The quickest way to learn how to tie a scarf is to start with its shape. Long scarves suit loops and wraps, squares fold into triangles or neat bands, and triangles more or less tie themselves. Pick the knot for the scarf you have, rather than the other way round, and it will sit right first time. Our scarves edit covers all three shapes this season, along with collars that need no knot at all.
Sizes vary more than most people realise. Among the scarves we have in now, the long wool and rib-knit styles run from 170 to 200cm, the silk and cashmere squares from 50 to 65cm, and the alpaca-wool triangles measure 160 by 55cm. Care varies too: some silks can be hand washed cold, others are dry clean only, so always check the label before the first wash.
How to tie a scarf: start with the shape
Long scarves, anything from about 150cm, give you the most options: they can drape, loop, wrap twice or knot. Squares between 50 and 90cm are made for folding, either into a triangle or into a slim band. Triangles have the folding done for you, so they sit flat at the front with the ends crossed or tied behind. Collars and neck warmers skip the knot entirely and fasten with a tie, a zip or a magnet.
How to tie a long scarf
These four knots cover almost every day of the year, from a light drape in September to a full double wrap in January.
The drape. Hang the scarf around your neck with the ends level at the front. It adds a line of colour over a coat but gives little warmth, so save it for milder days.
The once-around. Drape the scarf with one end longer than the other, then take the long end once around your neck so both ends hang at the front. It is warmer than the drape and still looks relaxed.
The Parisian knot. Fold the scarf in half, put it around your neck, then pull both loose ends through the loop and tighten. It keeps the scarf in place all day and suits a knit or a wool of medium weight.
The double wrap. Wrap a long scarf twice around your neck and tuck or hang the ends. You need around 180cm or more to do it comfortably, which is why the longest wool scarves are the warmest choice for winter.
With chunkier knits, use fewer turns. A rib knit like MSCH Copenhagen's looks best looped once and left loose, because a second wrap adds bulk under the chin.
How to tie a square scarf
A square almost always starts the same way: fold it corner to corner into a triangle, or fold that triangle into a band. Then choose where it goes.
The neckerchief. Fold into a triangle, place the point at the front and tie the ends behind your neck, or bring them round and knot them at the front so the point sits underneath. It works with a crew neck, an open collar or a coat.
The side knot. Fold into a slim band, wrap it around your neck and tie a small knot at one side. This is the classic French way with a silk square, and it suits a 50cm scarf best.
In your hair. A band of silk works as a headband tied at the nape of the neck, or wrapped around a ponytail. For a headscarf, fold into a triangle, place the long edge along your hairline and tie the ends at the nape, over the point.
On a bag. Knot a small square around the handle of a bag for a flash of print. Lescarf's silk and cashmere squares come in 50 and 65cm sizes, which cover the neck, the hair and the bag between them.
Triangles and scarves that need no knot
Some of the most useful scarves this season do the work for you. A triangle scarf sits flat at the front, so all you do is cross the ends at the back or bring them round to the front. Some faux fur triangles, including Helen Moore's, have a slot near one end: pull the point through and the scarf stays put without a knot.
Collars and neck warmers go further still, fastening with ribbon ties, a zip or a hidden magnet. They are the easiest way to add warmth and texture over a coat, and there is nothing to retie on a windy day.
Why the fabric changes the knot
Wool and cashmere hold their shape and keep you warm, but they are bulky, so choose simple knots and fewer turns. Silk is fine and slippery: a square knot holds better than a single one, and rolling the edge before you tie it gives the knot more grip. Cotton takes a crisp, sharp knot and is the easiest fabric to learn with. Faux fur is best left untied or fastened, because a knot crushes the pile.
How to wear a scarf with a coat
Match the scale of the scarf to the coat. A big wool coat can take a long, chunky scarf wrapped high; a fitted or tailored coat looks better with a silk square tucked inside the collar. Wear a long scarf outside the coat for warmth and colour, or inside the lapels for a neater line. With a belted coat, let the scarf ends hang inside and belt over them, so they do not blow about.
A scarf is also the simplest way to change a coat you wear every day. One in a strong colour or print against a neutral coat does more than a new coat would, for a fraction of the cost. Browse our coats and jackets edit for this season's shapes, and our guide to autumn outfits for women for how the scarf fits into the rest of the outfit.
Finding your scarf
Start with the shape, choose a knot that suits the fabric, and match the scale to your coat. After that, it is about colour and what you enjoy wearing. Our scarves edit has long wool and knit styles, silk and cashmere squares, triangles and collars in now. We buy in small numbers and do not restock, so what is on the site is what we have.
Frequently asked questions
How do you tie a scarf like the French?
Fold a small silk square into a slim band, wrap it around your neck and tie a small knot at one side. Keep it close to the neck and let the ends sit short.
What is the easiest way to tie a scarf?
The drape and the once-around need no knot at all, so they are the easiest with a long scarf. With a square, fold it into a triangle and tie the ends behind your neck. A triangle scarf with a slot, or a collar with a fastening, needs no tying.
How do you tie a square silk scarf?
Fold it corner to corner into a triangle, or fold that triangle into a band. A triangle works as a neckerchief tied behind the neck; a band works as a side knot at the neck, a headband or a ponytail tie.
How do you stop a silk scarf from slipping?
Tie a square knot rather than a single knot, and roll the edge of the scarf before tying it so the knot has more to grip. Knotting a silk square close to the neck also helps it stay put.
How long should a scarf be to wrap twice?
Around 180cm or more lets you wrap a scarf twice around your neck and still have ends to tuck or hang. Shorter scarves, around 170cm, suit a single loop or a Parisian knot.
How do you wear a scarf with a coat?
Match the scale of the scarf to the coat: a long, chunky scarf with a big wool coat, a silk square tucked inside the collar of a tailored one. Wear it outside the coat for warmth and colour, or inside the lapels for a neater line.
