A scarf has been one of the basic items in the men’s wardrobes for more than 2000 years. Before, scarves were also used in armies all over the world to show the rank and the unit. Nowadays they add charm and elegance to every outfit. It is a classic menswear item with a rich background.
Why you should wear a scarf
First of all, it protects your neck. A warm wool scarf can shield your neck from cold and wind in winter and a light cotton scarf can protect you from the sun and sandstorms in summer.
Second, scarves look stylish and sometimes may even add some brightness to an outfit. A boldly colored scarf will look very good with a black or charcoal overcoat. But remember that if your scarf is brightly colored, the rest of your outfit should be simple.
Scarf types
There are many different types of scarves — square scarves, bandanas, head scarves etc. In this article, I want to tell you more about rectangle ones.
Width and Length
Average width is from 6 to 14 inches, average length — from 50 to 90 inches. A tall man should choose a scarf at least 70 inches long, while shorter men should go for one in the 60 inch range.
Material
Scarves can be made from many different fabrics: wool, cotton, linen, silk, cashmere, angora, synthetic materials. You should also pay attention to a fabric weave, because scarves made from thick yarns may not be very practical.
The best choice of fabric for a winter scarf is wool or cashmere. If you are looking for a summer lightweight scarf, better choose one made of linen or cotton.
Ways to tie a scarf
The Drape
This is the most simple way to wear a scarf. You don’t need to tie it at all, just drape it over your neck, equal lengths on both sides. You may also tuck into your buttoned jacket or coat. This is how I usually wear a scarf during the warm or cool weather, but not cold. This way of wearing a scarf just brings some colour and elegance to your outfit and is not meant to keep you warm. The best choice here is a short or regular length scarf.
The Overhand Knot (Ascot)
This knot is very easy to do, looks nice and protects your neck from cold. The medium length scarf is required. Drape a scarf over your neck, equal lengths on both sides. Cross one end over another and then bring it under and tie. Drape the front end over the back end. This scarf knot looks good if one end is slightly longer. The knot may hang loose around your neck or you can make it tighter, adjust it the way you want. You can wear it with anything from a jacket and a coat to joggers and a hoodie.
The Parisian or French Knot
Very fast and easy way to tie a knot, I always use it for the cold weather. Use a long scarf to create a large and warm knot. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and drape it over your neck. Bring the loose ends through the loop of the fold and tighten the scarf. This knot keeps your neck warm and looks classy. Don’t use bulky scarfs as the knot might appear too massive.
The Once Around
Here you don’t really tie a scarf, but the knot keeps your neck warm unlike the scarf drape. You can use medium or long scarves here. Drape the scarf around your neck, one end longer. Take the longer end, wrap it loosely around your neck and that’s it. You can leave one end a little shorter than the other or make them equal, whatever you liket. This is also the best way to wear your summer scarves, which can protect you from onshore breeze or a frosty AC in some restaurant.
The Twice Around
A very simple knot which is perfect for the cold weather. Here you need a long scarf. You do it the same way as the once around knot, just wrap a scarf twice around your neck. Adjust your scarf if necessary to protect your neck completely and you are ready for the coldest weather out there.
The Fake Knot
This knot is not that easy as all those above. It will look great with a casual jacket and with a formal coat as well. Hang the scarf around your neck, one end is twice shorter than the other. Take the longer end and tie a loose overhand knot, it should be placed closer to the end of the shorter side. Bring the other end of the scarf down through the loop and tie the knot. You can move the knot closer to your neck, adjust it according to your preferences.
Why you should wear a scarf
First of all, it protects your neck. A warm wool scarf can shield your neck from cold and wind in winter and a light cotton scarf can protect you from the sun and sandstorms in summer.
Second, scarves look stylish and sometimes may even add some brightness to an outfit. A boldly colored scarf will look very good with a black or charcoal overcoat. But remember that if your scarf is brightly colored, the rest of your outfit should be simple.
Scarf types
There are many different types of scarves — square scarves, bandanas, head scarves etc. In this article, I want to tell you more about rectangle ones.
Width and Length
Average width is from 6 to 14 inches, average length — from 50 to 90 inches. A tall man should choose a scarf at least 70 inches long, while shorter men should go for one in the 60 inch range.
Material
Scarves can be made from many different fabrics: wool, cotton, linen, silk, cashmere, angora, synthetic materials. You should also pay attention to a fabric weave, because scarves made from thick yarns may not be very practical.
The best choice of fabric for a winter scarf is wool or cashmere. If you are looking for a summer lightweight scarf, better choose one made of linen or cotton.
Ways to tie a scarf
The Drape
This is the most simple way to wear a scarf. You don’t need to tie it at all, just drape it over your neck, equal lengths on both sides. You may also tuck into your buttoned jacket or coat. This is how I usually wear a scarf during the warm or cool weather, but not cold. This way of wearing a scarf just brings some colour and elegance to your outfit and is not meant to keep you warm. The best choice here is a short or regular length scarf.
The Overhand Knot (Ascot)
This knot is very easy to do, looks nice and protects your neck from cold. The medium length scarf is required. Drape a scarf over your neck, equal lengths on both sides. Cross one end over another and then bring it under and tie. Drape the front end over the back end. This scarf knot looks good if one end is slightly longer. The knot may hang loose around your neck or you can make it tighter, adjust it the way you want. You can wear it with anything from a jacket and a coat to joggers and a hoodie.
The Parisian or French Knot
Very fast and easy way to tie a knot, I always use it for the cold weather. Use a long scarf to create a large and warm knot. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and drape it over your neck. Bring the loose ends through the loop of the fold and tighten the scarf. This knot keeps your neck warm and looks classy. Don’t use bulky scarfs as the knot might appear too massive.
The Once Around
Here you don’t really tie a scarf, but the knot keeps your neck warm unlike the scarf drape. You can use medium or long scarves here. Drape the scarf around your neck, one end longer. Take the longer end, wrap it loosely around your neck and that’s it. You can leave one end a little shorter than the other or make them equal, whatever you liket. This is also the best way to wear your summer scarves, which can protect you from onshore breeze or a frosty AC in some restaurant.
The Twice Around
A very simple knot which is perfect for the cold weather. Here you need a long scarf. You do it the same way as the once around knot, just wrap a scarf twice around your neck. Adjust your scarf if necessary to protect your neck completely and you are ready for the coldest weather out there.
The Fake Knot
This knot is not that easy as all those above. It will look great with a casual jacket and with a formal coat as well. Hang the scarf around your neck, one end is twice shorter than the other. Take the longer end and tie a loose overhand knot, it should be placed closer to the end of the shorter side. Bring the other end of the scarf down through the loop and tie the knot. You can move the knot closer to your neck, adjust it according to your preferences.
Alessandro Rocco Pietrocola is an entrepreneur and investor based in London and operating mainly in Europe, Asia and Oceania with main focus on UK, Baltic Countries, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and New Zealand as area of interest! At the moment is the CEO of Astorts Group. He is an UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) Approved Person and is has great experience as director of regulated companies. He uses to dedicate part of his life to inspire others and help them achieve the most out of their life. Since he was 20, he had successfully founded and managed several companies operating in the field of management consulting, wealth management and fintech. He loves travelling, he is a cigars lover, an amateur golfer and a dapper man.
