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How to Tie a Scarf: 8 Easy Ways for Long Scarves and Silk Squares

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How to Tie a Scarf: 8 Easy Ways for Long Scarves and Silk Squares

A scarf can look completely different depending on how it's tied. The same piece can be cozy on a cold commute, polished at the office and playful on the weekend. Here are eight easy ways to tie one, grouped by scarf type, with step-by-step instructions.

Ways to tie a long scarf

Long, rectangular scarves (wool, cashmere, merino or a long silk) are the most versatile.

1. The Parisian knot (or European loop)

Warm, neat and quick.

  1. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise so you have a loop at one end.
  2. Drape it around your neck with the loop on one side and the two tails on the other.
  3. Pull the tails through the loop.
  4. Adjust snug or loose.

Works best with medium-weight scarves. Very thick knits get bulky.

2. The simple drape

The easiest option of all, ideal indoors or with an open coat.

  1. Hang the scarf around your neck so both ends fall evenly in front.
  2. Leave it loose, or tuck the ends inside a jacket.

3. The once-around wrap

  1. Drape the scarf with one side much longer than the other.
  2. Wrap the long side once around your neck.
  3. Let both ends hang in front, or toss one over a shoulder.

Good for very cold days, especially with a long knit.

4. The infinity-style twist

Turns any long scarf into a cozy cowl.

  1. Drape the scarf around your neck with ends even.
  2. Tie the two ends together in a small knot.
  3. Twist the loop once to form a figure eight, and loop it over your head again.
  4. Hide the knot in the folds.

Ways to tie a silk square

Square silk or cotton scarves are smaller and lighter, which makes them great accessories.

5. The neckerchief

  1. Fold the square into a triangle.
  2. Roll or fold from the long edge into a narrow band.
  3. Wrap around your neck and tie a small knot at the front or side.

6. The ascot-style tie

A polished look that works for any gender.

  1. Fold into a band as above.
  2. Drape around the neck, crossing the ends at the front.
  3. Tuck one end up and under the crossed section, then let it fall over the knot.
  4. Tuck into an open collar.

7. The bandana (head or hair)

  1. Fold into a triangle.
  2. Place the long edge across your forehead or the nape of your neck.
  3. Tie the ends behind, over or under the point.

For hair, try tying a folded band around a ponytail or bun.

8. The bag tie

  1. Fold into a narrow band.
  2. Tie around a bag handle with a simple knot or bow.

It adds color without wearing it, and works well for a gift.

Tips for any tie

Which scarf should you start with?

If you want one scarf that does most of these ties, a medium-weight long scarf is the most flexible. For accessorizing, a silk square adds variety. Not sure which suits your climate? Read how to choose scarf fabric by climate. Curated picks like the Silk Synapse, a printed silk square chosen by the concierge, are designed to be worn several ways.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to tie a scarf? The simple drape: hang it around your neck with both ends in front. For warmth, the Parisian knot is almost as easy.

How do you tie a silk scarf around your neck? Fold it into a triangle, roll it into a band, wrap it around your neck and tie a small knot at the front or side.

Can men wear these scarf ties? Yes. Every tie here works for anyone. The ascot, neckerchief and Parisian knot are classic across styles.

Want a scarf that ties beautifully? Tell the SI who it's for →

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