Wraps that can be worn at home or away are one of the most popular accessories and gifts. The variety is endless but my preference tends to be the non-itchy variety in the softest, best quality cashmere. Here are eight of the best brands producing versatile wraps that are certain to please.
The Mulberrry travelwrap in violet from the Travelwrap company
The cashmere wraps from the Travelwrap Company are so soft, beautiful and comforting that they’re ideal for daily wear as well as being a stylish and practical essential for travel. During her previous career in the pharmaceutical industry, Niamh Barker, the brand’s founder, traveled a lot and felt squeamish using airplane blankets, a known source of germs. Thus, a company that exclusively produces travelwraps was born. The wraps are produced by Johnstons of Elgin, a 200-year-old Scottish company that has a well-deserved reputation for producing the finest cashmere in the world. The Mulberry (£197), a generously sized wrap, part of the classic collection, in deep violet, is on my gift list and there are a wide range of colors, designs, knits and weights to suit all tastes. And, new this autumn is the men’s range with a silver grey two-ply cashmere piece (£229) sure to be a popular choice. For holiday gifts, take advantage of the bespoke monogramming and gift wrapping services.
Winser oversized cashmere travel wrap in red
Winser’s oversized wrap (£150) in red or camel is designed in 100% Italian cashmere yarn in a delicate gossamer stitch. This generous wrap is soft, warm, light and lovely for any evening event and perfect for travel and warding off an over air-conditioned flight. For even more cozy coverage, Winser offers a recycled cashmere poncho in oatmeal, grey or black (£399) that would make an excellent alternative to the traditional travel wrap.
The Blatimen cashmere wrap from Victoria Ragna
Brazilian-Norwegian designer Victoria Ragna creates prints and patterns inspired by her heritage. The Blåtimen wrap (£300.00) is named after the “blue hour” in Norwegian, the time of day between sunset and darkness. This wrap, in shades of blue with a fringed edge, is made from 100% cashmere woven in Scotland. At 140 x 140 cm, it’s a generous size and can be draped on outerwear during cold weather or used as a comforting wrap while travelling.
Hand patchwork oversized wrap by Mandkhai
Mongolian designer Mandkhai Jargalsaikhan is the daughter of the founders of the very first business in post-Communist Mongolia, a cashmere factory. Sourced from this factory that uses free roaming goats from the plains of Mongolia, Mandkhai has created a unique, multi-color statement wrap (£2,505) with various handwork including the fringe, patchwork and felting.
Gassato knitted wrap from Pure in camel
Whether opting for an ultra-soft printed scarf or a pashmina the lightweight styles from Pure Collection are ideal for every season. The range offers florals, abstract prints or simple single color options. The Gassato knitted wrap (£150) in caramel, navy, black or grey is lightweight gassato cashmere, featuring a shawl-style wrap that hangs over the shoulders adding instant glamour to any outfit or coziness for travel.
Icy pink and beige houndstooth lambswool shawl from Mulberry
New this season, the Mulberry houndstooth wrap (£150) is a luxurious option in a variety of color options. This classic British brand offers a two-color lambswool shawl woven in a modern herringbone design edged with soft fringing. The fuschia and blackberry version is a favorite. Made in the UK, its generous size makes it ideal over a coat on cooler days or as a generous travel wrap.
Detail from cashmere wrap from TOAST in navy
Having made a strong name for themselves in loungewear and comfortable clothing, Welsh brand TOAST is now popular worldwide for both comfort and style. The TOAST cashmere wrap in a choice of six colors (£155) is surprisingly soft and not the slightest bit scratchy as it is a blend of 50% wool and 50% cashmere. The wrap is long and wide, making it ideal for travelling but not all bulky. At 210 cm long, it’s large enough to be a luxurious travel blanket on a long-haul flight.
Detail from the blush pink Alma wrap from Arela
Arela’s Alma wrap (£321) in blush pink is a best-seller from the Helsinki-based family-run brand, admired for its durable knitwear and sustainable practices. The elegant 100% cashmere wrap is 200 cm long, making it ideal for work, play or travel. Arela does its best to ensure that no cashmere yarn is wasted during the production process and uses ethically sourced cashmere material from Northern China.
