Seven simple and stylish ways to tie a men's scarf
Regardless of the fabric they're made from (super-soft cotton, an acrylic blend or wool), men's scarves are an essential winter accessory that belong in every guy's wardrobe. A stylish addition to any outfit, this traditional winter warmer also serves the practical function of helping you fight against the cold. Dependent on the weather, your overall look and also the length of the scarf in question, how you wear and tie this accessory may vary. In fact, we've come up with 7 different ways in which you can fashion it! There's no doubt even more variations exist, but these are our preferred tying techniques. So, if you've never really been sure quite how to wear a scarf, it's high time you learn. Let us show you...
1. Simply drape your scarf for effortless style
The simplest way to style your scarf is to drape it around your neck, with no knots necessary! Fold your scarf in half so it'll hang evenly and then hook it around your neck, letting it fall across each side of your torso. There are two conditions when it comes to wearing your scarf this way. Firstly, the weather has to be mild enough that you don't need to properly protect your neck. And secondly, if you're wearing a coat or jacket, you should leave it open (in other words unbuttoned and unzipped), while ensuring your scarf is shorter than your outer layer.
Perfect for the mid-season or milder winter days, this effortless and relaxed tying tactic is sure to add a sophisticated touch to your slightly smarter looks!
2. Favour a folding technique
Although this particular method for tying scarves is more aesthetic than practical, it does enable you to keep your neck nice and toasty! Just like the option above, pass your scarf over your head and place it behind your neck, so that both sides hang down evenly over your chest. Then, pull on one of the sides so that you simultaneously elongate one and shorten the other. Now, throw the longer end over the opposite shoulder, so that it falls behind your back.
Easy to pull off, this way of modelling a scarf looks great over a jumper or parka. If you are wearing a coat, just make sure to keep the folds of your scarf visible – keeping both ends outside your jacket.
3. Opt for a loose knot
Chic and simple, tying your scarf in a loose knot means placing the scarf behind your neck but this time, instead of making both sides an equal length, you want one side to be longer than the other as it falls across your chest. Next, cross the longer side over the top of the shorter one. You then need to slide the longer side beneath its shorter counterpart, before then lifting the end of it up through the middle of the two. All that's left to do is to position the longer end so that it lies flat, running the length of your chest. You can then pull on the shorter, underneath side to tighten the knot, a bit like a men's tie!
4. The classic wrap around the neck
This one's for a traditional and timeless look! Loop the scarf once around your neck, passing it behind your neck so that (yet again) both ends fall down each side of your chest. You need to ensure both sides differ in length. Now throw the longer side over the opposite shoulder (towards your back) and then pull it round so it passes over the other shoulder and hangs in front again.
For a stylish finish, ensure that both sides of your scarf now fall evenly, so that they're more or less the same length. You'll also want to make sure your scarf sits comfortably around your neck – tight enough so that it keeps you warm, but not so tight that it feels restrictive.
5. Go for a French-chic loop (the Parisian knot)
The Parisian knot is a classic way to tie your men's scarf, promising to bring sophistication to any look. Better yet, it's super-simple to achieve! First off, fold your scarf in half and then place it behind your neck, draping both doubled-over sides over your shoulders and across your chest. You'll have a loop on one side, and both ends of your scarf on the other. All you now have to do is pass the ends of your scarf through the loop, and then tighten and adjust the knot however you see fit.
6. Criss-cross chest warmer method
This knot will not only keep your neck covered but will also insulate your upper body too! Place the scarf behind your neck, slipping it underneath the collar of your jacket. You want both sides hanging over your chest to be an equal length. Cross one end over your chest in a diagonal line and then reposition that side of your jacket back into place. Follow the same steps on the other side, so that your scarf forms a criss-cross. Adjust the height of your scarf so that you're happy with its proximity to your neck (you want your scarf to be seen) and then button up or zip-up your jacket. Top tip: if you have an extra-long scarf, you may wish to tie the ends in a loose knot behind your back, to keep the folds in place. You can also crank this look up a little in terms of warmth and style, by looping your scarf all the way around your neck first, before making the criss-cross.
7. Try tying your scarf in a double knot
This is one of the cosiest and most protective ways to tie your scarf! Because this knot is on the tighter side, it is a lot more windproof than some of our other suggestions!
Fold your scarf in two horizontally to decrease its width. Then fold it in half vertically and position the fold line behind your neck. Then, take one side and wrap it all the way around your neck. Now, knot both ends together at the front. The contrast between the narrowed scarf and the volume of the knot with the splayed ends looks oh so chic!
Did you know?
An age-old accessory, scarves have a long and rich history that can be traced back to numerous places around the world. Representations of the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, show scarves being worn as far back as the 3rd century for protection against the cold. In the antiquity, Roman military personnel wore focalia (woolen or linen scarves) to prevent their uniform rubbing against their necks. And, at the start of the 16th century, residents of Kashmir Valley in South Asia would weave square scarves using wool made from local goats. And each square scarf – used for warmth and protection from the elements – would be styled differently.
Maintenance tips for men who love wearing scarves
Wrapped around your neck, thrown off, hung up on a coat stand or peg, shoved into a pocket or drawer... scarves are not usually handled with care. In order to keep your scarf as good as new, we suggest draping it over the back of a chair if leaving it out for easy reach. Otherwise, store it carefully, either folding it loosely and placing it flat in a drawer, or hanging it in your wardrobe folded over a hanger. You may wish to iron it occasionally at a low temperature, to smooth out any creases, with an ever so slightly damp piece of cotton fabric positioned over the top of it as a protective cover. When it comes to cleaning your scarf, carefully read the care label to find out if you need to wash it by hand or whether a gentle machine-wash at a low temperature will pass. We advise against spin drying your scarf though, to avoid making it misshapen.
Scarf success!
Now you're equipped with everything there is to know about scarves! With these seven suggestions for how to tie your favourite scarf, you're all set to battle the cold in total style this winter, especially if you invest in a matching hat and gloves to pair it with. And, if you're on the lookout for a new thick, heavy-weight scarf, or a more lightweight scarf for the mid-season, take a glance at our full range!