What a scarf can do
A scarf provides warmth, adds color and texture and can frame the face. In cool weather it protects the neck, and in mild weather it is mostly decorative. It is also one of the more affordable accessories, so it is a good way to try colors or patterns that you are unsure about. Because it sits close to the face, it can lift a plain outfit more than most other accessories.
Fabrics
The fabric determines how a scarf drapes and how it feels. For general background on cloth, see the overview of clothing fabrics.
- Wool and wool blends are warm, structured and good for cold weather. Merino and lambswool are softer than coarse wool. See the basics of wool garments.
- Cashmere and similar fibers are soft and light for their warmth, but they can be delicate.
- Cotton is breathable and works in mild weather. It is easy to wash and drapes softly.
- Linen is light and crisp, suited to warm climates, and gets softer with wear.
- Silk and satin are smooth, shiny and light. They are mostly decorative and useful as a neck accent. Silk and satin can be dressed casually, for example tied at a bag handle or worn in the hair.
- Synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic are cheaper and durable. They can feel less breathable, and the guide to synthetic fibers describes the differences.
- Blends combine properties, and fiber blends can balance warmth, cost and care.
For fabric drape, lighter cloths fall in soft folds and heavier ones hold shape. A thin silk will not form a chunky knot, while a thick wool will not tie neatly into a small neckerchief.
Sizes and shapes
- Square scarves (often around 20 to 36 inches per side, though sizes vary) can be folded into a band or triangle and tied at the neck, hair or bag.
- Rectangular scarves are longer than they are wide and are the standard winter style.
- Long, narrow scarves are slimmer and wrap or drape with a lighter effect.
- Oversized scarves and blanket scarves are large squares or rectangles that serve as shawls or wraps.
- Infinity or loop scarves are sewn into a circle and slip over the head.
- Bandanas and neckerchiefs are small, light squares for tying at the neck.
A few simple ways to wear a scarf
The simple drape
Place a rectangular scarf around your neck so that both ends hang straight down the front. It is the easiest approach and works well under an open coat or jacket, adding a vertical line.
The loop (or European loop)
Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, drape it around the neck so one end is longer than the other, then pull the long ends through the loop made by the fold. It is neat, secure and good for most coats.
The wrap and tuck
Wrap the scarf once or twice around the neck and tuck the ends inside your coat. It is warm and does not leave loose ends to catch on things.
The single knot
Drape the scarf around the neck with the ends hanging, then tie a loose single knot at the front. This is good for lighter scarves and gives a casual look.
The soft knot (for silk or thin scarves)
Fold a square or long scarf into a band, wrap it around the neck and tie a small knot to the side. The ends can hang or be tucked into a collar.
The neckerchief
Fold a square scarf into a triangle, place the point at the back and tie the ends at the front. It suits warm days and open necklines.
The shoulder wrap
Drape an oversized scarf over the shoulders like a shawl. It’s useful for cool evenings and can be pinned or held with a belt. Draped clothing traditions around the world offer many examples of ways to wear a long cloth.
Other uses
Scarves can be tied around the handle of a bag, worn as a hairband or tied around a ponytail. These are small ways to introduce color.
Matching with necklines and coats
The scarf should relate to the garment underneath. A bulky scarf can hide a delicate neckline and overwhelm a thin jacket, while a thin scarf can vanish with a thick coat. A collar needs flattening or tucking under the scarf. The guide to neckline styles explains how shapes interact. With a coat, tuck the scarf inside for a neat look or leave it outside for a contrast. With a trench coat, a soft knotted scarf is a classic detail.
Color and pattern
Neutral scarves such as gray, camel, navy and black fit with most outfits. Bold colors work well with a plain outfit and a restrained palette. For patterns, see the guides to mixing patterns and mixing prints, since a patterned scarf with a patterned top follows the same rules of scale and shared color. The basics of clothing color and a personal palette help in choosing shades that flatter you.
Care
Wool and silk often need gentle handling. Wash according to the label, usually by hand or on a delicate cycle, and dry flat. Silk may need dry cleaning. Brush off pilling on wool scarves, as described in the guide to fabric pilling, and store them folded and away from moths. A scarf you love can last many seasons, and for many people it becomes a useful part of accessorizing.