Yes, the Tootal scarf is a classic. But if you want something different and perhaps cheaper, check out my six 1960s-style mod scarves.
Let’s be absolutely clear. This isn’t a dig at Tootal. The scarves being made by Tootal now are excellent quality and in many cases, copies of the ones you spend ages hunting around vintage and secondhand shops for.
There is something quite exciting about working through a pile of old ties and scarves in a charity shop to find that one solitary Tootal scarf.
But if you can’t be bothered doing the legwork, I would recommend having a browse of the official Tootal website here to see designs like the one above. I do love that polka dot scarf above, which is in the current range. The Tootal is an icon of an era and a website that is always worth a browse.
As I said, lovely things, but prices are constantly rising. Some are in the sale, but you are looking at £60 for some of those modern-day Tootals. Hence this article.
You can shop around to get a similar look a little cheaper or simply stand out from the crowd with something a little less obvious. Now is probably a good time to talk about scarves, too. The temperatures are dropping, and a scarf goes from being an accessory to an essential.
Anyway, here are five other options, plus a couple more that might be pricey but are worth a look.
1. Calle Modiste
Calle Modiste produces handmade 1960s clothing and accessories out of Sheffield, and within that range, it makes some lovely Mod scarves.
All paisley designs (including some Liberty patterns) and with a tubular cut, finished with short self-fray fringing. Some lovely packaging, too, as you can see on its website.
Prices start at £25, and if you want to help a small designer/maker, this is a label to check out.
Find out more at the Calle Modiste Etsy website
2. Pretty Soul handmade scarves
Another handmade scarf maker/seller, Pretty Soul is very much at the affordable end of the market.
Yes, you get a handmade scarf, but this time made from cotton poplin and with a straight edge on the tubular design. Whether the latter matters depends on how you wear your scarf.
If you want the 1960s look without the big price tag, this could be the one for you. Scarves are generally priced at just £10.95 and postage is only £1.55 extra.
Find out more at the Pretty Soul eBay website
3. Foulard scarf range by Dr Watson Shoemaker
I know, this is a man who makes some of the most desirable Mod shoe styles around. But a recent development has been a range of eye-catching scarves too.
Designs and cloths are very much in line with what Tootal has produced over the years. But there’s something of a ‘dandy’ look about the wool and silk scarves (both materials are used across the range).
Well worth checking out the full selection, with each one selling for around €30. Do check out the shoes while you’re there too.
Find out more at the Dr Watson Shoemaker website
4. Jump The Gun dogtooth scarves
You can buy other brands, including Tootal, from the Jump The Gun store and website. But I like this variation on a theme that’s only available from the retailer.
A variation because this is a more substantial scarf. Rather than silk, its a mix of merino wool and acrylic, which might work better as a winter option. Two colours available for the dogtooth design and each is made locally to the retailer’s location of Brighton.
£40 is a lot cheaper than a new Tootal too.
Find out more at the Jump The Gun website
5. 1960s-style Soho scarves
The style of these has changed just a touch since I first started writing about them. Most used to have the tasselled edge like Tootal, but not so anymore.
But still a silk scarf with some lovely vintage patterns as well as some bolder looks – like a Bauhaus range, for example. There are wool scarves, too, if you want to keep out the cold.
As a price guide, the silk paisley scarf pictured here sells for £39.95.
Find out more at the Soho Scarves website
6. Adam Of London silk scarves
Somewhere you associate with (lovely) suits, jackets and shirts of a Mod persuasion. But you can get some rather nice silk scarves from here too.
In fact, these are as close to Tootal as we get, but for less money. Made in a traditional way, and in the UK, they are around 21cm wide x 134cm long excluding the tassels and look the part. See the site for the full range.
£45 gets you one.
Find out more at the Adam Of London website
Other contenders…
Another label worth a look at is Michelson’s neckwear. The paisley scarf pictured above is £20 and is typical of the range. Go have a look.
Oh yes, maybe have a look at Knightsbridge neckwear, too. They are a bit pricier than others, but you might see something you like, as they do have some exclusive clothes.
Or you could always buy a vintage Tootal scarf off eBay. There are plenty out there, and you might snag a bargain. Alternatively, do the legwork and have a rummage at your local charity or vintage store.
Looking for something a little more rugged? I have done a more extensive scarf round-up over at His Knibs, covering a variety of classic and heritage scarves.
