How to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles

Super stylish ways to use a scarf for any occasion

Scarves are one of the ultimate accessories—you can wear them dozens of ways and add a vibrant pop of pattern or color to any outfit. Grab your favorite scarf and get ready to turn it into a year-round accessory with these amazing ideas that are perfect for any season or style.

This article is based on an interview with our professional stylist, Hannah Park. Check out the full interview here.

1

Do a basic loop and knot.

  1. Best scarf for this look: long with fringed ends Drape the scarf around your neck and tug the ends so that one is hanging down about twice as long as the other. Take the long end of the scarf and wrap it around your neck, bringing the tail end back to the front so it’s even with the other tail end.[1] Leave the ends dangling or tie them together in a small, square knot.[2]
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2

Tie a traditional hacking knot.

  1. Best scarf for this look: standard Take your scarf and fold it in half so that you have 2 tail ends together and a loop on the other end. Wrap the scarf around your neck, and pull the 2 tail ends through the loop. Adjust the ends and the loop to your liking, and you’re done.[3]
3

Tie a double knot.

  1. Best scarf for this look: standard Wrap the scarf around your neck so that both ends hang down the front. Then, tie them together in a loose knot near your chest. Tie the ends together in a second knot, leaving it loose.[4]
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4

Create a bow with your scarf.

  1. Best scarf for this look: thin Wrap your scarf around your neck and tie a loose knot near your collarbone. Then, just as you would with shoe laces, tie the ends of the scarf together in a neat bow.[5] Adjust the bow so that it lays how you like. Wear it either off to the side or centered.
5

Wear a modified ascot.

  1. Best scarf for this look: square Fold your scarf in half to form a large triangle. Place the downward point on your back, and bring the 2 even points to the front. Tie the 2 ends together in a double knot very near your neck.[6]
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6

Make a pleated wrap.

  1. Best scarf for this look: wide Wrap the scarf around your neck and tie the ends together in the front. Pleat each loose end so they’re full and fluffy.
7

Create a faux-infinity scarf.

  1. Best scarf for this look: standard Lay your scarf out flat on a countertop, and then fold it in half so that the ends are lined up. Tie the corners of the scarf together, creating a large loop. Place this loop around your neck with the ties at the back, and then loop it around your neck a second time.[7]
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8

Belt your scarf.

  1. Best scarf for this look: printed Lay your scarf on a flat surface, and tie the corners together to form a loop. Place this loop around your neck with the tied ends at the back. Or, just drape the scarf around your neck and let the ends hang free. Add a wide belt over the scarf at your natural waist.[8]
9

Braid your scarf.

  1. Best scarf for this look: thin Fold your scarf in half so that you have a loop on 1 end and the tail ends on the other. Wrap the folded scarf around your neck so the loop and ends are even. Pull 1 of the tail ends through the loop. Then, twist the loop 180 degrees, and pull the second tail end through the loop. Twist the loop below the second tail 180 degrees again, and then repeat the process until the ends are too short to braid.[9]
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10

Tie your scarf bandana-style.

  1. Best scarf for this look: muffler or square Lay your scarf out flat, and fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle. Place the scarf so that the triangle covers up your chest. Then, wrap the 2 triangle ends around the back of your neck and back to the front, tying them in a knot. Tuck the tied ends of the knot under the triangle of fabric.[10]
11

Make a neckerchief.

  1. Best scarf for this look: silk Fold or roll your scarf into a thin rope. Tie it loosely around your neck in a small bow for a sweet, feminine accessory.[11]
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12

Create a sliding knot.

  1. Best scarf for this look: standard Wrap your scarf around your neck so that the 2 ends hang evenly on either side. Tie 1 end of the scarf into a knot, but leave it slightly loose. Pull the end of the second tail through the center of this knot. Slide the knot up or down the scarf to your liking.
13

Hang the scarf around your neck.

  1. Best scarf for this look: any Put the scarf around the back of your neck and adjust the ends so they hang down evenly over your chest. This classic look is perfect for any style.[12] If you’re wearing a suit, neatly tuck the ends of the scarf halfway under both sides of the blazer, so that you can still see some of the color or print coming through.[13]
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14

Wear your scarf as a shrug.

  1. Best scarf for this look: blanket Fold the scarf diagonally in half to form a triangle. Then, drape your scarf around your shoulders so that the 2 ends are held open in the front, and the bulk of the scarf rests on your shoulders. Tie the ends together in a small knot in the front, and adjust the fabric as needed.[14]
15

Use your scarf as a shawl.

  1. Best scarf for this look: blanket A beautiful pashmina would also work well.[15] Open the scarf so that it is completely flat, and wrap it around your back and arms so that the entire pattern is exposed. Drape the ends of the scarf loosely over your shoulders, and tug at the fabric a bit to loosen it up.[16]
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16

Drape your scarf over your hair as a headwrap.

  1. Best scarf for this look: square Fold the scarf into a triangle and place it over your head so that the ends are near your shoulders.[17] Tie the ends of the fabric together under your chin or near the nape of your neck under your hair.
17

Turn your scarf into a headband.

  1. Best scarf for this look: bandana Lay the scarf flat on a table and fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle. Starting on the widest side, roll or fold the scarf to create a long, narrow strip of fabric. Wrap the scarf around your head to form the headband.[18] Tie the ends together either above your hairline, or under your hair on the nape of your neck.
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18

Wrap the scarf around your ponytail.

  1. Best scarf for this look: bandana Put your hair in a ponytail. Then, fold or roll your scarf into a thin band. Tie it around your ponytail holder to add a little pizazz to your hairstyle.[19]
19

Wear your scarf as a belt.

  1. Best scarf for this look: short and thin Fold or roll up the scarf to a width of your liking, and wrap it around your waist. Tie the ends together in the back or on the side, and tuck the excess fabric back on itself. Or, let the ends of the scarf dangle down.[20]
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can I wear a scarf?
    Hannah Park
    Hannah Park
    Professional Stylist
    Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.
    Hannah Park
    Hannah Park
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You can use a scarf in different ways depending on its size. Wear small scarves around your neck or on your head. Wear larger ones like a shawl.
  • Question
    What is the advantage of using an infinity scarf?
    Hannah Park
    Hannah Park
    Professional Stylist
    Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.
    Hannah Park
    Hannah Park
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    It is faster to use infinity scarves because all you have to do is wrap them around your neck twice, and you are ready to go.
  • Question
    How do I wear an infinity scarf that is open ended?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can tie the ends together and then style it how you please. For a neater look, you can also take two large clothing pins and pin the sides together.
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References

  1. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  2. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.
  3. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/10-masculine-scarf-knots/
  4. ↑ https://www.scarves.net/blogs/how-to-tie-a-scarf/square-knot
  5. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.
  6. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-tie-a-bandana-4-styling
  7. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  8. ↑ https://verilymag.com/2015/11/elegant-ways-to-belt-your-scarf-and-instantly-update-outfit
  9. ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/01/a-simply-pretty-way-to-tie-a-scarf.html
  1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/how-to-wear-a-blanket-scarf
  2. ↑ Sahra Brandt. Image Architect. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
  3. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  4. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.
  5. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  6. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/how-to-wear-a-blanket-scarf?#
  8. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  9. ↑ Hannah Park. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.
  10. ↑ Sahra Brandt. Image Architect. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
  11. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/life/171363-15-chic-and-creative-ways-to-tie-scarves/

About This Article

Hannah Park
Written by:
Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
This article was written by Hannah Park and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs. This article has been viewed 351,066 times.
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Co-authors: 12
Updated: March 25, 2023
Views: 351,066
Categories: Scarves
Article SummaryX

To tie a scarf, start by folding the scarf in half so the 2 ends are touching. Then, drape the scarf over your neck so the ends are on 1 side and the looped part of the scarf is on the other. Next, take the ends of the scarf and pull them through the loop. Finally, pull the loop up toward your neck to tighten the scarf. To learn more ways you can tie a scarf, keep reading!

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