How to Wear a Scarf

Scarves, especially square silk scarves, are versatile: they can be worn long and around the neck for warmth; tied in simple triangles to add a pop of color and style; a relaxed replacement for a tie for men; styled as tops or belts or in the hair for women; and the ribbons can decorate a hat or bag or make the chicest dog collar ever. Behold the incredible, wearable scarf!

The history of silk scarves goes back to ancient China, where they were used as emblems of rank; ancient Egypt, where woven scarves can be seen on Queen Nefertiti; and ancient Rome, where silk handkerchiefs and scarves were used as sudarium. In the middle ages, knights wore “arming scarfs” of silk under the gorget, or neckpiece, of their armor to prevent the metal from chafing against the neck and gave silk ribbons as tokens of their loyalty and affection. In the renaissance, silk scarves became icons of style for the nobility, a tradition carried into the 20th century by icons like Princess Grace of Monaco, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy. 

For thousands of years, the silk scarf has served purposes both functional and symbolic, at the same time keeping its wearer warm and comfortable and expressing its owner’s love of art and beauty. In this installment of From the Flock, we demonstrate some of the many ways you can wear a Moutonière art scarf.

The basics: around the neck for warmth

The easiest and most practical way to wear a scarf is the same way we would wear a wool or cashmere scarf for warmth — and it’s the same for both men and women. 

Begin by folding your scarf into a band, choosing either a 34” or 53” scarf and either a rectangular fold band or diagonal fold band depending on how far down you want the ends of the scarf to hang. Choose a longer band for wear with an overcoat and a shorter band for wear with a sweater or jacket. 

European loop (53”)

Take the band and fold it in half so that one end is a loop and the other end is the two ends of the band. Drape the folded-in-half band around your neck and tuck the loose ends through the loop. Adjust the scarf so the loop rests loosely against your neck. 

The European loop is a great way to add a little sophistication to a scarf worn for warmth. Because it brings more fabric to the front of the neck, it’s also a great way to show off the art of the scarf and to keep you warm in chilly weather.

Around the neck and simple drape (34” or 53”)

Take the band and drape it around your neck from the front, with the ends hanging down the back. Then take each end and wrap it around the back of your neck so that it hangs down the front on the opposite side. This results in a coil of silk all the way around your neck with the long ends of the scarf then hanging down your front. You can let these hang or tuck these into a jacket or sweater as with the simple drape above. This combines the casual ease of wear of the simple drape with more warmth around the neck in cool weather.

A casual and elegant replacement for a tie

You didn’t think we would start with men, did you? But we love scarfs on guys!

Most men don’t wear a tie everyday anymore. But a bit of silk around the neck still does wonders for tying an outfit together (see what we did there?) and adding a flash of color that isn’t often otherwise available in mens’ wardrobes. 

Band with scarf clasp (34”)

The easiest way to wear a scarf this way, especially for men who may not be used to tying scarf knots, is to use a scarf clasp. Most rings, like a college ring or signet ring, will work for this purpose, or you can use a Moutonière scarf clasp as shown in the pics.

Play with this look by using a wider band to showcase more of the scarf design or a narrower band to create a simpler look, closer to a tie. You can also play with how far up you position the scarf clasp, creating longer ends or shorter ends beneath the clasp. 

We love this as a casual but chic look for guys going out or to a party; with a suit jacket, resting underneath or on top of the jacket collar; or underneath a casual jacket like a bomber for a Western look. 

Ascot (34”)

The ascot originated from the cravat, a band of silk worn by military officers in the 17th and 18th centuries. From there, it evolved into the dress ascot, worn with “morning dress,” the tailcoat and striped trousers worn, for example, in the royal enclosure at the Royal Ascot horse races, at formal daytime weddings, and by lawyers from the office of the solicitor general when arguing before the United States Supreme Court. The dress ascot is worn like a tie underneath a collar but on top of the shirt, held in place by a pin. 

In the 20th century, the ascot evolved into an item of elegant casual wear, now brightly colored and worn underneath the shirt collar, between the collar and the neck, and tucked into an open shirt front with the top buttons left open. This is how we recommend styling your 34” scarf as an ascot today!

Starting with a 34” scarf, create a diagonal fold band that is quite narrow at the center. Then tie a regular four-in-hand knot, like a necktie: (1) place the band around your neck, making one end very short and the other very long; (2) wrap the long end around the short end twice; (3) bring the long end underneath the loop of the ascot and then tuck it through the front of the knot, exactly like a necktie. Then, take the long end and bring it up through the loop again and over to the front, leaving it hanging loosely in front of the necktie knot. Fluff this end out to display the scarf’s design and tuck it into your open shirt collar so that it hangs inside your shirt.

The ascot is a great way to tie an outfit together, whether a casual outfit like a shirt with a bomber jacket, or in place of a tie with a suit. We think it makes a guy look elegant, fun, and put together in situations where a tie and buttoned collar might be overkill. And for guys who don’t like wearing ties, it is much more comfortable!

Around the neck or around the shoulders

Simple triangle tied in front (34”)

Fold a 34” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Place the triangle at the front of your neck, wrap the ends around your neck and back to the front, and tie them together in front to hold the scarf in place.

The simple triangle tied in front creates a three dimensional, layered look that showcases a corner of the scarf’s design as well as the scarf’s border. The fullness of the triangle, with two layers of silk, creates interest, while the knot above the triangle is easy to execute and playful, like a modern take on a bow. We love this styled with a simple top and jeans or over a sweater.

Simple triangle shawl (53”)

Fold a 53” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Drape the triangle across your back with the ends hanging loosely in front. 

Because the scarf is so big, when worn this way it acts like a shawl or cape, covering your back and shoulders with the points hanging down by your arms. The scarf is warm and elegant over a dress for an evening out. And of all our folds, this best showcases the scarf’s art. 

Simple triangle ends in front (53”)

Fold a 53” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Place the triangle in front, and wrap the ends around the back of your neck, then bring them forward to hang in front on the opposite side, underneath the triangle.

Because the 53” scarf is so big, the scarf worn this way acts like another layer. Pair it with a neutral or dark colored top. The sheen of the silk in motion and the freedom of the loose ends add energy to your outfit and showcase both the scarf’s art and the artistry of the family who made it in Como, Italy.

Sailor (34”)

Fold a 34” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Place the triangle behind your neck, bring the ends to the front, and tie a square knot. To tie a square knot, tie two regular overhand knots, but in opposite directions, that is, “right end over left end” followed by “left end over right end,” or vice versa.

We love the sailor knot for its sporty, vaguely nautical vibes. It’s a great way to add a splash of color to any outfit, super simple to tie, and looks great at a casual lunch, on a walk, or on a boat. You can play with the height of the knot and positioning the knot centered or offset to one side to add some asymmetry to the look.

If you first fold down a scarf to create a smaller square, the sailor also looks beautiful on a dog — especially with the triangle streaming in the wind as your dog enjoys a run!

Sailor with clasp (34”)

For those who don’t like tying knots or who want to show off a ring or scarf clasp, this is for you! Fold a 34” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Place the triangle behind your neck, bring the ends to the front, and insert them into the ring or scarf clasp, adjusting the height as desired. 

This is a great way to wear a signet ring, classic ring, college ring, or ring from a significant other in an unexpected way, in addition to showing off your beautiful scarf! 

As a top or a belt

Nothing says fun like wearing a scarf as a top! 

Here are three ways to create your scarf top: using the scarf itself as a loop around your neck; using a necklace around your neck to connect to the scarf; and tying the scarf as a strapless top. Silk scarves make beautiful resort wear (#foreshadowing) as well as fun and unique tops for going out that are simultaneously comfortable, elegant, and showcase your taste in both fashion and art.  

You can also use your scarf as a belt, tucking it through the belt loops of jeans or using it to cinch in a dress. Play with the look of your belt scarf by using a simple double knot, a bow, a ring, or a Moutonière scarf clasp!

Cross-over top (34”)

Top with necklace (34”)

Triangle top (34”)

Fold a 54” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Hold the top corners of the triangle and position the long edge across your chest with the point facing down. Wrap the top corners around your back and tie them securely. 

Belt (34”) or belt with clasp (34”)

Fold the 34” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle, then fold the triangle over once to create a narrower band. Place the folded triangle at your back, with the point hanging down slightly. Wrap the scarf ends around your waist, crossing them at the front to cinch your dress snugly or to sit over a pair of trousers. Slide the scarf clasp up the scarf and secure it in place with an additional knot. Alternatively, use a double knot instead of the scarf clasp.

On your head or in your hair

Pirate (34”)

Apple founder Steve Jobs once said, “Why join the navy when you can be a pirate?” While you might be more likely to do your plundering in a London boardroom or on a yacht in Greece, you too can embrace the freedom, adventure, rule-breaking, and get-things-done attitude of the pirate with the help of your trusty art scarf. 

Fold a 34” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Lay the triangle on your head, with the point facing back. Bring the end back across the sides of your head and tie in a square knot underneath or on top of the point of the triangle to hold the pirate scarf in place. Now all you need is a parrot.

Convertible or boat (34”)

A scarf around your head is just the thing to protect your hair from the ravages of a convertible or the open ocean. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while still looking perfectly put together when you settle in for lunch. Pair this look with big tortoise shell sunglasses for the classic Monaco-or-California vibe. 

Fold a 34” scarf in half, corner to corner, creating a triangle. Place the center of the scarf on top of your head, ensuring it covers your hair completely, with the point of the triangle behind you. Pull the ends down toward your chin and cross them under your chin snugly. Bring the ends to the back of your neck and tie them into a secure knot or bow. Adjust the scarf so it sits securely and won’t blow off in the wind.

Ribbon on ponytail or in messy bun 

Add a flash of color to your ponytail or messy bun by tying a ribbon into a bow in your hair. We love the youthful, fun-loving vibe this gives — while also showcasing some of the art you love!

Headband (ribbon)

Center a ribbon on the top of your hair and position forward or backward for style. Take the ends to the back of your head, under your hair, and tie with a square knot. It’s giving Hamptons summer and SoHo shopping at the same time. We love you Blair!

The accessory scarf

Hat band (ribbon)

Make your cowboy hat yours with a Moutonière ribbon from your favorite artist. Each ribbon features color-slashed ends that look great when you use them as a hat band. For extra credit, add a sheep pin to the knot.

Bag charm (ribbon)

Silk and leather are friends. Wrap a ribbon around the handles of your favorite bag or tie it as a bow as a bag charm. Different ribbons match different bag colors, or you can use a ribbon to add a pop of color to a neutral bag. We love Jennikae on black or Puckett on brown!

Chicest dog ever (ribbon)

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Use a ribbon as a bow around your dog’s neck or attach a ribbon to their collar or harness and use it as a lead. Chicest dog ever.

These are just some of the ways to wear your art scarf — a piece we think you’ll find is one of the most versatile in your wardrobe! Share how you wear it with us at @moutoniere and be featured in Spotted!, where we showcase the style of our collectors.

— Mouton Noir

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