8 Different Ways to Wear a Scarf (Best Scarf Knots)

Wondering how to wear a scarf this winter? Here’s a scarf knot for every occasion!

Scarves are some of the best winter accessories you can wear. They’re warm and stylish – the perfect marriage of function and form.

But what’s the best way to wear a scarf? That’s what this guide is all about.

First, we need to address an all too common question about men’s scarves…

Are Scarves Manly?

There isn’t a universal definition of “manliness” but, no matter how you define it, the answer is yes:

Scarves are definitely manly.

Out in the real world, you might notice that most women wear scarves during winter, but many men do not.

This doesn’t mean scarves are feminine. It just means that an unfortunate majority of the male population hasn’t yet discovered the joy of this incredible accessory.

I mean, think about it: is being warm unmanly? Is dressing well only for women?

I think knot 😏

So, next time some bro makes a joke about your scarf, remember that he simply doesn’t know what he’s missing, and he may need you to open his eyes by buying him a scarf for his next birthday.

Scarf Sizing

The basic scarf is a very simple garment. It’s just a long rectangular piece of fabric, which means it only has two dimensions: length and width.

Most adult-sized scarves are about 70″ long, but you can find shorter 55″ scarves and longer 82″ scarves from certain retailers.

Depending on your height, a normal scarf might be too long for certain styles/knots.

For example, the simple drape doesn’t work for me unless I use a shorter length scarf.

Unless you’re under 5’3″ or so, I wouldn’t worry too much about scarf length. You’ll have plenty of options for wearing normal length scarves.

Of course, you may need to read up about outerwear for shorter men 😉

If you’re a taller guy, say over 6’3″, you may want to look for extra-long scarves to ensure you have enough length for more complicated knots.

Men’s scarves are usually about 6″ wide, while women’s scarves are often wider. You can find “oversized” scarves for men, but 6″ is a nice workable width.

If your scarf is too wide, you can simply fold it in half lengthwise.

How to Wear a Scarf

There are many ways to wear a scarf, but just like with neckties, you don’t need to know every knot. In fact, you’ll probably only use 2-3 of them on a regular basis.

Here are the most common and useful ways to wear a scarf as a guy.

#1: The Simple Drape

• Quick and easy
• Leaves neck exposed
• Good for shorter scarves
• Bad for longer scarves
• Good for dressy outfits

This is the quickest way to throw on a scarf. You simply drape it around your neck and call it a day.

This method work especially well for formal outfits, but keep in mind, it doesn’t actually offer much protection for your neck.

Also, if you’re a shorter guy with a regular length scarf, the simple drape won’t work for you.

#2: The French Knot

• Quick and easy
• Good for any scarf
• Good for any outfit

This is my go-to knot. It’s quick and easy, and it works with any type of scarf. It offers lots of warmth around your neck and looks good with any type of outfit.

To tie a French Knot, fold the scarf in half lengthwise, then drape it around the back of your neck.

Slip the open end through the looped end, and adjust to make the “knot” as snug or loose as you’d like (more snug = more neck warmth).

I usually tuck the ends into my jacket, but you can wear them out if you prefer a bit more flair.

#3: The French Twist

• Slightly more difficult
• Good for longer scarves
• Good for dressy outfits

If you find the French Knot a bit boring, you can put on twist on it (pun intended) with this interesting variation.

It’s slightly more difficult to execute, but the result is visually unique and great for dressier looks.

Fold your scarf in half lengthwise, just like you did for the basic French Knot.

Pull one strand of the open end through the loop (not both), then twist the loop to make a figure eight.

Pull the remaining end through the new loop so that each end goes through one of the figure eight’s circles.

Adjust as needed, and tuck the loose ends into your jacket.

#4: The Once Around

• Quick and easy
• Keeps neck warm
• Good for casual outfits

I like to call this method ‘The Aviator”, and it’s my go-to scarf style for casual outfits. It has a more laid back look than some of the more intricate knots, but it’s warmer and more practical than the Simple Drape.

Start by draping your scarf around your neck, then pull one side down so it’s about one third longer than the other side.

Loop the long end around your neck, and bring it back to the front of your body.

If the long side is too long, you can easily make adjustments without starting over.

#5: The Double Tuck

• Slightly more difficult
• Keeps neck warm
• Good for longer scarves (or shorter men)

This is a slightly more involved adaptation of the Once Around. It takes a little practice to get right, but it’s a great scarf knot for any occasion, especially if your scarf is too long.

Start by draping the scarf around your neck, but make sure one side is about twice as long as the other.

Wrap the long side around your neck to make a somewhat loose loop, then pull that same end through the loop.

Then, take the other end and pull it through the loop so both ends are hanging parallel to each other.

You can bring the knot closer to your neck by holding the ends and sliding the knot up, just like you would with a necktie.

#6: The Overhand Knot

• Slightly more difficult
• Good for any outfit
• Good for shorter scarves (or taller men)

This isn’t the easiest knot to perfect, but it’s definitely not as complicated as some of the other options in this list.

Start with a simple drape, making sure the ends are slightly uneven in length (one end should be 6-12″ longer than the other).

Pass the long end in front and then around the short end, creating a simple overhand knot (just like the first step when you tie your shoes).

Grab the back end (the shorter end that’s closest to your body), and hold it in place while pulling the knot up toward your neck (as snug or loose as you’d like).

This should result in a simple, clean knot, but you may need to untwist the top of the long end for a neater look.

Since this knot doesn’t use up much length, it isn’t great for short men, but it’s perfect for taller guys.

#7: The Reverse

• Quick and easy
• Very warm
• Good for casual outfits

This is sort of like the Once Around, but we’re starting in front of the neck instead of behind it.

With even or slightly uneven ends, drape the scarf behind your body so middle is in front of your neck, and the ends fall down your back.

One at a time, pull each end over your shoulder to the front of your body. Be careful to avoid any twisting.

The scarf should be very snug against your neck, so this is a great method for cold days and casual outfits.

It’s also great for if you find the Once Around to leave too much excess length.

#7.5: The Reverse Overhand

• Slightly more difficult
• Very warm
• Good for longer scarves (or shorter men)

This ends with the same “knot” as The Overhand, but it begins differently and actually uses up more length.

Start with a reverse drape, and make sure one end is slightly longer than the other.

Pull both ends (one at a time) around to the front, taking care to avoid any twisting.

Now you have a loop around your neck and two ends hanging down in front.

Pass the long end in front and then around the short end, creating a simple overhand knot.

You can wear the ends tucked into your jacket or let them hang out in front.

#8: The Faux Knot

• Slightly more difficult
• Good for any outfit
• Good for shorter scarves (or taller men)

This knot produces a similar result to the Overhand, but it’s slightly more intricate and, some might argue, sophisticated.

Like the Overhand, the Faux Knot isn’t the easiest scarf knot to tie, but done correctly, it looks very polished. It’s also great for taller men who find scarves to be a bit too short.

Start with a simple drape, but make sure one side is much longer than the other (at least twice as long).

Create a loose knot in the long side by pulling the end up, around the back, and then down through the loop. Keep this knot loose.

Pull the short end through this knot, and holding this end, move the knot up toward your neck.

Now you can tighten the knot as much or little as you’d like, but if the ends are too uneven in length, you’ll need to start over.

Where to Buy Men’s Scarves

There are SO many places to buy scarves for guys. In fact, since many scarves are unisex, you don’t even have to search for “men’s scarves” to find great options.

To narrow down your search, here are some of our favorite places to buy a scarf (or three):

• Nordstrom – high end; plenty of brands to choose from; top notch customer service
• Amazon – more affordable options; fast shipping and free returns (usually)
• Everlane – reasonably priced wool and cashmere scarves in versatile colors (see my Everlane review)
• J.Crew – slightly more playful, masculine designs created to work well with the contemporary/preppy style aesthetic
• Farfetch – a great multi-brand retailer for luxury designer scarves; excellent customer service; easy returns/exchanges

Of course, every menswear retailer will carry at least a couple of scarves during winter, so feel free to shop around with your favorite brands.

Questions About Scarf Knots

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about scarf knots:

How do you tie a scarf?

There are many scarf knots to choose from, including our 8 favorite knots shown in this guide.

How do you tie a men’s neck scarf?

There are many ways to tie a men’s neck scarf. Our favorites include the once around, the double tuck, the French knot and the simple drape.

How do you make a muffler knot?

To make a muffler knot, start with the reverse once around, then cross the long end over the short end to make a simple overhand knot. Check out The Reverse Overhand Knot above for more details.

How do you wear a scarf with a coat?

Start by tying the scarf using your favorite knot (see above for options) before putting on your coat. Then, put on your coat. If you fasten your coat, you can leave the ends of the scarf hanging outside or tuck them inside your coat.

Is it manly to wear a scarf?

Yes, it is manly to wear a scarf. Scarves are timeless, functional, stylish accessories that men should embrace during fall and winter.

Is it okay to wear a scarf with a hoodie?

Yes, you can wear a scarf with a hoodie. Make sure it’s a casual scarf (cotton or wool) and not a fancy silk scarf. Solid colors or simple patterns will work better than intricate designs.

Do men’s scarves have fringe?

Some men’s scarves have fringe, which adds a bit of extra flair to your overall look. When in doubt, go with a solid color scarf without fringe.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!