How to Wear a Heated Scarf With a USB Power Bank: A Simple Guide

A heated scarf looks like any other scarf. That is the whole point. From the outside, you see a classic fringed plaid wrap; inside, there is a heating panel at the neck and a small button to choose a setting. If you have never used one before, it can seem a little technical. It is not. This guide explains how a USB heated scarf works, how to connect it to a power bank, how to wear it so the cable stays hidden, and how to look after it.

How a USB heated scarf works

The Tilda Heated Plaid Scarf is a polyester fringe scarf measuring 206 x 32 cm with a heating panel at the neck. A USB cable connects the scarf to a power bank, and a one-button controller lets you cycle through 3 heat settings. The power bank is not included, so you will use one you already own or buy one separately.

That design has a nice advantage: there is no battery sewn into the scarf. The scarf stays light and looks like an ordinary scarf, and the power bank sits in your pocket.

What you need

• The heated scarf.
• A USB power bank (not included). Any standard USB power bank you already use for your phone is the usual choice.
• A coat or jacket with a pocket to hold the power bank.

Step by step: connecting and switching on

1. Charge your power bank before you head out.
2. Wrap the scarf around your neck so the heating panel sits at the back of your neck.
3. Connect the USB cable to your power bank.
4. Put the power bank in your coat pocket. An inside pocket keeps the cable tidiest.
5. Press the button to switch on and choose a setting. Press again to cycle through the 3 settings.
6. Unplug when you get indoors or no longer need the heat.

Choosing a power bank

Because the power bank is not included, it helps to think about which one you will pair with the scarf:

• Size: a slim power bank fits more easily in a coat pocket.
• Capacity: larger-capacity banks last longer before they need recharging, but they are heavier.
• Port: make sure your power bank has a USB port that matches the scarf's cable.
• Sharing: if you also use the bank for your phone, charge it fully before a long day out.

How to wear it so it looks like a normal scarf

The simple wrap

Drape the scarf around your neck with the heating panel at the back, cross the ends at the front and let them hang. Run the cable down inside your coat to the pocket.

The double wrap

Wrap the scarf around twice for a fuller look on very cold days. Keep the heating panel against the back of your neck.

The loop knot

Fold the scarf in half, put it around your neck and pull the ends through the loop. It is neat, stays in place and hides the controller in the folds.

Over the coat or under it

Wearing the scarf under your coat collar hides the cable completely. Over the coat, tuck the cable inside the front of the coat so it runs straight to your pocket.

Styling the plaid

Tilda comes in Christmas Plaid, Light Blue Plaid, Light Pink Plaid, Brown Leopard and Black. A few pairing ideas:

• Christmas Plaid looks classic with a navy, black or camel coat and is perfect for the holiday season.
• Light Blue Plaid and Light Pink Plaid brighten up grey and cream outerwear.
• Brown Leopard adds a bold print to a plain black or camel coat.
• Black goes with everything and keeps the look minimal.

When a heated scarf is handy

• Morning commutes and waiting at the bus stop or train platform.
• Dog walks on cold evenings.
• Outdoor sports games, tailgates and ice rinks.
• Winter markets, outdoor events and long walks.

Care and safety tips

• Always disconnect the power bank before washing or storing the scarf.
• Follow the care instructions supplied with the scarf; do not machine wash it unless the instructions say you can.
• Keep the cable and controller dry.
• Do not use it while sleeping, and unplug it when you are not wearing it.
• Store it loosely folded so the heating panel and cable are not bent sharply.

Buying one as a gift?

A heated scarf is a great surprise present because nobody can tell it is heated until they press the button. See our heated scarf gift guide for who it suits and how to present it.

Frequently asked questions

Is a power bank included?

No. The power bank is not included. The scarf runs from any compatible USB power bank you already own.

How do I change the heat?

Press the button on the controller to cycle through the 3 settings. Start on the lowest setting and move up if you want more.

Can I wear it without plugging it in?

Yes. Unplugged, it is simply a fringed plaid scarf, so you can wear it on milder days without the power bank at all.

Will people notice the cable?

Not if you run it inside your coat to an inside pocket. Wearing the scarf under the collar hides it completely.

How big is it?

It measures 206 x 32 cm, long enough for a single loose wrap, a double wrap or a loop knot.

The short version

Wrap it with the panel at the back of your neck, plug it into your own power bank (not included), slip the bank into your pocket and press the button to choose one of 3 settings. It looks like a classic plaid scarf, with a secret. Pick your colour of the Tilda Heated Plaid Scarf.