How to Wear a Scarf for Men

Co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO® and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 3, 2022 References

Scarves are a stylish, classic accessory that can protect you from the elements and elevate your outfit, but what's the right way to wear a scarf as a man? Fortunately, there are a variety of manly scarf knots and styles to choose from. To help you out, we've compiled a list of masculine, stylish ways you can style a scarf the next time you're heading out into cold weather.

1

Drape your scarf over both shoulders.

Let the loose ends of your scarf dangle down the front of your chest. Check that these loose sections are even, so your outfit looks polished and professional.^{[1]
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- The drape style is great if you aren’t that concerned with staying warm. Your scarf can add a nice touch of color to your outfit, while also bringing more attention to your face.
- If you’re wearing a suit jacket, you can also tuck the scarf underneath it.^{[2]
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2

Dangle the scarf backward over your shoulders.

Drape the scarf evenly down your back. Wrap the right section of your scarf around your neck, flipping it back behind your right shoulder. Then, repeat this process with the left section, wrapping and flipping it back over your left shoulder.^{[3]
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- This style is a good option if you’re heading out into some cold weather.

3

Wrap the scarf once around your neck.

Drape the scarf so 1 end is longer than the other. Grab the longer section scarf and loop it around your neck. Then, flip this section back over to the front of your chest.^{[4]
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4

Flip 1 end of the scarf over your shoulder.

Place the scarf around the back of your neck with both ends draping evenly. Take 1 end of your scarf and loop it around your neck. Then, flip it over your shoulder so it’s hanging down your back.^{[5]
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- You can wrap the scarf twice around your neck, if you’d prefer.

5

Loop your scarf through itself.

Fold your scarf in half and drape it around your neck. One end of your scarf will resemble a folded loop, while the loose sections will be on the other end. Feed these loose sections through the loop of scarf, keeping the fabric centered along your chest.^{[6]
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6

Bundle up by wrapping your scarf twice around.

Position your scarf so 1 section is longer than the other. Take the longer section and wrap it twice around your neck. Then, flip the leftover scarf in front of your shoulder. At this point, both ends of your scarf will be even in length.^{[7]
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7

Cross and tuck in your scarf.

Drape the scarf around your neck so both sides are even. Cross both sections of scarf in “X” over your chest, bringing them around your lower back. Loop and tie the ends of your scarf around your lower back to hold it in place.^{[8]
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- This style works best if you’re wearing some kind of suit jacket overtop.

8

Tie the scarf in an ascot.

Arrange your scarf over your shoulders so 1 end is longer than the other. Take the longer end of your scarf, looping it over and under the shorter section. Pull the longer section out and over the scarf. Then, adjust and center the scarf so both ends are draped over your chest.^{[9]
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- This loose, overhand style is a great choice if you’re heading out into cool weather.

9

Transform your scarf into a cowl.

Drape 1 end of the scarf down to your hips. Then, keep the other section close to your neck. Grab the long section of scarf and wrap it several times around your neck until the scarf is short. Then, hide both ends within the wrapped, cowl-like scarf.^{[10]
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10

Tie your scarf into a fake knot.

Shift your scarf around your neck to create a long and short section. Tie the longer section of scarf into a very loose knot. Then, feed the shorter section of your scarf through the loop of this knot. Adjust both ends of the scarf until they’re even, and tighten the material so it’s comfortable and snug around your neck.^{[11]
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11

Style your scarf with the reverse drape tuck.

Dangle your scarf unevenly, so 1 section is longer than the other. Loop the long end of your scarf around the back of your neck. Then, guide this section through the newly-formed scarf loop around your neck. Grab the shorter section of your scarf, lifting and feeding it through this same loop.^{[12]
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- This scarf is great if you’re heading out into freezing weather.

12

Loop your scarf in a reverse drape cross.

Arrange your scarf so 1 end is longer. Loop the longer section of scarf around your neck twice. Then, tuck the shorter end of your scarf over and under the longer section. When you’re done, your scarf will look like a thicker version of an ascot.^{[13]
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- This scarf will keep you insulated and protected on especially cold days.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How should a man wear a scarf?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

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If your neck is shorter, opt for a narrower scarf, and only wrap it once or twice. If you have a longer neck, you can get away with wearing a thicker scarf or looping it around your neck more times.
Question

Why do guys wear scarves?

Kathi Burns, CPO®
Fashion Stylist
Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

Kathi Burns, CPO®

Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Scarves are a really fun way to add a pop of color to your outfit. If you're wearing a monochromatic outfit, you can even pop on a scarf that has multicolored designs in it. If you wear a patterned scarf with a patterned shirt, just make sure that one pattern is big and the other is small. For instance, you might wear a scarf with a large floral pattern with a shirt with little blue checks.