Hermès vs. Burberry Scarf: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Hermès scarves are renowned for their artistic silk prints and exceptional hand-rolled craftsmanship, positioning them as collectible, investment-level art pieces. In contrast, Burberry scarves are celebrated for their iconic check pattern in high-quality cashmere and wool, offering timeless versatility at a more accessible luxury price point.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right luxury scarf for your collection.

Hermès: The Pinnacle of Wearable Art

Established in 1837, Hermès represents the height of French luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless style. The brand is synonymous with exclusivity, and its silk scarves are perhaps the most democratic way to own a piece of that heritage. Each scarf is considered a work of art, with intricate, vibrant designs and unparalleled quality, making it an heirloom piece for collectors and fashion connoisseurs.

• Product mix: The brand is most famous for its 100% silk twill scarves. They also offer scarves in other materials like cashmere blends and cotton, but the hand-rolled silk carré (square) is their signature product.
• Price point: Hermès scarves are an investment. Prices for a classic 90cm silk square start around $500 and can easily exceed $1,000 for larger sizes, special editions, or cashmere blends.
• Quality: The quality is exceptional. Scarf edges are meticulously hand-rolled and hand-stitched, a detail that ensures the scarf drapes perfectly and lasts for generations. The silk is high-grade and the screen-printing process uses a rich palette of colors that remain vibrant over time.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Each design tells a story. The aesthetic ranges from whimsical equestrian motifs and lush florals to bold abstract patterns. An Hermès scarf is a statement piece, capable of transforming an entire outfit with its color and artistry.
• Sizing: The most common and versatile size is the 90 x 90 cm (35 x 35 inches) carré. Hermès also offers other sizes, including the smaller 70cm, larger 140cm shawls, and long twillys perfect for tying on a bag handle.

Hermès offers true heirloom quality through artisanal craftsmanship, making its scarves a valuable and beautiful investment piece for those who appreciate wearable art.

Shop Hermès: hermes.com

Burberry: The Icon of Classic British Style

Founded in 1856, Burberry is a British luxury icon, instantly recognizable for its trench coats and signature check pattern. Burberry scarves embody a classic, sophisticated, and practical approach to luxury. Made from high-quality materials like Scottish-woven cashmere, their scarves offer warmth, durability, and timeless style that effortlessly blends with both modern and traditional wardrobes.

• Product mix: Burberry's core offering is its cashmere scarves, famously woven in Scotland. They also produce scarves in wool, silk, and lightweight modal blends, often featuring the iconic check, monogram patterns, or seasonal prints.
• Price point: Burberry provides a more accessible entry into the luxury scarf market. Prices typically range from $250 for lightweight wool or silk versions to around $600 for the classic cashmere styles.
• Quality: The quality is excellent, with a focus on durable and soft materials. Their cashmere is known for its incredible softness and warmth, and the scarves are finished with traditional fringing. While not hand-finished to the same degree as Hermès, the construction is built to last.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The Burberry aesthetic is classic, understated, and versatile. The neutral-toned classic check is a global symbol of refined British style, but the brand also offers the pattern in a multitude of colors, from pastels to bold primary hues.
• Sizing: The brand offers a wide range of sizes, from traditional rectangular scarves perfect for bundling up to large, oversized square shawls and skinny silk twills. This variety makes it easy to find a scarf that suits your preferred way of styling.

Burberry delivers timeless, durable, and exceptionally comfortable scarves that serve as a practical and stylish luxury for everyday wear.

Shop Burberry: burberry.com

Hermès vs. Burberry Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two brands is significant. Burberry is the more accessible luxury brand, with most of its popular scarves priced between $250 and $600. This makes it a fantastic choice for a high-quality, recognizable designer accessory without venturing into four-figure territory.

Hermès operates at a higher, more exclusive price point. With scarves starting around $500 and flagship 90cm silk squares costing over $500, it is a true investment. The price reflects not just the brand name but the intensive labor, artisanal methods, and collector-like status of each design.

Quality & Materials

Both brands offer superb quality, but their focus differs. Hermès is peerless in its dedication to artisanal craftsmanship. Their core product is 100% silk produced in France and finished with meticulous hand-rolled edges. This handmade element gives each scarf a unique character and ensures it drapes beautifully.

Burberry’s strength lies in its materials, particularly its cashmere, which is woven at a 200-year-old mill in Scotland. The fabric is washed in local spring water and carefully brushed for an incredibly soft finish. While Hermès prioritizes hand-detailing on silk, Burberry prioritizes the tactile luxury and durability of its cashmere and wool.

Style & Aesthetic

Herein lies the biggest difference for most shoppers. An Hermès scarf is an art piece. The designs are complex, vibrant, and often tell a visual story, making the scarf the centerpiece of an outfit. The prints are distinctive and varied, appealing to those who love color, detail, and unique expression.

A Burberry scarf is a study in classic style. Its identity is tied to the famous vintage check pattern - a timeless design that is sophisticated, recognizable, and easy to style. While the brand offers other prints, its core aesthetic is understated, elegant, and quintessentially British, serving as a complementary accessory rather than a showstopper.

Sizing

Hermès is known for its square scarves, with the 90cm carré being the most popular due to its styling versatility. It can be worn as a neck scarf, a headscarf, a belt, or even tied as a top. This focus on a single dominant shape promotes creativity in how it's worn.

Burberry provides more variety in shape and size. It excels in traditional long, rectangular scarves that are ideal for wrapping and layering for warmth. They also offer squares and oversized shawls, catering to a broader range of functional styling needs.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both luxury houses have made strong commitments to sustainability. Hermès focuses on creating products that are meant to last for lifetimes, using responsible supply chains for its high-quality raw materials. The brand’s ethos is the antithesis of fast fashion.

Burberry is equally committed, with public goals for reducing its carbon footprint and sourcing 100% of its key materials like cotton and wool from certified sustainable sources. The brand has been recognized for its transparency and leadership in ethical luxury.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer exceptional luxury items, but the right choice depends on your personal style, budget, and what you’re looking for in a scarf.

Choose Hermès if:

• You view a scarf as a piece of collectible art and a long-term investment.
• You love vibrant, unique, and intricate designs that make a statement.
• Your budget accommodates a higher price point for unparalleled craftsmanship.
• You appreciate the heritage and artistry of hand-rolled silk from a top luxury brand.

Choose Burberry if:

• You want a timeless, versatile scarf for warmth and everyday wear.
• You love the iconic British check pattern and an aesthetic of understated luxury.
• You prefer high-quality, exceptionally soft cashmere or wool.
• You are looking for an accessible luxury piece that offers excellent value and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which scarf is a better investment, Hermès or Burberry?

Objectively, an Hermès scarf is a better financial investment. Due to their limited production, artistic designs, and brand cachet, vintage and rare Hermès scarves often retain or even appreciate in value on the resale market.

Are Hermès scarves worth the price?

For those who value artisanal craftsmanship, unique artistic designs, and the heritage of a premier luxury house, Hermès scarves are widely considered to be worth the price. The hand-finished details and high-quality silk ensure they last for generations, making them true heirloom pieces.

Is a Burberry scarf still in style?

Absolutely. The iconic Burberry check is a timeless pattern that remains a fixture in fashion. Its classic, understated appeal ensures it never truly goes out of style, making a Burberry scarf a reliable and sophisticated accessory year after year.

Which brand's scarf is warmer?

A Burberry scarf made from cashmere or wool will be significantly warmer than an Hermès silk scarf. Cashmere is one of the warmest natural fibers available, making Burberry the ideal choice for cold weather.

Where are Hermès and Burberry scarves made?

Hermès scarves are primarily made in France, with a focus on Lyon, a historic center for silk production. Burberry's classic cashmere scarves are woven in Scotland at a historic mill, while other designs may be made in Italy.

How do you care for a Burberry cashmere scarf?

To preserve its softness and shape, dry cleaning is recommended for a Burberry cashmere scarf. You should also store it folded in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Do Hermès or Burberry scarves ever go on sale?

Burberry often includes a selection of scarves in its seasonal sales, making it possible to get a classic design at a discount. Hermès almost never puts its iconic products on sale, maintaining its aura of exclusivity and value.