A scarf is a classic piece of menswear that’s both stylish and functional. Beyond useful, it’s borderline essential for those bitter cold, winter days.
If you already own a scarf, I’m sure you’ve used it on the coldest of days to help shield you from the elements. But why just wear a scarf when you can style one?
A scarf can be fashionable as much as it can be functional. Today I will share with you 11 stylish ways you can wear a scarf as a man.
But first, let’s make sure you’re starting off on the right foot with a quality scarf that’s right for your needs.
Things to Consider When Buying Your First Good Scarf
Materials
As we’re focused on cold-weather options in this article, you’ll want to strongly consider the materials used in your scarf’s construction.
To ensure your scarf is functioning at its best, I highly recommend 100% wool. There are different kinds of wool, some being warmer than others. Popular options include sheep’s wool, alpaca, merino, and cashmere.
I personally love cashmere. It’s up to 8 times warmer than your typical sheep’s wool and wears extremely well. Its durability and softness make it an excellent choice for a scarf that will last and wear well for many years.
Cost
Of course, cashmere isn’t cheap. Any scarf made from 100% wool will typically be more expensive than a blended option.
So, if you’re a man on a budget (I get it!), look for a higher percentage of wool than other materials used in your scarf’s construction. This can greatly reduce the cost while still giving you a fabric that is warm and functional.
Sometimes a great scarf can also be thrifted or handed down. There are ways to get your hands on a higher quality scarf for less, it just may take a bit more looking.
Aesthetic
You may only be able to pick up one or two scarves for starters. With that in mind, pay attention to the color and pattern of each scarf you’re considering.
A lot of fall and winter clothing tends to be dark in color and neutral in tonality. It’s a simple palette that really attracts me to those heavy layers we see in the colder months.
With that simplicity, I think there’s lots of room to incorporate accessories that really communicate your unique identity.
Accessories over simple layers can really elevate your outfit to a new level of intrigue and individuality.
A scarf is a great way to do this. My go-to is a timeless pattern that uses a dark color base while still incorporating some bolder colors in a tasteful way.
My personal favorites can be found at Drake’s. I love classic menswear. And my particular taste leans toward traditional British styles. Drake’s absolutely nails the classic menswear aesthetic that I love.
There’s a true element of design in their work, in addition to their quality craftsmanship. Their scarves are no exception. In fact, they started out as scarf makers.
Classic patterns with a dark base color work really well with almost everything. They can really give your outfit the interest it needs to stand out in a crowd.
If you’re an individual who loves attracting attention through your clothing, consider a bright, bold color. This works best as a solid in my opinion.
To keep things classy and timeless, I’d recommend dark and neutral colors for bold patterned fabric. And I’d recommend solid or very lightly patterned fabric for use with brighter colors.
Style is individual and there are exceptions to this. However, I think it’s a great guideline to keep in mind when getting started.
Length
Scarves can be found in all kinds of lengths and widths. Consider this when selecting your scarf.
I tend to prefer medium to long-length scarves. They are the most versatile when considering the various ways you might wear them.
How to Wear Your Scarf
So you’ve found the perfect scarf. Congratulations! It’s a piece you’ll cherish for years to come.
With that out of the way, let’s discuss how to get the most out of it moving forward.
1. The Gentleman
Length: Short, medium
Temperature Rating: 35-55 degrees F
We’ll start off easy by simply draping the scarf over the neck and allowing it to fall freely in front. Both ends should be the same length.
This can be done over your shirt but under your other layers. Or, it can be draped under the collar of your coat.
When worn against the neck, over your base layer, the drape provides a fair amount of added warmth.
When worn under the collar of your coat, the scarf will not provide as much warmth. But it looks great and can always be moved easily if the temperature drops.
2. The Round-about
Length: Medium, long
Temperature Rating: 35-55 degrees F
Start by draping as shown above, but leave one end longer than the other. Then, take the longer end and wrap it around your neck once.
Both ends can be the same length, or you can leave them uneven. Up to you!
You can play around with the scarf to make it looser or tighter around your neck, depending on your preference. Wearing it closer to the neck provides more warmth.
3. The “Go around Again!”
Length: Long
Temperature Rating: 0-35 degrees F
This one’s the same as above, just wrap it twice! It’s a great option for much colder days. The extra layer around your neck is perfect for keeping you insulated and providing extra warmth.
4. The Scholar
Length: Short, medium
Temperature Rating: 30-55 degrees F
Start with the scarf draped over your neck, one end longer than the other.
Take the longer end and wrap it over the shorter end. Follow through by bringing the long end around and up through the space below your neck.
Pull until the knot sits close to your neck.
This is one of my favorite ways to tie a scarf. It’s clean and elegant but also provides a good amount of warmth.
5. The Superman
Length: Medium, long
Temperature Rating: 15-45 degrees F
Drape the scarf over your neck. Then simply take one end and throw it across your neck and over your shoulder.
Repeat with the remaining end. The ends will now drape over your back. This provides the neck with coverage suitable for much colder days. Plus, now you look like some kind of superhero. Win/win!
6. The Warm Hug
Length: Long
Temperature Rating: 35-55 degrees F
Start with the scarf draped over your neck, keeping both sides even in length. Then, cross the ends over each other and wrap around your waist. Tie in the back.
This is not the most attractive knot in my opinion, but it can be quite functional. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm hug?
It adds insulation to your chest. It also ensures the ends are not hanging loose, where they can sometimes get in the way.
I recommend wearing this under a jacket or coat that will hide most of the scarf.
7. The Rabbit Hole
Length: Long
Temperature Rating: 20-45 degrees F
Fold your scarf in half. Then drape over your neck. This will create a loop in one end of the scarf.
Take the two open ends and pull them through the loop on the folded end of your scarf. Push the scarf up close to your neck.
This knot is great for colder weather, and takes no time at all!
8. The “It’s European — I swear!”
Length: Medium, long
Temperature Rating: 20-45 degrees F
It’s time to get into some really interesting-looking knots! This knot, commonly referred to as “the fake knot,” is a fun place to start.
Start with a drape, keeping one end longer than the other.
Take the long end and create an overhand knot on that side. Leave loose for now.
Next, take the other end and pass it through the opening created by your overhand knot.
Pull tight, snug up close to your neck, and you’re done! You can also leave it a bit looser for a more relaxed and easy-going look.
9. The Architect
Length: Medium, long
Temperature: 0-35 degrees F
Drape the scarf, leaving one end longer. Take the long end over the shorter end and wrap around your neck.
Pull both ends down and through the space created by wrapping the scarf around your neck. This knot is best worn close to the neck.
I really like the look of this knot, especially under a jacket or coat.
10. The Cold Shoulder
Length: Medium, long
Temperature: 35-55 degrees F
Drape the scarf over your neck. Take one end and toss it over one shoulder.
An easy and eye-catching way to wear a scarf. The Cold Shoulder is a great go-to. I especially like this one with heavier-weight scarves.
11. The Hermit
Length: Long
Temperature: 0-35 degrees F
Last but not least, we have The Hermit. A very large and almost cumbersome knot. But man, is it warm.
Start with “The Round-about.” Leave both ends the same length. Pull the wrap close to your neck.
Create an overhand knot with the ends and pull snug.
Because of its volume, I prefer lighter-weight scarves for this knot. It can look very nice when done in a lighter wool — or even silk. But either way, it’s definitely functional as a very warm neck covering.
Conclusion
I think a scarf is an essential accessory for cold weather. One simple scarf can take you from a trek off the beaten path to a formal dinner with the who’s who of that new, big thing.
There are countless ways to wear a scarf. I’ve just shared a few of my favorites.
So get yourself a new scarf, play around, and have fun! You won’t regret it.
For more, check us out on Instagram where we serve up simple, straightforward tips for self-improvement.
