How to tie a scarf: nine ways, step by step

1. The classic neck knot

Best for: Everyday. Over a tee, a shirt, a denim jacket. ·Scarf: Square scarf, 26–35 in

1. Lay the square flat and fold it corner to corner into a triangle.
2. Keep folding the long edge up in two-inch bands until you have a narrow strip.
3. Drape it around your neck with the ends even in front.
4. Tie a single square knot, then slide it round to sit slightly off centre. Never dead centre — it reads stiff.

2. The French twist

Best for: Dressier. Looks deliberate with a plain dress or blazer. ·Scarf: Square scarf, 35 in

1. Fold into a narrow band as above.
2. Fold the band in half and lay it around the back of your neck, so a loop hangs on one side and two tails on the other.
3. Pass both tails through the loop and pull gently until it sits snug at the collarbone.
4. Twist the loop once before passing the tails through for a softer, fuller version.

3. The loop and tuck

Best for: Cool mornings, long oblong scarves, hands-free warmth. ·Scarf: Oblong, 60–70 in

1. Fold the scarf in half lengthways and drape it around your neck, loop on one side.
2. Pass one tail through the loop and pull it partway.
3. Take the second tail and pass it through the loop from the opposite direction.
4. Even out the tails and loosen the front so it drapes rather than pulls.

4. The hair scarf

Best for: Second-day hair, beach days, growing-out fringe. ·Scarf: Square scarf, 26–35 in

1. Fold into a two-inch band.
2. Lay it across the top of your head, a couple of inches back from the hairline.
3. Tie a small knot at the nape, under your hair, and tuck the tails away.
4. For a headband version, knot on top instead — a flat knot for quiet, a small bow for playful.

5. On the handbag handle

Best for: Making a plain tote or crossbody look considered. ·Scarf: Square scarf, 21–26 in

1. Fold into a narrow band.
2. Loop it once around the handle, close to where the handle meets the bag.
3. Tie a small double knot and trim the tails short — long tails snag.
4. A bold print earns its keep here; the colour reads from across a room.

6. As a belt

Best for: Linen trousers, denim, adding colour at the waist. ·Scarf: Oblong, 60–70 in

1. Fold lengthways into a two-inch band.
2. Thread it through the belt loops as you would a belt.
3. Tie a knot at the side hip, not the front, and let the tails fall.
4. Fringed and ombre scarves suit this best — the fringe catches at the knot.

7. The shoulder drape

Best for: Air-conditioned restaurants, breezy evenings. ·Scarf: Oblong, 70 in +

1. Drape the scarf around your shoulders like a shawl, ends hanging even in front.
2. Push it back so it sits behind the shoulder line rather than on the neck.
3. For structure, cinch a slim belt over the top at the waist.
4. No knot at all — that is the point of this one.

8. The infinity loop

Best for: Travel, layering, keeping a scarf out of the way. ·Scarf: Infinity or long crinkle scarf

1. Drape the loop once around your neck.
2. Twist the front into a figure eight.
3. Bring the twisted half up and over your head so it doubles at the collarbone.
4. Fluff the front layer forward so it sits soft rather than flat.

9. The bandana fold

Best for: Open collars, warm weather, showing a print off. ·Scarf: Square scarf, 21–26 in

1. Fold corner to corner into a triangle.
2. Place the long edge across the back of your neck, point hanging down the front.
3. Bring the two ends round and tie a small knot under the point.
4. Adjust the point so it sits just below the collarbone, and tuck the knot under.

Frequently asked

What is the easiest way to tie a scarf?

The classic neck knot. Fold a square scarf into a triangle, then into a narrow band, wrap it once around your neck and tie a single square knot slightly off centre. It takes about ten seconds and works over almost anything.

What size scarf should I buy first?

A 35-inch silk square is the most versatile — it ties as a neckerchief, a hair scarf, or a handbag accent and folds small enough to travel. A 60 to 70-inch oblong is the natural second scarf, for drapes, belts, and loops.

How do you tie a scarf so it stays put?

Fold to a narrow band before knotting, keep the knot small and off centre, and tie against a textured layer such as a shirt collar rather than bare silk. Slippery satin holds better with a double knot tucked under.

How do you tie a square scarf around your neck?

Fold it corner to corner into a triangle, then roll the long edge up in two-inch bands until you have a strip. Wrap once, tie a square knot at the side, and let the fold sit flat against the skin.

Can you wear a scarf in warm weather?

Yes, if the fabric is right. Lightweight silk, satin, and cotton squares tied at the neck, in the hair, or on a bag add colour without warmth. Save wool and blanket scarves for cold weather.

Keep reading

• Six ways to style a scarf — how each knot works with real outfits.
• Caring for silk and gold-plated pieces — washing, storing, and keeping colour.