yet easy to wear. The scarf can't be removed, but is perfectly positioned for a stylish drape.

6/9

L'amore Couture Scarf Coat

£34.99 at MandM Direct

Editor's Note:

Another briliiant lookalike of the original jacket that started the trend, this is an absolute bargain if you want to try the look without the investment. It's a polyester mix, with detachable scarf.

7/9

Dorothy Perkins Scarf Coat

£70 at Debenhams

Editor's Note:

This Dorothy Perkins coat incorporates two trends with its detachable belt and scarf. The shape is flattering to cinch in the waist, and the scarf long-line for elegant draping.

8/9

M&S Faux Leather Trim Poncho with Scarf

£48 AT M&S

$119 AT M&S

Editor's Note:

This scarf poncho t is what you need for country walks and the school run. It features a scarf attached at the neckline for added warmth and is finished with a faux leather trim.

9/9