A scarf might be considered by some to be a winter-only accessory, but its versatility and practicality make it a worthwhile addition to any wardrobe regardless of the season. The reason is because a single scarf can be worn so many ways.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to tie a scarf ten different ways, so you can get the absolute most out of this impactful fashion accessory.
The Basic Drape
The Basic Drape involves no tying at all. You simply take the scarf and drape it evenly across your neck, so the scarf hangs loose down the front of your body. In most cases, the basic drape is how you will start the other scarf tying techniques. Another option to try with this technique is the Belted Drape, in which you use a belt to secure the scarf at your waist.
The Toss
The Toss is a technique everyone learned as a child. It starts with the Basic Drape and then you simply toss one side of the scarf over the opposite shoulder, so it covers the neck. If you take the second hanging side and toss it over the other shoulder, so both ends of the scarf are draped over your back, then you’ve just learned to wear a scarf in what’s known as the Reverse Drape.
The Front Tie
The Front Tie starts with the Basic Drape and is then followed by loosely crossing the ends of the scarf in the center. Once tied, adjust the hanging ends, so that they are layered and fluffy.
The Basic Loop
The Basic Loop starts by hanging the scarf over your neck, so that one side is longer than the other. The short end should extend no longer than the chest area. Then take the longer end and wrap it around your neck twice and let the remainder hang. Another variation using this technique is called the Knotted Basic Loop, in which you tie the two ends off to the side, so they can hang. Yet another variation involves crossing the ends and tucking them up under the loop. This is called a Tucked-In Basic Loop.
The Loop Through
To wear a scarf using the Loop Through technique, you fold the scarf in half and then drape it over your neck. Next, you take both ends and feed them through the loop and pull them through to tighten the scarf around your neck.
The Head Scarf
The Head Scarf is a simple, but beautiful technique. Simply spread out the scarf and drape it evenly over your head. Then toss one end over the opposite shoulder followed by tossing the other end over the other shoulder.
The Faux Infinity
With the Faux Infinity technique, you don’t need an Infinity scarf to get the Infinity look. You start by knotting the two ends of the scarf together to form one big loop. Place the loop over your head, so the knotted end is at the back. Then swing the scarf over your head again and adjust to form the Infinity look.
The Neckerchief
To wear your scarf as a neckerchief, you start by folding the scarf in half twice to form a rectangle. Fold it diagonally to make a triangle. Then take the two long ends of the triangle and tie them together around your neck.
The Wrap
To learn how to tie a scarf using the Wrap technique, you start by treating your scarf like a shawl - spread the fabric out and wrap it evenly over your shoulders. Take one end and pull it across your lower body and then take the other end and toss it over the opposite shoulder. Another variation using this method is to take one end and tuck it under the scarf at the opposite shoulder. Then toss the other side over the other shoulder.
The Figure 8
The Figure 8 is one of the more complex ways to tie a scarf, but it’s easy once you learn it. Start by folding the scarf in half and draping it over your neck. Feed the top end through the loop and then twist the loop to create a second hole. Lastly, feed the bottom end through the second hole and adjust for comfort and appearance.
The Neck-Tie
The Neck-Tie is another more advanced technique that might require some practice to get perfect. To start, you drape the scarf over your neck, so one end is longer than the other. Take the longer end and bring it behind and over the shorter end to create a loop. Then feed the longer end up and into the loop to form a knot. Lastly, tighten the knot and push it up like you would a regular tie until you like how it looks. Another variation of this method is called the Loop With Neck-Tie. To get this look, you loop the scarf around your neck once, so that one end is longer than the other. Take the longer end behind and over the shorter end to create a loop and then feed the longer end up and into the loop to form a knot. Adjust the knot and you’re done.
The Pretzel
The Pretzel is a beautiful and trendy way to showcase not just your favorite scarf, but also your scarf tying skills. To do this technique, you start by folding the scarf in half and draping it over your neck. Take the top end of the scarf and feed it through the loop. Then take the bottom end of the scarf and bring it up over and through that same loop.
Now that you know how to tie a scarf in a variety of creative ways, you deserve to buy yourself a new scarf to try them all out with. At JamesPaulCheung.com, we have a huge selection of gorgeous scarves from James Paul Cheung as well as many of today’s leading designers. Shop our collection of premium cashmere, silk, and wool scarves today and find your next go-to scarf.