How to Tie a Scarf: 9 Tying Techniques

There is an elegant quality that comes with a scarf, giving the man who dons one an extra touch of swagger.

In the winter time, you’re probably going to be wearing the same couple of coats throughout the whole season. A scarf will add the perfect amount of noticeable flair and variety to your outfit, not to mention the extra warmth.

One question you hear the most regarding scarves is, “What’s the best way to wear one around your neck?”

There are so many ways you can wear a scarf. The most practical ways will only take you a few minutes to learn. Others, will take no effort at all.

Here are 9 different ways you can wear a scarf:

Here are some excellent illustrations courtesy of texeresilk.com.

1. The Ascot Knot  (or Loose Tie)

Step 1 Let the middle of the scarf fall on the back of your neck with equal length on both sides.

Step 2 Take one end (A) and bring it towards the other (B).

Step 3 Let A pass from under B.

Step 4 Bring A upwards to make a knot as illustrated.

Step 5 Adjust both the ends equally facing downwards.

This type of knot is great when you’re wearing an open jacket, and you want the same appeal that a necktie has. It also works great when you’re wearing a turtle neck or a high collar jacket.

2. The Twice-Around Ascot

Step 1 Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 1 and let it hang around your neck equally on each side.

Step 2 Bring one side (A) towards the other side (B).

Step 3 Let A pass from under B.

Step 4 Bring A towards the front.

Step 5 Let A pass through B again to form a knot.

Step 6 Adjust both the sides facing forward as shown in the illustration.

This knot is the same as the first except that it goes around the neck twice. This techinque works best with a longer scarf.

3. The European Loop (or Slip Knot)

Step 1 Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 3 and then fold it again to form a sort of hoop.

Step 2 Let the scarf dangle around your neck with the hoop on one side of the shoulder.

Step 3 Take the other end (A) and bring it towards the hoop.

Step 4 Let A pass through the hoop to make a European loop.

Step 5 Tighten the loop to get the complete effect.

This knot can be made shorter by folding the scarf in half again after the first time. This type of knot goes well with a short jacket, which you can also tuck the scarf into and zip up. This is one of my personal favorites. It looks best in cold weather, and works well with both casual and business outfits. Check out our article on the blazer if you want to read up more on what kind of jacket to wear.

4. The Fake Knot

Step 1 Fold the scarf according to basic knot 1 and let it drop down your neck equally on each side.

Step 2 Make a knot on one side (A).

Step 3 Bring the other side (B) towards A.

Step 4 Let B pass through A to form a knot.

Step 5 Tighten the knot to get a beautiful fake knot.


5. The Neck Tie

Tie your scarf as you would a regular neck tie – a Windsor knot looks best. This can only be done with a lightweight scarf. This is a very business appropriate look that would go create with a 3/4 length coat.

More simple ways to wear a scarf:

6. The Twice-Around

Place the scarf around your neck so that the two ends are at your back, cross the ends at the back of your neck and bring them around to the front. This is great for a casual oufit. For example, a simple solid jacket with jeans.

If it’s not cold out, wear it loose for a more laid-back appeal:

7. The Toss

This one is so easy: Hang the full length of the scarf around your neck with one side hanging down about one foot more than the other, then take the long end and cross it over your neck, tossing it behind you and over the opposite shoulder.

8. The Classic Drape

Simply drape the scarf around your neck and tuck it into your coat, covering the chest area left exposed by the coat’s neckline. If I’m wearing an overcoat, I like to do this, and close my jacket over it, checking that the scarf is evenly under my jacket collar.

Another way to use a scarf is to pop up your jacket collar and place it underneath:

9. The Wrap Around

Rather than telling you how to do this, I thought it would be better to find a video on how to tie this one. It’s the final one shown in this great video by Details (you’ll see how to do the loose tie and slip knot as well):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAlvAXxrJOM]

All you need to know is compiled in our Method…

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  • Casual says:

    Great article! I was looking for something exactly like this. I’ve just started experimenting with scarves this season, and it’s surprising how difficult it is to find good articles on scarf tying online.

  • michaelv says:

    thanks for the tips on how to tie a scarf. it would be helpful if you could also include how to choose a scarf? I have no idea at all about scarves.

    thanks again Jae.

  • PeeKay says:

    Great tips as always 😉

  • Michel says:

    Nice post! Definitely usable in this time of year! However, I was wondering which scarf to buy (pattern, length, fabric, color, etc). And which scarf goes good with which jacket/clothing.

  • Dave says:

    Great article! Perfect timing during the winter season.
    Happy Holidays!

  • Gabe @ Attractology says:

    Thanks for the article. Scarves are one of those accessories that if you want to look unique and a bit upscale (good and good) they make a lot of sense. The European Loop is simple and can be adjusted up or down. Personal opinion if it’s not cold out, don’t wear one.

  • James says:

    I was looking for something like this for ages. got a couple new scarves and want to try some new styles.
    Great as usual

  • Donn Wann says:

    Fantastic post. I tell my friends and clients to visit your site for more information on their fashion sense. Is there a way to dress guys in asia up? They seem to dress in muted colors, to blend than to express. To conform, then be themselves.

    Thus, rarely anyone in my country wears a scarf even though its cold.

  • PartyInMyShower says:

    I was just thinking about this topic the other day lol. The wrap around is excellent. I never feel like my neck is warm enough.

  • Tom says:

    Nice article. I think how to wear a scarf is one of those simple things that so many people have trouble with, especially finding the right look to compliment the outfit they are wearing. I’ve got to say I prefer the European Loop best! It would be nice to see a follow up article about what colours and styles can work with certain outfits etc. Anyway thanks for the article, another good bit of info x

  • Kevin "BbOi KoNg" Ong says:

    You know this has got to be the most talked about topic when it comes to winter attire. I just randomly wrap my neck with it until I dont feel the cold but these methods puts a nice spin on practicality and fashion! Awesome job Jae!

  • Mike Z. says:

    The slip knot all the way!

  • Dave Myers says:

    Excellent article! This is one of things no one ever teaches you but you always want to know! Thanks.

  • Patrick says:

    Great one Jae! What type of material do you recommend for scarves? I’ve heard a lot about this “Pashmina” but don’t know much about it.

  • Timothy Ra says:

    Fantastic guide Jae! Happy holidays and thanks for all that you’ve taught me through the past year!

    And I loved the last post as well!

  • Steve Cohen says:

    Thanks for this! I’ve never seen the wrap-around before… it’s so simple and brilliant.

  • Kikk says:

    I love how in-depth you go with these articles. Thanks much. I’ll be coming back to this many times this winter.

  • AlphaWolf says:

    Found your article via Casual. Great article. I think you have scarf tying down on SEO with this one.

    I noticed a few more different styles on girls at the mall that I talked to (they have few more variations with longer scarfs)

  • Matt Fox says:

    Nine distinctive techniques for tying a scarf? Who new? Great post. Thanks.

  • Prailurus says:

    This is so helpful. Thanks Jae!

  • Young Ko says:

    thanks for making her look twice!

  • chaz says:

    what can isay awesome not far off winter here(tassie aust) perfect timing as it will be cold out and yeah have scarf will wear!!

  • Caitlin says:

    Great post! But, are these techniques only for men? I’d like to try a few of them…

  • ruco48 says:

    Woman’s Best Friend-A Cashmere Scarf What woman doesn’t love the feel of cashmere? There is something so sensual and luxurious about cashmere that most women are big fans of a cashmere scarf. The softness of a cashmere scarf around the neck or shoulders is pure luxury. Scarves can come in all different materials, but nothing really seems to compare to wearing one that is made of cashmere. If you are looking for something simple that can be worn everyday, then you may want to try the Pure Cashmere Scarf from Pashmina Boutique. This scarf is long enough to drape along your shoulders for a chilly afternoon, and is as soft as they come. You are also able to purchase one in several different colors, all of which are fairly neutral so they will be able to match with everything.

  • Gem says:

    I always like tutorials with visual, it helps a lot. Thanks for the scarf how to!

  • PC says:

    Thanks for the tips on how to tie a scarf, this will come in handy during the colder summer nights.

  • MMS says:

    Thanks alot, this is a very usefull article.

  • Schoodie says:

    I simply love this post. I can see, in how many different ways we can wear a simple scarf and look different and smart. Now I feel that scarves just don’t look good casually but you can also add it to your formal dress up, one just needs to know how to do that.

  • Mark Ter says:

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  • Paritosh says:

    I loved this article… as winters are here will surely apply some of the techniques… Thanks for the article and super thanks for this website.

  • Naman says:

    Great article…..

  • vij says:

    Thanks for the detailed explanation. It is really wonderful to tie scraves in different ways…and this article has all the tips.. thanks again

  • Maynard says:

    This is very helpful! Thanks a lot for putting up this article as I was searching on ways to tie a scarf and I needed the exact knowledge cause I will be in Europe this month and I know the temperature is negative.

    Thanks once again. 🙂

  • Arejaye says:

    I recently bought my first scarf…white Cashmere and it’s really supersoft and warm, but honestly had no idea really how to tie it. Thanks for havin’ the site up and bein’ educational for those of us who are “scarf challenged” lol btw…I chose white because it’ll go great with about anything, especially my black leather jacket and jeans 🙂 I prefer either the slipknot or double wraparound though. They seem to be the warmest for me without being too tight around my neck. I hate cold haha Thanks for the site!

  • shehryar says:

    thanku very much… it was a really a great post….. thanks again and keep updating ur latest tech and latest trends… 🙂

  • Hello,
    Jeremy. Nice explanation about how to wear scarves. I think this the best
    method to under-stand how to wear a scarf for men. I saw
    men’s wear a scarf in winter season and they
    basically wear twice around ascot style and personally I
    really like this style. I hope this winter men’s should get an idea how to wear scarves.

  • Aanchal says:

    Thanks this was useful. Pinned it and sharing on my next blog:-)

  • Thanks, Aanchal! 🙂

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