How To Tie A Scarf
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How To Tie A Scarf
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How To Tie A Scarf

Who Knew You Could Tie a Scarf so Many Ways? We Sure Did

Unfortunately, when it comes to scarves, there's a whole lot more to them than just going to the store and buying a nice one. Any man in this day and age must also know how to wear it right. As with most items in fashion, there are a ton of ways you wear a scarf. However, in some rare cases, a scarf can be worn so badly that it has you looking like an amateur. 

RELATED: Best Scarves 

A scarf tied with skill and understanding can add color, style, and warmth to your winter wardrobe. And don't forget that the knots matter too! Different knots work better with different outfits. But don't sweat it — we're here to help, and all will become clear with our handy step-by-step guide on tying scarfs! So if you want to learn how to tie a scarf like a pro, check out the tips below.

Infographic of 5 ways to tie a scarf, graphics of man tying a scarf as the drape, the once around, the overhand, the reverse drape, and the parisian knot
Dennis Ryan

The Drape

Don Cheadle wearing his scarf in "The Drape" style
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The first way to tie a scarf that doesn’t require any knotting at all is the drape. It’s literally just putting the scarf around your neck to use a fashion statement. 

Step 1: Drape the scarf around your neck and let it hang evenly. 

The Once Around

Brad Pitt wearing his scarf in "The Once Around" style
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Next up is the always popular once-around knot. Consider this a perfect entry-level knot for all those brisk days when you need a little extra comfort but do not want to go with complete arctic readiness. The whole point of this knot is casual warmth and works great as a style accent. If the weather takes a more frigid turn, then consider switching to a different knot. Here's how to tie a once-around knot:

Step 1: Start by draping the scarf around your neck, allowing one end to be longer than the other.

Step 2: Take the long end of the scarf and bring it around your neck again and let it fall down on your chest. Adjust as necessary to expose as much or as little of your neck as you like.

The Overhand

Joe Jonas wearing his scarf in "The over hand" style
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The next knot we’re going to cover is the overhand knot. The overhand knot is a warm alternative to the once around knot but requires you to do a little more work. Here's how to tie the once around knot:

Step 1: Drape the scarf around your neck evenly. 

Step 2: Take both ends of the scarf and cross them together in the center. 

Step 3: Bring the bottom end through the hole and tie. Adjust the length of the scarf to how you want it. 

The Reverse Drape

David Beckham wearing his scarf in
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The reverse drape is a lot more about fashion, but it sure does come in handy when you need to keep your neck warm from those cold nights. Here's how to tie the reverse drape knot:

Step 1: Drape the scarf around your neck.

Step 2: Toss the right end of the scarf over your shoulder. 

Step 3: Toss the left end of the scarf over your shoulder. 

The Parisian Knot

Lenny Kravitz wearing his scarf in "The Parisian Knot" style
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The Parisian knot is probably one of, if not the most popular knot. Whether you’re spending time in the United States or Paris, you will see this knot everywhere! And here’s how to tie a scarf with a Parisian knot:

Step 1: First take the scarf in both hands and fold it over lengthwise.

Step 2: Drape the scarf around your neck.

Step 3: Now take the loose ends and insert it through the loop hanging in front of you and pull them through.

Feel free to play around with the tautness of each of these knots. Once you know how to tie a scarf around your neck in different knots, you can leave that parka you shuffle around in at home and begin wearing the stylish winter clothes you see everywhere.


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