How to Tie a Wrap Top

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References

In the fashion world, a wrap top could mean one of two things: an open blouse that you wrap around yourself and tie into a knot, or a scarf that you wrap and tie to make a shirt. Both options are perfect for the summer or as bathing suit coverups, and are quite easy to do. All you need is a wrap top blouse or a long, silk scarf to get started.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Tying a Wrap Top Blouse

1
Wrap the straps around you, then tie them in the front for a simple look. Put the blouse on and cross the straps in front of you. Bring them behind your back, cross them over each other, then bring them back to the front. Tie them off as desired.^{[1]
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- Position the straps at about waist-level. If this is a crop-style top, position them at your rib cage instead.
- For a more unique look, tie the straps off to the side instead of in the middle of your torso.
- You can tie the straps in a double knot, a bow, or a half-bow.
2
Tuck the straps under the knot for a streamlined look. Put the blouse on and cross the straps in front of your chest. Pull them behind your back, cross them, then bring them back to the front. Tie them into a single knot. Next, grab both straps and pull them under the knot so that they come out the top. Let them dangle in front of the knot, hiding it from view.^{[2]
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- This works best for crop tops and woven blouses, not knitted. Tie the knot at about bust-level.
- If you won't want any dangling straps, continue to wrap and tuck them around the knot until they disappear.
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3
Tie the straps behind your back for a more unique v shape look. Put the blouse on and tie the straps in front of your chest using a single knot. Wrap 1 of the straps around the knot once to hide it. Next, pull both straps behind your back, then tie them into a knot.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} Finish off with a second knot or a cute bow.^{[4]
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- Tie the first knot right in front of your cleavage, and the second knot a little lower at about bra-strap level.
4
Wrap the straps into a bun for a unique look. Put the shirt on, cross the straps in front of you, then tie them into a single knot. Take both straps and, treating them as a single strand, fold them around your index and middle fingers to create a small loop. Wrap the rest of the strands around the base of the loop to make a bun, then tuck the ends under the knot.^{[5]
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- This style works the best for crop-style, woven blouses. Make the knot just below your bust.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Turning a Scarf into a Top

1
Cross a scarf in front of your chest to make a classic halter. Put on a strapless bra, then drape a scarf across the back of your neck. Make sure that it's centered, then cross the tails over your chest, covering your bust. Bring the ends behind your back, then tie them into a tight knot, right below the bra strap.^{[6]
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- Each side of the scarf should only cover 1 breast. If the scarf is very wide, fold it in half lengthwise first.
- A single knot should be enough. If you're worried about the scarf slipping, or if you have enough material left, do a double knot.
2
Keep the scarf open and don't scrunch it if you want more coverage. Put on a bra, and drape a scarf across the back of your neck so that it covers your shoulders. Pull the left side of the scarf across your chest so that it covers both breasts, then do the same with the right side. Pull both ends of the scarf behind your back, then tie them into a knot at about waist-level.^{[7]
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- You can do a single knot or a double knot here.
- This style offers more coverage, so you can use a regular bra or bralette for this.
3
Wrap a scarf around your chest, then tie it for a strapless look. Put on a strapless bra first. Next, place a scarf behind your back so that it's covering the bra strap. Bring the ends of the scarf in front of your chest, then tie them into a tight knot over your cleavage. Adjust the top and bottom edges of the scarf to cover your bust.^{[8]
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- Depending on the size of your bust and the width of the scarf, you may have to fold it in half lengthwise first.
- This style is very secure, so a single knot is all you need.
4
Wrap the scarf like a bolero for a more revealing option. Put on a nice bra or bralette, then drape a scarf across the back of your neck. Pull the left end of the scarf over your left breast, and the right end over your right breast. Bring both ends of the scarf behind your back, then tie them into a tight, double knot.^{[9]
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- Adjust each side of the scarf as needed in order to fully cover each breast. If the scarf is too sheer, fold the scarf in half lengthwise first.
- This style will show off the center of your bra, so choose something that looks cute. A bikini top will also work!
5
Try an off the shoulder look for something more unique. Put on a strapless bra, then tie a scarf around your chest, making sure to cover your bust. Rotate the scarf so that the knot is under your right armpit. Pull both ends of the scarf upwards and tie them into a tight knot above your right shoulder.^{[10]
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- This style looks more like a cropped tube top. If you need to, fold the scarf in half lengthwise first.
- You can start from the right side and tie the scarf on the left side.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are wrap tops in trend?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

For sure! These pieces have been seeing a bit of a resurgence lately especially as people are getting more creative to wear them.
Question

How can I tie a wrap top to make it look like a V-cut?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

Tie it in a knot at your navel and then tie the straps around your waist, as that will give you more of a deep V-fit. That's probably a very fashion forward way to wear it!