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 I seem to get 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.
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):
Need a new scarf? Here are a few great ones to add to your wardrobe.
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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.
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.
Great tips as always
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.
Great article! Perfect timing during the winter season.
Happy Holidays!
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.
I was looking for something like this for ages. got a couple new scarves and want to try some new styles.
Great as usual
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.
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.
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
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!
The slip knot all the way!
Excellent article! This is one of things no one ever teaches you but you always want to know! Thanks.
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.
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!
Thanks for this! I’ve never seen the wrap-around before… it’s so simple and brilliant.
I love how in-depth you go with these articles. Thanks much. I’ll be coming back to this many times this winter.
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)
Nine distinctive techniques for tying a scarf? Who new? Great post. Thanks.
This is so helpful. Thanks Jae!
thanks for making her look twice!
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!!
Great post! But, are these techniques only for men? I’d like to try a few of them…