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Six Ways to Tie One Scarf
Six Ways to Tie One Scarf
A single square scarf is the most versatile thing on the counter, and most of it goes unused because people know one way to wear it. Here are six, each built from one of two starting folds.
The two folds everything starts from
The bias fold: lay the scarf flat as a square, fold one corner to the opposite corner to make a triangle, then roll or fold the long edge up in bands towards the point. This gives you a long soft band, which is the base for most tied looks.
The flat triangle: the same first fold, stopped there. This is the base for anything worn over the head or across the shoulders.
Almost every style below is one of these two, tied in a different place.
Head wrap with a front knot
Take the bias fold. Place the centre of the band at the nape of your neck, bring both ends up over the head, and tie a firm double knot at the front hairline, slightly off-centre.
Tuck the ends under the band or let them fall, depending on how structured you want it. A satin-feel fabric slides, so the double knot matters.
This is the fastest way to deal with unwashed hair and it reads as entirely deliberate.
Neck knot and the loose sailor
For a neat neck knot, use a narrow bias fold, wrap once around the neck and tie a small knot to the side, then twist the knot slightly so it sits under the jaw rather than centre front.
For a looser look, use a wider fold, drape it around the neck with uneven ends, and tie a single loose overhand knot low on the chest.
The narrow version dresses an outfit up; the wide version dresses it down.
The bag handle
Take a narrow bias fold, loop it once around the base of the handle, then wrap upwards in overlapping turns and tie a small knot with the ends left short.
Alternatively tie a simple bow at the base of the handle and leave the tails hanging. This is the version that takes ten seconds.
It also protects the handle from wear, which on a leather bag is a genuine benefit.
Ponytail and bun wrap
Gather the hair, then tie a narrow bias fold around the base of the ponytail in a double knot, leaving the ends visible. For a bun, wrap the band around the base twice before knotting.
Silk and satin-feel fabrics are gentler on hair than an elastic at the same tension, which matters if you tie your hair up daily.
Position the knot at the underside of the ponytail for a clean look, or on top for a deliberate one.
As a belt
Use a narrow bias fold through the belt loops of jeans or around the waist of a dress, and knot at the front or slightly to one side. Leave the ends long enough to hang.
This works best with a scarf that has some body. A very fine slippery scarf will not hold a knot at the waist through a day of movement.
It is also the easiest way to bring a colour from a scarf into an outfit without wearing it near your face.
Bandeau and headband
For a narrow headband, use a very tight bias fold, place the centre at the nape, bring the ends up and tie on top of the head, then tuck the ends under.
For a wider bandeau, use a looser fold so the band sits two or three inches deep across the crown, which suits a shorter cut particularly well.
Non-slip is the whole problem here. A cotton or textured scarf holds; a slippery satin one needs the ends tucked or a grip underneath.
Choosing between silk-feel and cotton
Satin and silk-feel fabrics drape beautifully, are kindest to hair, and slip. Cotton and viscose hold a knot reliably and crease more.
Buying a set of scarves in different fabrics is more useful than buying several in the same one, because the fabric decides which of these six styles will actually stay put.
Our scarf sets come in multiples for exactly this reason.
Where to go next
Scarf sets and head scarves are in Scarves & Wraps.
- Browse Scarves & Wraps or the full shop.
- Sizing, delivery and payment questions are answered on our FAQ page.
- Delivery times are set out in the Shipping Policy; returns in the Return & Refund Policy.
- Still stuck? Contact us — we reply within 24 hours on business days.
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