We've all been there: You're midway through your flight or sitting in your office and counting down the minutes until you arrive (or get to go home) because you're so cold, you can't stand the thought of being there for one more second. There's nothing you want more than a blanket to snuggle up in. Unfortunately, it's not always the most socially acceptable—or space efficient—option. That’s where a travel wrap (nay, the best travel wrap) comes in. These soft, oversized pieces of fabric can be worn as scarves, wrapped around your shoulders, worn as a headscarf or unfurled into a small lap blanket for full body warmth. They're the most practical accessory for any season.
The 13 Best Travel Wraps for Your Comfiest Flight Ever
Warm & cozy picks, starting at $14
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Published Aug 12, 2024
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J. Crew
The Best Travel Wraps at a Glance
1
Best Overall Travel Wrap
JCrew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
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2
Most Cozy Wrap
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Weekend Wrap
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3
Best Cashmere Wrap
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap
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4
HappyLuxe Wayfarer Wrap
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5
Best Minimalistic Wrap
Loft Travel Wrap
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How I Chose the Best Travel Wraps
I went through and picked 13 options that have some of the coziest materials (think: cashmere, wool and cotton) and are perfectly oversized at around 70 by 30 inches long. I’ve ranked the best travel wraps you can buy based on material, shape and overall coziness below, while ensuring I hit a range of price points, starting at $14. Seriously, you won't want to leave the house without one.
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Best Overall Travel Wrap
1. J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
What I Like
- oversized
- super soft
- multiple color options
What I Don't Like
- thinner than other travel wraps
J.Crew
Soft cashmere in more than ten color options? Sold. The drape of this gorgeous best-seller makes it easy to wrap yourself up in on a chilly night or to hide beneath a winter coat. And while it may be a little pricier than other options on this list, I think J.Crew's partnership with the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) to meet the nonprofit's Good Cashmere Standard, which works to improve the welfare of cashmere goats, as well as the "as the economic, social and ecological conditions experienced by cashmere farmers," is well worth it.
I've given this as a gift to my mom, and she still carries it everywhere to battle the freezing A/C at work and to stay cozy on flights.
Fast Facts
- Material: cashmere
- Size: 79" L x 33" W
Most Cozy Wrap
2. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Weekend Wrap
What I Like
- closing clasp
- machine washable
What I Don't Like
- can't use dryer sheets when washing
Barefoot Dreams
Barefoot Dreams is known for its celebrity-favorite blanket, but the brand also makes a wrap that's just as cozy and soft. While it's designed to wear as a shawl, thanks to the included clasp, it can also be unhooked to wear blanket-style. Just note that to maintain its optimal coziness, the brand recommends avoiding dryer sheets.
Fast Facts
- Material: nylon, rayon
- Size: 48.5" W x 55" L
Best Cashmere Wrap
3. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap
What I Like
- real cashmere
- oversized
- sustainable
What I Don't Like
- expensive
Quince
Made from 100 percent grade-A Mongolian cashmere, which Quince claims is ethically collected from Hicus goats in Inner Mongolia in the spring, when they don't need it as much for warmth, this ginormous wrap measures 86 inches by 25.5 inches—just the right size for snuggling up in. Plus, the bold hue options make it a standout piece.
Fast Facts
- Material: cashmere
- Size: 86" W by 25.5" L
What I Like
- UV-resistant
- eco-friendly versatile
- soft
What I Don't Like
- runs small (as per reviewers)
Happyluxe
This travel wrap is made from a unique Tencel fabric (that's a highly sustainable wood pulp). The company claims it's two times softer to the touch than cotton and offers UPF 50+ sun protection to boot. It's got moisture-wicking properties as well, making it a great option to keep in your tote at all times, just in case.
Fast Facts
- Material: Tencel
- Size: 68" W by 35" L
Best Minimalistic Wrap
What I Like
- matching top
- chic pattern
What I Don't Like
- only comes in one size
Loft
This acrylic/nylon number comes in four different colors, but I'm partial to this one with its light grey tone that allows you to achieve a minimalist-yet-versatile look. Pair this atop a chic turtleneck and your favorite pair of jeans for a cute (and supremely comfy) outfit of the day.
Fast Facts
- Material: acrylic, nylon
- Size: one size
Best UPF Wrap
What I Like
- lightweight
- UPF protection
What I Don't Like
- can get damaged from water faster than other wraps
Coolibar
Travel shawls aren’t just for fall and winter—sometimes, you want a little layer on a breezy beach day. This lightweight option offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun and its ZnO (zinc oxide) fabric feels cooling to the touch. You can even wear it as a sarong over a bathing suit. While it's meant for warmer weather, you'll want to note that it can get damaged from chlorine and salt water over time.
Fast Facts
- Material: acrylic, nylon
- Size: 72" W by 27" L
Best Poncho Wrap
7. Lands' End CashTouch Shawl Wrap
What I Like
- eco-friendly
- comfortable
- can be worn to the office
What I Don't Like
- only one color
Lands' End
Is it a poncho—or is it a scarf? Regardless, it’s the perfect travel accessory. Made with recycled polyester and doused in a warm brown shade, this can be thrown on as a festive layer or unfolded as an office-appropriate blanket. It also has an eco-friendly element, since it's made with 100 percent recycled materials.
Fast Facts
- Material: recycled polyester
- Size: 31” W x 79” L
Best Organic Cotton Wrap
8. Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf
What I Like
- designed for travel
- more than one color option
- can be worn multiple ways
What I Don't Like
- expensive
zestt
Available in six color options, this travel wrap is one you might just want to nab in multiple hues. Made from durable-yet-comfy cotton material, it will be your best friend when you're fighting your husband's low A/C temperature, and the chic fringe detailing is just a bonus.
Fast Facts
- Material: organic cotton
- Size: 28” W x 78” L
Best Cashmere Wrap
What I Like
- has a long length
- has with a matching cashmere beanie
What I Don't Like
- on the thinner side
Splendid
Made of 100 percent cashmere, this Splendid scarf is both warm and versatile. At 62 inches by 13 inches, the scarf is long enough to wrap around a good percentage of your body, and there's a matching cashmere beanie, should you want to splurge for a more coordinated, quiet luxury look.
Fast Facts
- Material: cashmere
- Size: 62” W x 13” L
Best Lightweight Wrap
What I Like
- hidden pockets
- button snaps for convertible wear
- hanging loop
What I Don't Like
- pockets are hard to find (as per reviewers)
Zero Grid
Though it may look like a traditional infinity scarf, this wrap is actually so much more. It features zipper pockets, making it ideal for stashing keys or a passport during travel. Plus, the button snaps at both ends allow for extra customization, allowing it to easily go from scarf to blanket to hoodie. Bonus: There’s also a reflective loop for easy hanging.
Fast Facts
- Material: polyester, rayon
- Size: 59" W by 27.5" L
Most Luxe Travel Wrap
11. Naadam Cashmere Solid Scarf
What I Like
- Ethical sourcing practices
- odor-blocking technology
What I Don't Like
- runs large (as per reviewers)
Naadam
At 75 inches long and 28 inches wide, this beauty was made for wrapping around you or draping it in a wrap-like fashion. The über-soft cashmere was sourced from Magnolia and hand-combed (a practice Naadam claims is more ethical and cruelty-free). The fringe detailing adds a bit of flair, and as a bonus, it's got a bit of odor-blocking technology, too.
Fast Facts
- Material: cashmere
- Size: 75" W by 28" L
Best Design
12. Yatemiole Cashmere Scarf/Shawl
What I Like
- affordable
- warm
What I Don't Like
- runs thinner than other sweaters
Yatemiole
From colorful holiday patterns to a funky retro look, there are eight different patterns to choose from in this oversized wrap—and at this price, you'll probably want to buy a few of them. Its acrylic/cashmere blend makes it a bit thinner than others, but it's still large enough to cover your whole body, and the fabric blend will help retain heat, so you stay warm.
Fast Facts
- Material: acrylic
- Size: 84.6" W by 13.8" L
Most Durable Travel Wrap
What I Like
- alpaca yarn
- hypoallergenic
- odor-resistant
What I Don't Like
- expensive
Cuyana
You’ll likely have a hard time taking this handcrafted wrap off because of the incredibly soft Peruvian baby alpaca fur it’s made from (which, FYI, just so happens to also be hypoallergenic and naturally odor-resistant). It measures 20 inches by 70 inches to cover your entire body, but be forewarned that it's dry clean only. It's a minor inconvenience considering the scarf's other perks, not to mention its feathery fringe and classy gold button details.
Fast Facts
- Material: baby alpaca
- Size: 70" W by 20" L
What to Look for in a Travel Wrap
Travel wraps are essentially extra-large scarves, and size is one of the greatest considerations you'll have when choosing a travel wrap. A good size is about 70 inches long and 30 inches wide, so it can stretch over most of your body. (I made the occasional exception on this list to the width, which is noted in the measurements section above, since some people may prefer a less bulky option to wear.)
You'll also want to pay attention to material. There are several fabrics that will be both cozy and warm without feeling too bulky, making them ideal for travel wraps. I've outlined a few of the most popular options below.
- Cashmere: Derived from Kashmir goats, these soft fibers are washed and then spun into yarn to create plush wraps. Loved for its soft warmth, ability to wick moisture and breathability, cashmere is guaranteed to keep you cozy on a long travel day. It does require a higher upkeep, however, as it's recommended to be dry cleaned or hand-washed due to its fine nature. I also suggest looking for manufacturers who practice more animal-friendly shearing techniques.
- Wool: Made primarily from sheep's fur, wool is known to be some of the warmest fabric around. (Read: When that airplane air conditioner hits, a wool wrap will keep you nice and toasty.) It's hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitivities, and it's mildew- and mold-resistant (wool can reportedly soak up to as much as 30 percent of its weight in water), meaning even if you spill a bit of liquid on it, it won't get super gross in your suitcase. You shouldn't put your wool in the dryer to avoid shrinking.
- Polyester: A synthetic fiber made from a type of plastic, this ultra-durable material is moisture-wicking and ultra weather-resistant. It's also highly wrinkle-resistant, so it won't look like junk no matter how badly you smush it up under you in the back of the car.
- Acrylic: Acrylic is a synthetic alternative to wool that is just as snuggly and dependable. It's highly resistant to UV fading, which means the dye will stay vibrant for longer, though it's not the most eco-friendly option around. Acrylic fibers also tend to stretch with heat, so never wash your scarf in hot water.
- Cotton: Classic and easy, cotton is a staple for its durability, breathability and light breeziness. It's also another great option if you have allergies to any other fabrics.
- Silk: If you want to add a but of luxe to your ensemble, silk is not only beautiful, but is a natural protein fiber obtained from the mulberry silkworm that's extremely strong and helps to regulate your temperature. It's lightweight, breathable and dries quickly, and it will feel nice against your skin, which can improve relaxation and sleep for some—perfect for any long journey ahead.
- Microfiber: Made from synthetic fibers, such as polyamide (a nylon byproduct) and polyester, this elastic fabric will be super soft, since it has very small thread diameters. Beyond that, it's long-lasting and super lightweight, which is ideal if you're strictly a carry-on-only person. The one downside? These fibers easily attract dirt and grime like a magnet.
What's the Best Overall Travel Wrap?
I picked the J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap as the best overall travel wrap for its large size, light weight and super cozy feel. The material is both sustainably and ethically produced, which makes it a feel good purchase. Although it can be pricey, you can find select colors discounted at any given time and there are several sales throughout the year to make it a little more affordable. It makes for a great gift, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Style a Travel Wrap?
The best part of a travel wrap is its versatility. Since it can be worn in so many ways, you can literally style it with just about anything. Going poncho-style? Try it over a loose top or blouse and let it serve as your top layer. (Pro tip: Wear it with shawl pins or shawl buckle clasp so it won’t fall down.) If you're throwing it on as a scarf, a bulkier sweater and jeans will be fine, since it will sit neatly on top. When worn as a blanket, you can throw it over anything from a suit dress to a pair of sweats.
What Are the Best Places to Shop for Travel Wraps?
You can find a wide assortment of travel wraps from different brands at retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom and Revolve. I also recommend shopping at your favorite stores for travel wraps, especially those known for high-quality cashmere, such as J.Crew, Quince and Naadam. That way you'll know the material is ethically sourced and will last you a lifetime.
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