How to Tie a Scarf Knot Like a Real Gentleman – 7 Ways

How you tie a scarf knot to perfection is a critical detail in the realm of classic fashion and style for men.

In this article, you will learn not one but seven ways to tie a scarf to complete and complement your classic cold-weather ensembles.

More than a functional accessory for a nippy chill in the air or a veritable blizzard, the scarf possesses a unique style, debonair charm, and timeless versatility, ideal for successful men.

1. Over-the-Shoulder Scarf Knot

The Over-the-Shoulder Knot may not be complete, but it is the easiest to master. Chances are, you’ve been tying this knot instinctively for quite some time.

This casual yet stylish knot pairs exceptionally well with a silk scarf, adding an elegant touch to evening attire and formal events.

This knot works very well with common scarf fabrics, like cashmere or wool, but because it is loose and does not provide full insulation, it should be saved for days when it is not extremely cold.

This does mean, however, that this scarf knot is ideally paired with warm-weather scarf materials like silk, linen, and cotton.

This knot can be worn with a slightly shorter scarf if desired.

It ought to be paired with an overcoat or a jacket with an opening that’s not too deep, with a textured fabric so the scarf can grip the material and doesn’t just slide off: a worsted jacket is ideal, for instance.

When the chill in the air is not yet at its chilliest, the casual charm of a loosely draped, over-the-shoulder scarf is an elevating accessory that can add texture, colour, and depth to your ensemble without adding excess heat.

A loosely knotted scarf is a great addition to any outfit in the fall and spring.

Steps for tying:

• Take the scarf and hang it over your neck.
• Adjust the scarf so that one end is slightly longer than the other.
• Throw the longer end of the scarf over your shoulder.
• Adjust the scarf’s length so that the end on your front and the end on your back are roughly the same.

2. Once-Around Chest Scarf Knot

While this knot is not strictly classified as true, it offers greater security compared to the Over-the-Shoulder style.

This knot provides extensive neck and chest coverage, making it perfect for chillier conditions.

Wearing a coat or overcoat is essential to achieve the intended aesthetic with this knot.

Additionally, when paired with a double-sided scarf, the resulting knot displays both sides impressively, creating a striking and bold look.

Steps for tying:

• Hang your scarf around your neck, with both ends even.
• Adjust the length so that one side is about one-third of the scarf’s length and the other end is two-thirds. It doesn’t matter which end is longer.
• Tuck the shorter end of the scarf underneath your coat, diagonally across the chest.
• Loop the longer side of the scarf once around your neck.
• After wrapping it around your neck, tuck the longer end across the chest on the opposite side.
• Holding each end in place, button up your coat and adjust the scarf as desired. If the scarf is double-sided, display both sides for the maximum effect.

3. Loop Tie Scarf Knot

The Loop Tie, also known as the European Loop, the French Twist, the French Knot, or the Parisian Knot, is a debonair option with casual, Continental charm.

It is very easy to do and is one of Raphael’s personal favourites because it’s quick and simple. It looks nonchalant, with a slight asymmetry that is very pleasing.

Because of its looser fit and exposed sides, The Loop Tie is not ideal for very cold conditions.

It pairs best with a high to medium-cut V-neck jacket or overcoat opening, but a dramatically deep V may expose portions of your shirt front.

It can be worn with a sports coat, a blazer, or an overcoat, but when worn with a jacket or short coat, it is best to leave this knot untucked.

Ensure that you have a scarf of sufficient length because short scarves will usually come undone with this knot.

It is, however, a great way to wear a double-sided scarf because you get a different look every time that can be easily adjusted to show off the elegant look of your scarf.

Steps for tying:

• Fold the entire scarf in half, lengthwise.
• Place the scarf behind your head, with your off-hand through the loop formed by the folded scarf and your dominant hand gripping the two ends.
• Bring your arms together in front of your neck, and pull the two ends through the loop held by your other hand.
• Pull the ends through the loop, tight enough to insulate your body but not so tight as to be uncomfortable or choke yourself.
• You can let the ends dangle outside of your coat if desired.
• You can also tuck the ends into the front of your coat.

4. Knotted Once-Around Scarf Knot

The Knotted Once-Around is comparable in purpose to the previously mentioned Chest-Warmer Knot.

However, it stands out as a true knot that retains warmth more effectively and lends a touch of elegance with its dimensional aesthetic.

This knot imbues your scarf with an effortlessly stylish and somewhat whimsical appeal since its appearance changes subtly each time you tie it.

Achieving this look hinges on tying the knot with just the right tension — not too snug, yet not too loose.

The goal is to completely conceal the V-shaped opening of your coat while still smoothly tucking the scarf’s ends inside without creating awkward lumps.

A little volume at the neck can be desirable, as it adds a charming three-dimensional quality to your outfit.

Steps for tying:

• Open your coat and drape the scarf over your neck.
• Just like with the Once-Around Chest Warmer Knot, adjust the length to about one-third on one side and two-thirds on the other.
• Loop the long end of the scarf once around your neck so you have two ends roughly the same length in the front with a loose twist around your neck.
• Ensure that the ends of the scarf in front are about the same length.
• Tie the ends with a simple half knot. It doesn’t matter if you go left-over-right or right-over-left.
• Complete the half-knot by passing one end of the scarf through the loop at the neck.
• You can tuck the ends of the scarf into your coat or just let them dangle.

5. Pull-Through Scarf Knot

This knot can seem imposing at first because of its unusual looped portion, but the Pull-Through Knot is very easy to do once you get the hang of it.

It is relatively uncommon, possibly because of the slight barrier to entry due to relative difficulty, and as such, this knot will always cause you to stand out subtly.

The Pull-Through Scarf Knot looks best when worn with a long coat or overcoat, as the ends should be tucked into the outerwear.

Otherwise, they can dangle unusually, drawing attention away from your face and towards your waist.

Steps for tying:

• After opening your coat, wrap your scarf over your neck.
• Adjust the scarf so that one side is one-third of its length and the other is two-thirds.
• Create the loop of a half-knot about halfway down the length of the longer end.
• Tighten this knot to create a loop.
• Insert the shorter end of the scarf into your created loop.
• Pull the knot to tighten and draw it in towards your neck. It should be tight enough to sit neatly but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
• You can leave the scarf untucked, but because it is so long, it will likely be distracting.
• For a tidy and elegant look, tuck the excess length of your scarf into the front of your coat.

6. Count Scarf Knot

This dashing scarf knot derives its name from its close resemblance to the neckwear favored by aristocrats in past centuries.

It is an especially elegant knot with good coverage to keep you warm while looking unique enough to impact anyone you meet.

It combines the various layers of the scarf to ensure a secure hold while covering up any bunching for a refined overall effect.

Steps for tying:

• Open your coat and hang your scarf from your neck, centred.
• Adjust the scarf so that one side is one-third of its length and the other is two-thirds.
• On the longer end of the scarf, make the loop of a half-knot one-fourth to one-third of the way down the length of the scarf’s end.
• Tighten the loop and ensure it is sufficiently close to the end of the scarf.
• Insert the short end of the scarf into the loop.
• Tighten the scarf so that it sits neatly and comfortably against your neck.
• Adjust the knot at the neck to appear elegant and well put together.
• Tuck the excess scarf ends into your coat.

7. Modified Four-in-Hand Scarf Knot

As indicated by its name, this knot has been adapted from the necktie Four-in-Hand Knot and a similar knot used with ascots.

This knot’s neat and tidy appearance makes it look more formal, and it also helps to keep you very warm.

The knot is also very stable and secure, so you can tie it and then forget about it.

The Modified Four-in-Hand Scarf Knot can be styled in three distinct ways to achieve exactly the right look for your outfit.

Steps for tying:

• After hanging your scarf around your neck so that it is centred, adjust the side on your dominant hand so that it is a little longer than the other side, at least a few inches or centimetres. Take the longer end and cross it over the shorter end.
• Loop the long end around the shorter end one time, going completely around.
• Insert the long end through the gap between your neck and the knot you created from the inside out.
• Pull the long end through, so it is comfortably tight but not too snug.
• Pass the long end through the loop that you have created.
• If desired, this scarf knot can be worn without passing the long end through the knot for a more casual look, but note that the scarf can come loose through the day.
• For the most dashing and stable variation on this knot, after pulling the long end through the knot, pass it through the gap between the knot and your neck and lay it over the top.
• Close your coat and adjust the knot as desired.

Choosing the Right Scarf Knot

To help you determine which scarf knot will best suit your needs, we have created this handy table with basic information about each of the scarf knots we will explain.

After finding the right scarf knot, you can jump to the relevant section using the Table of Contents feature above.

Men’s Scarf Knot FAQs

Should I Wear Stylish Scarf Knots?

While a scarf is fundamentally a functional piece designed for warmth, its ornamental nature might render the mastery of intricate knotting techniques a seemingly superfluous pursuit.

Yet, scarf knots are not merely decorative flourishes; they are integral to maximising insulation and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your ensemble.

How to Tie a Scarf Knot?

How you tie any scarf knot will depend on the knot you want.

You should select your desired knot based on the temperature and the nature of any events you may be attending.

This guide will help you select the proper scarf knot and provides step-by-step instructions.

Does How You Tie Your Scarf Matter?

Yes, it does! How you tie your scarf will dictate how air circulates your body, impacting how cool or warm you are while wearing the scarf.

Scarf knots also influence how elegant the scarf appears, impacting the entire ensemble’s look.

What are the Easiest Scarf Knots to Tie?

With practice, you can quickly perfect any scarf knot.

However, we recommend starting with the Over-the-Shoulder, Once-Around Chest Warmer, and Loop Knots for beginners.

What Makes a Scarf Knot Classic?

A classic scarf knot is not pretentious. It achieves its basic function—keeping you warm—while also appearing subtle and refined.

If your scarf knot is the most noticeable component of your outfit, it is definitely not a classic scarf knot.

How I Make My Scarf Knot Look Elegant and Formal?

Generally, any tidy and well-maintained knot will appear elegant and formal.

All of the knots included in this guide can be worn formally.

How to Handle the Ends of My Scarf?

What you do with the ends of your scarf after making your knot will greatly affect the overall look of your ensemble.

In general, untucked ends add a certain dramatic charm but will not be as warm.

Tucked-in ends, conversely, improve insulation but reduce the amount of scarf that is exposed.

Excessively dangling ends will also have the effect of drawing the viewer’s eyes away from your face.

Which Scarf Should I choose?

Ensure that your scarf has the proper dimensions to ensure that it functions properly with the following knot suggestions.

Correct Scarf Length – A quality menswear scarf should be between 70 and 75 inches long (about 178 to 191 centimetres).

This ensures that the scarf is long enough to complete each knot but not so long that it becomes bulky and inelegant.

Correct Scarf Width – Your scarf should also be 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 centimeters) wide.

A too-skinny scarf will have insufficient mass to drape pleasingly, and it will not insulate you either. An overly wide scarf, on the other hand, will be awkward to wear and knot.

What are the Best scarf Materials?

The best scarf material is the material suited to the temperature in which you will be wearing the scarf.

Insulating materials like cashmere or wool will be best when it is colder.

When warmer, lighter and breathable materials like silk, linen, or cotton are ideal.

Can you wear a Scarf in Spring and Summer?

Yes, you can! A lightweight scarf, worn like a day ascot, will not overheat you, especially when tied in a looser knot.

Scarves worn in the summer are especially associated with the style of Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and the French Riviera.