It was Tata Harper — entrepreneur and queen of the green beauty movement — who first introduced me to the brilliance of travel wraps. After she showed off her luxurious cashmere shawl during a T+L Carry-on shoot, I immediately went out and bought one of my own. And life has never been the same (just kidding — sort of).
Scarves, blankets, ponchos, and capes all technically fall under the travel wrap umbrella. While packing one of these might not actually change your life — it will enhance the way you travel. Wraps are not only a stylish addition to any outfit, but they're also amazing multitaskers. They can be used as blankets on cold planes and as neck pillows when rolled up for long rides. They're also sheets on overnight trains and head covers on drizzly days.
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Of course, you don't have to be on the road to make use of a cozy wrap. I keep my White + Warren travel shrug at my desk, so I can stay snug in freezing conference rooms. But I always take it with me when I leave for a trip — whether it's a weekend jaunt to the Hamptons or a 24-hour-flight to Bangkok.
Below, our list of the best wraps for travel. From the warmest to the most stylish, we’ve got a pick for every type of traveler.
Halogen Lightweight Cashmere Scarf
Drape this oversized travel wrap over yourself for a super soft and cozy layer for an evening stroll around town.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $149
Lululemon Hatha Wrap
We love the subtle color blocking on this wrap. The silk blended fabric provides a lightweight warmth for spring and summer travels.
To buy: lululemon.com, $128
White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap
The cashmere wrap beloved by Tata Harper is wide enough to be used as a blanket, but transitions easily into a chunky scarf when wrapped around your neck. It’s insanely soft and is available in an array of colors, from pastel pinks to moody grays.
To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $298
Simone Rocha Patchwork Cardigan Wrap
This wool-blend, chunky-knit poncho is the ultimate autumn wardrobe staple. Its cropped length and fringed hem give it a perfect drape that will add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
To buy: matchesfashion.com, $339 (originally $679)
Baby Alpaca Square Edge Cape
Cuyana's impossibly soft is the only layering piece you'll need to pack.
To buy: cuyana.com, $215
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Stripe Cashmere Wrap
This bold, color-blocked wrap is perfect for the fashion-forward traveler.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $199
Missoni Frayed Metallic Cotton-blend Wrap
For the edgy-but-elegant traveler, this funky patterned wrap by Missoni is the most stylish way to keep yourself warm at 39,000 feet.
To buy: net-a-porter.com, $340
C by Bloomingdales Cashmere Travel Wrap
Simple, chic, and incredibly warm, this uncomplicated wrap is extra long, comes in an array of colors, and is ideal for layering.
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $80 (originally $198)
Mer Sea Classic Travel Wrap
Classic in shape and design, this wrap is the ideal companion whether you are traveling by train, plane, boat, or car. Plus, the fun tassels add a bit of flair to this classic design.
To buy: amazon.com, $110
Garnet Hill Pure Cashmere Wrap
This 100 percent Mongolian cashmere wrap comes in six pretty colors like this heathered aqua. Reviewers report getting compliments on it from both men and women.
To buy: garnethill.com, $188
Madeleine Thompson Cashmere Wrap
Thick and cozy cashmere gives this wrap a blanket-like quality. Snuggle up on the couch when it’s cold outside, or wrap yourself up for a long day of travel ahead.
To buy: net-a-porter.com, $437
Steve Madden Wrap
This wool-blend wrap is warm enough for chilly autumn evenings around the fire pit, but the light color scheme makes it perfectly appropriate during the warmer months as well.
To buy: macys.com, $16 (originally $28)
A New Day Travel Wrap
Wear it as a scarf, wrap, or blanket; this subtle cable knit is guaranteed to keep you super snug — wherever in the world you may be.
To buy: target.com, $20
The Travel Wrap Company Herringbone Wrap
This travel wrap, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns, is handcrafted in a centuries-old mill in Scotland and made with only sustainably sourced fibers. The Travel Wrap Company was granted a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales himself, for their supply of tweed cloths to the royal household. If their stuff is good enough for Kate Middleton, it’s good enough for us.
To buy: thetravelwrapcompany.com, $323
