Written by Ben Chuang

Scarves have long been a staple accessory in men's fashion, adding flair, warmth, and personality to any outfit while keeping your neck warm.

Whether draped casually over the shoulders or meticulously knotted around the neck, scarves offer versatile styling options that can elevate your look effortlessly in cool weather when paired with skinny-fit shirts. In this guide, we delve into the art of wearing scarves for men, exploring various techniques, styles, and tips to help you master this timeless accessory and make a statement with confidence.

From classic wool to lightweight silk, scarves come in a myriad of fabrics, patterns, and textures, making them suitable for every season and occasion. Whether you're braving the chill of winter or adding a touch of refinement to your summer ensemble, understanding how to wear a scarf effectively can transform elements of your outfit from mundane to memorable. Don't forget to pair your scarf with a nice gingham shirt and some fun dress socks.

Join us as we uncover the secrets behind mastering the art of scarf styling, empowering you to express your individuality and sophistication through this essential accessory.

 

The Classic Drape

To wear a scarf in the classic drape style, follow these steps:

1. Fold the scarf: Lay the scarf flat and fold it in half lengthwise to create a long strip.

2. Drape around the neck: Place the folded scarf around your neck, ensuring that one end is longer than the other.

3. Adjust length: Adjust the lengths of the ends so that one end hangs longer than the other. Typically, the longer end should hang around mid-chest or slightly lower.

4. Tuck or adjust: Tuck the ends of the scarf under the loop created, or let the loose ends hang according to your preference.

5. Adjust the drape: Ensure that the scarf sits comfortably around your neck with the ends falling naturally.

This classic drape style provides a simple and elegant way to wear clothing with a scarf, suitable for various outfits and semi-formal occasions. This classic style pairs particularly well with slim-fit button-down shirts.

The Once Around Knot

To tie a scarf with the once-around knot, follow these short and simple steps:

1. Drape the scarf: Start by draping the scarf around your neck, ensuring that one end is longer than the other.

2. Cross ends: Take the longer end of the scarf and cross it over the shorter end, creating a loop around your neck.

3. Pull through: Take the longer end and pass it through the loop created by crossing the scarf over.

4. Adjust: Gently pull both ends of the scarf to tighten the knot around your neck, ensuring that it sits comfortably.

5. Final touches: Adjust the positioning of the scarf and fluff it up if needed to achieve the desired look.

The once-around knot is a simple yet stylish way to wear a scarf, providing both warmth and elegance to your outfit. Experiment with different scarf fabrics and lengths to find the perfect combination that suits your personal style.

 

The Parisian Knot

To tie a scarf in the Parisian knot, follow these steps:

1. Double up: Double up the scarf by folding it in half, then drape it across your neck.

2. Tuck through: Take the two ends of the scarf and tuck it through the loop.

3. Tighten and adjust: Pull the two ends of the scarf through to the appropriate tightness and adjust for comfort.

4. Final touches: Adjust the positioning of the scarf and fluff it up if needed to achieve the desired look.

The Parisian knot adds a touch of sophistication and European flair to your outfit, making it a versatile and stylish choice for smart casual occasions when paired with a crisp white button-down shirt.

Experiment with different scarf fabrics and lengths to create unique looks that suit your personal style.

The Pretzel Knot

To tie a scarf in the pretzel knot, follow these steps:

1. Drape the scarf: Start by folding the scarf in half like the Parisian knot and draping it across your neck.

2. Cross ends and create a loose knot: Take the long end of the scarf and cross it through the loop, forming a loose knot at the front of your neck.

3. Loop one end through the knot: Take the end of the scarf that is now on top and pass it underneath the other end, creating a loop.

4. Wrap around and tuck through: Wrap the end around the loop you've created, bringing it back to the front. Then, tuck it through the loop from the front to the back.

5. Adjust: Gently pull both ends of the scarf to tighten the knot and adjust it to your desired tightness and positioning.

6. Final touches: Adjust the loops and ends of the scarf to ensure they are evenly distributed and fluff it up if needed to achieve the desired look.

The pretzel knot adds a unique and stylish twist to your scarf, making it a fun, functional and eye-catching accessory for any outfit. Experiment with different scarf fabrics and lengths to create variations of this knot that look great with collared shirts.

 

The "Fake" Knot

To tie a scarf in the "fake knot," follow these steps:

1. Drape the scarf: Begin by draping the scarf around your neck with one end slightly longer than the other.

2. Create a loop: Take the long end of the scarf and make a loose loop, leaving the end hanging down in front of the loop.

3. Tuck the other end through the loop: Take the shorter end of the scarf and pass it through the loop from underneath, bringing it up and over the loop.

4. Adjust the hand knot: Gently pull both ends of the scarf to tighten the knot, ensuring it sits snugly around your neck.

5. Final touches: Adjust the positioning of the scarf and fluff it up if needed to achieve the desired look.

This style offers a stylish and effortless way to wear a scarf, providing a chic twist to your formal outfit without much effort.

Experiment with different scarf fabrics and lengths to find the perfect combination that suits your personal style and preferences.

Frequently asked questions about wearing scarves for men

How a man should wear a scarf?

When it comes to how to wear a scarf, men can wear a scarf in freezing weather by draping it around his neck with one end longer than the opposite shoulder, ensuring it's neither too loose nor too tight.

This reverse drape cross can styled in various ways, such as the classic drape, once-around knot, or Parisian knot, depending on personal preference and the occasion.

How do you tie a masculine scarf?

How do you tie a masculine scarf: Tying a masculine scarf involves opting for simple knots like the once-around knot or the Parisian knot, avoiding overly intricate styles.

It's essential to choose a scarf made from masculine fabrics like wool or cashmere and to keep the overall look clean and understated.

Is there a proper way to wear a scarf?

Is there a proper way to wear a scarf: While there isn't a strict rule, there are guidelines to ensure a stylish and comfortable look. A man should wear a scarf that complements his outfit in terms of color, texture, and pattern.

Additionally, the scarf should be draped or tied in a way that feels comfortable and suits the face and weather conditions.

How do you wear a scarf with a men's suit?

How do you wear a scarf in cold weather with a men's suit: To wear a scarf with a men's suit, opt for a scarf that complements the suit's color and fabric even if that means paying more money.

A classic option is to drape a wool or cashmere scarf over the shoulders with both ends hanging evenly in front.

Alternatively, tie a simple knot like the once-around knot or the reverse drape tuck for a polished and sophisticated look that adds warmth and style to the ensemble.