A gentleman’s guide: 6 ways to wear a scarf

Many men eagerly await the colder months, not only for the chance to wear elegant coats but also to style them with scarves. Throughout history, scarves have held both aesthetic and symbolic roles, from Roman soldiers to 19th-century English gentlemen. That tradition continues today, with scarves remaining a key part of winter fashion.

Scarves can be worn in various ways, with each tying method creating a different effect.

1 Fold the scarf lengthwise, drape it around your neck, and pull the loose ends through the loop created by the fold. This gives you a neat knot, easy to tie and adjust, while keeping the scarf securely in place. It provides warmth and complements a modern, urban look.

2 Drape the scarf around your neck with one end shorter than the other. Wrap the longer end loosely around your neck once or twice, depending on its length, and let the ends hang slightly unevenly. This creates a look that’s refined but not overly formal.

3 Drape the scarf over your shoulders so it hangs freely, or tuck it into your blazer or coat. This works best with shorter scarves, as the ends stay proportionate to the coat or blazer’s length. It’s an excellent choice for formal occasions, such as pairing with a tuxedo or classic evening coat.

4 Drape the scarf around your neck with the ends hanging parallel and straight down the front. Cross one end over the other, loop it underneath, and then bring it back over the top. Adjust the front end to hang freely or to the length you prefer. This style works well either worn loosely over a coat or snugly tucked under a sports jacket or blazer.

5 Drape the scarf around your neck so that one end is shorter. Take the longer end, drape it across the front of your neck, and let it fall over the opposite shoulder. This style doesn’t require a knot, making it the most casual way to wear a scarf.

6 Hold one end of the scarf close to your neck while wrapping the longer end around your neck until it’s short enough. Tuck both ends into the wrapped section of the scarf. This style works beautifully with warm, soft scarves and gives you the effortlessly stylish look of someone strolling through the streets of Paris or Rome.