How to Tie a Scarf Around the Neck

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References Approved

Tying a scarf around your neck can make your outfit look more polished, and it can help keep you warm on a cold day. But just tossing it around your neck can get boring, and isn’t very visually enticing. A scarf is so versatile, there are almost endless ways you can wear it—why not choose a couple different ones for every day of the week? We’ve compiled 14 of the best scarf-tying hacks so you’ll never run out of styles to choose from.

Method 1

Method 1 of 14:
The Standard One Loop^{[1]
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This style is great for those chilly fall or winter days. Drape the scarf over your shoulders with one end slightly longer than the other end. Loop the longer end around your neck once, then adjust the ends until they’re the same length. This look keeps you warm and cozy without a ton of effort!^{[2]
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Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 27 May 2021.}
- If you’re wearing a jacket with a hood, situate the scarf in between the hood and your neck. That way, you can still put your hood up if it starts to rain or snow.

Method 2

Method 2 of 14:
The Easy Toss^{[3]
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This cool and casual style is very European. Drape your scarf over your shoulders with the right side slightly longer than the left. Toss the right end of the scarf up over your left shoulder to wrap it around your neck, but leave the hanging end behind your back. This toss is so easy to do, you won’t even have to think about it!
- Be warned, though: if it’s really windy out, this easy toss won’t stand a chance (meaning, you may have to adjust it throughout the day).

Method 3

Method 3 of 14:
The Bunny Ear^{[4]
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We’re getting a little more intricate with this scarf style. Drape your scarf over one shoulder, leaving one end much longer than the other. Loop the long end around your neck twice, then tuck it into the second loop around your neck. Tie the ends together in a simple knot to keep them in place, then situate the knot so it’s slightly off-center for a fashionable twist.
- It’s like a take on the classic airline stewardess neckerchief, only this will keep you much warmer.

Method 4

Method 4 of 14:
The Turtleneck^{[5]
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Ever wanted to cover up your neck but all your turtlenecks were dirty? Loop your scarf around your neck 3 to 4 times so it completely covers your neck. Tie the ends of the scarf together in a knot, then tuck the knot underneath the scarf itself to hide it. Adjust the top of the scarf so it fits over your neck just like a turtleneck.
- Use this method to spice up a plain T-shirt or long sleeve when your wardrobe is bumming you out.

Method 5

Method 5 of 14:
The Faux Infinity Loop^{[6]
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Who needs an infinity scarf anymore? Tie the ends of your scarf together in a double knot to make a circle. Pull the scarf on over your head, then twist the hanging end over itself to make a figure-eight shape. Pull the smaller loop over your head again, then adjust the hanging ends so they aren’t bunched underneath each other.
- For XXL scarves (meaning extra extra LONG), loop the scarf around your neck 3 times instead of just 2.
- You could also wrap the scarf once or twice around your neck and tuck in the ends of the scarf underneath—this creates the illusion of an infinity scarf.^{[7]
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  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 27 May 2021.}

Method 6

Method 6 of 14:
The Pull-Through^{[8]
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Great for shorter scarves, the pull-through can be done in moments. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, then drape it over your shoulders. Fit the hanging ends of the scarf through the loop portion, then pull the ends through to tighten it around your neck.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 27 May 2021.} Adjust the loop so it’s situated on top of your chest and let the ends hang downwards.
- Put your scarf on underneath your jacket, then zip it up to cover the ends of the scarf while leaving the top poking out. It’s like a pocket square for your neck!

Method 7

Method 7 of 14:
The Neckerchief^{[10]
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This Western-inspired look works for anything from casual dinners to costume parties. Fold the scarf in half twice to make a small square. Then, fold the square diagonally to make a small triangle in the front of the scarf. Take the two points of the triangle and tie them together behind your neck, then adjust the scarf so it sits on top of your chest like a neckerchief.
- For extra cowboy style, use a handkerchief instead of a scarf.

Method 8

Method 8 of 14:
The Celebrity^{[11]
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Someone alert the paparazzi, here you come! Drape the scarf over your shoulders, keeping both ends the same length. Wrap one end of the scarf up and around your neck, letting the fabric fan out over your torso. Tie the end of the scarf to the other hanging end, keeping the knot up on your shoulder. Let the bulk of the fabric fan out over your belly, and enjoy your celebrity scarf look.
- Throw on a large pair of sunglasses and your best sassy attitude to complete your look.

Method 9

Method 9 of 14:
The Magic Trick^{[12]
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A scarf tied up so nicely, it’s almost like magic. Drape the scarf over your shoulders with one end slightly longer than the other. Loop the longer end around your neck just one time, then tug the hanging end up through the loop just a little bit to make a circle of fabric up top. Pull the other hanging end of the scarf through the semi-circle you just made, then adjust the hanging ends so they’re balanced.

Method 10

Method 10 of 14:
The Boyfriend Tie^{[13]
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Who says you can’t wear a scarf to a formal event? Drape the scarf over your shoulders with one end slightly longer than the other. Tie the ends together in a loose knot near the bottom of your scarf, then slide the knot upwards so it sits just above your belly button.
- (Don’t worry, you can wear this style even if you don’t have a boyfriend—or you are the boyfriend!)

Method 11

Method 11 of 14:
The Braid^{[14]
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It’s like folding a pretzel (only less delicious). Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, then drape it over your shoulders. Fit the hanging end of the scarf into the loop and pull it through to knot the scarf around your neck. Pull on the folded end and twist it over itself twice, then put the hanging end of the scarf back through the small loop you just made. Adjust the scarf if you need to and make sure it hangs straight down so you look polished and professional.

Method 12

Method 12 of 14:
The Necklace^{[15]
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You can never have too many accessories. Grab a small, square scarf and fold it in half to make a triangle. Roll it up from the bottom to the top to make a flat, straight line, then tie the ends around each other and pull them tight. Once you end up with a small knot in the center of your scarf, wrap the ends around your neck and tie them behind your head for a cute, easy accessory.
- This is an easy way to make a silk scarf feel less “scarfy.”

Method 13

Method 13 of 14:
The Half Knot^{[16]
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This one works best with short, thin scarves, so pack up your fleece or knits. Spread out a rectangular scarf so that it’s lying flat, then roll it up lengthwise until it’s in a straight line. Grab either end of the scarf roll and pull the scarf over your neck, then tie the ends together in front. Adjust the hanging ends of the scarf so they flop over just below your chin.
- The beauty of this knot is that it’s easy to adjust, so don’t be afraid to mess with it a little if it’s too tight.

Method 14

Method 14 of 14:
Flower Power^{[17]
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You can stop and smell the roses every day of the week with this scarf hack. Fold a square scarf in half to make a rectangle, then grab the edge where the 2 ends meet. Starting on the left side, fold the edge back and forth accordion style like you’re trying to make a fan. When you reach the end of that edge, grab a rubber band and tie it around the fan fold to make a flower shape. Grab the loose ends of the scarf and wrap them around your neck, then tie them together to keep your flower in place.
- This scarf really makes a statement, so prepare to turn some heads!

Community Q&A

Question

How can I wear a large square scarf?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Try folding the scarf in half to make a triangle, then tying the ends together around your neck. Or, drape the scarf over your shoulders to make a shawl instead.
Question

What are some occasions that this would be beneficial for?

Community Answer

There are no specific occasions, but it will keep you very warm in cold weather. You can also wear it for a job interview, as it covers cleavage and makes you look a little more professional.
Question

How can I wear two scarves at once?

Community Answer

You can wear the scarves in layers. Layer them based on their color, shape, or pattern.
Question

Can we wear a scarf in the summer?

Community Answer

You can, though it may be uncomfortable, and some people might find you pretentious for wearing something that doesn't make sense for the weather just to look cute. It might make more sense on cooler days or if you're indoors somewhere cool. If you are going to wear a scarf, make sure it's a thin, decorative scarf, not a winter scarf.
Question

Can I use these methods with a silk scarf?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
Question

How do I tie a three-cornered scarf?

Community Answer

Take the scarf and fold it in half lengthwise. Fold it in half again, keeping your hand in the loop that is created. With your hand in the loop, put the scarf around your neck. Take one of the two ends and pull it through the loop.