When it comes to accessories for men, it can always get a little bit tricky. Scarves can add an extra element and color to your otherwise bland outfit. Be it a thick wool scarf for a chilly workday or a light-weight cotton scarf for the summers to protect your neck from the sun, it is, indeed, a perfect accessory. Styling scarves can be tricky. What kind of scarf to choose? What color? How to tie the thing so it doesn’t go too over the top?
Tips for choosing scarves
Plan Ahead
We all know it can get very mentally hectic for us when every day we wake up in the morning and think of what to wear. So it’s always a good idea to select the outfit and scarf a day in advance. The scarf that you choose should depend on the weather or temperature conditions. You do not want to wear a warm muffler around your neck when it is 35 degrees Celsius out there. It is not just going to make you miserably uncomfortable but it will also not look appropriate. Ever seen people wearing half sleeves t-shirts on a chilly day? Yes, that is how you can look if you do not choose the right scarf for the right day.
The Right Combo
It’s good to select your outfit first because then you can find the right scarf that complements it. I highly discourage going for exact color matching as it just never works. So either go for contrasting color or any complementing one.
The Right Knot
If you are going for an informal knot then, make sure you are wearing the right clothes for it and it will not turn out to be a mismatch. The same concept should be applied to the formal knots too, as having an informal scarf style is not going to end up good for your formal wear and can seem to be pretty irrelevant. If you are going for a heavier outfit like jackets and overcoats then go for muffler knots that cover your neck to some extent and adapt that style.
Vice versa, if you are going for a lighter outfit with tropical weather tees and shirts, then you just roll the scarf around the shoulders and that might do you good for the informal events. But the right knot is always going to give you the right look that you would want to have and make sure you are there to carry it.
The Right Material
You don’t want to look like a wrapped-up polar bear. So never go overboard. If you’re wearing the scarf under your coat then go for lighter and breathable materials that won’t end up suffocating you, but at the same time, they also need to be thick enough to keep you warm and comfortable. And well, let’s be honest, most of us men don’t know the different types of fabrics. I mean up till a few years back, I wouldn’t have been able to tell cotton from cashmere. If that’s the case with you too then try learning by trying to get the feel of the fabric. You’ll realize that while wool is warm, it is also usually an itchy fabric so it can leave a rash if you have sensitive skin. Similarly, Cashmere feels incredibly soft on touching while silk feels luxurious, you feel the fabric before buying it and even if you can’t identify the material, you can always decide to not buy one that feels uncomfortable on touch.
Choose The Right Size
Normal wear scarfs should neither be too short, nor too long. Scarfs come in unusual sizes and lengths, it all depends on how you wear it and transform its style. As a rule of thumb, it’s best that when you knot your scarf, it should be somewhere between your chest and your waistline.
Do not Wear it Everyday
Yes, while we all love scarves, they are simply not the sort of accessory that you should wear every day or with every outfit. Moreover, when you wear them occasionally, they stand out more.
Avoid Going For The Trends
Don’t buy a scarf just because it’s trendy, instead, choose one that is timeless. Because scarves aren’t something that you buy every day, moreover, we always discourage hoarding so one should buy smartly and choose quality over quantity. So invest in good quality scarves and in colors or patterns that you can wear for at least a couple of years.
It’s Okay To Be Adventurous Sometimes
While it’s essential to have some neutral scarves in your wardrobe, it’s okay to occasionally want to dress things up (or even every day). So have 2 to 3 brightly colored scarves in your closet so that you can brighten up the dull outfits and the dull days. As you can see here, they can even work with denim jackets.
Scarf Outfit Ideas
↓ 1 – What are the Different Ways To Tie a Men’s Scarf
↓ Step by Step Video
↓ 2 – The Fake Knot
The fake knot is one of the simpler knots. Drape the scarf over your neck and loop over one end over the other end. Tuck in just enough so its peeking from behind the lapels. There you have it.
↓ 3 – With Denim Jacket
A scarf is not worn with formals necessarily. You can pair it up with simpler outfits with denim. Drape a plain or checkered scarf into a loop over a denim jacket and rock that scarf look.
↓ 4 – Styling Striped Scarves
Stripes can be tricky to pair accessories with. A scarf is your best friend at such times. Tie a lightly printed cotton scarf around your neck to give that ‘cool’ finish to the look.
↓ 5 – With Scarves
Accessorize your sweaters with a variety of scarves. Choose a dark-colored wool scarf over light sweaters and let the scarf make a statement. Here’s our collection of the best Sweater outfits for men.
↓ 6 – Plaid
Plaid scarves are the best choice to be worn with plain sweaters/t-shirts. Play around the colors of the scarf and tie or drape it the way you want to.
↓ 7 – Coat Casual
Ditch your tie for the day and let a tan woollen scarf do the talking. Pair your accessories with your favourite coat and go to work in style. Check out these 20 Ways to Wear a Peacoats
↓ 8 – With a Leather Jacket
↓ 9 – Patterned
Over the ages, patterned scarves have labelled as an article of women’s wardrobe. But it has changed now and you can get the look. Tie a patterned scarf over your usually bland outfit to turn it into a stylish one.
↓ 10 – All-Around
An all-around style is the easiest way to wrap a scarf around your neck to keep warm. All you have to do is follow the steps, start from the drape, leaving plenty of extra length on the longer side. Then, wrap the longer side around your neck a couple of times, so that the end hangs down your back. Throw the other end over your shoulder and you can stop here if you like, or go ahead and tuck the ends in.
↓ 11 – T-shirt
Ah, pondering over the decision of twisting up your casual style/ Add a scarf to your outfit. Choose a light-weight or bordered scarf over your favourite shirt and you’re good to go. Who knew scarves and t-shirts can be a good combination, right.
↓ 12 – Hoodie
Want to keep the chill-out and look uber cool at the same time while wearing a hoodie/ Tie a thick wool scarf in a slip knot and you have that stylish outdoor look in a few moments. Fold the scarf in half, wrap it around your neck and bring the ends over the loop. Easy. Here are 30 Ways for Guys to Wear a Hoodie
↓ 13 – With Blazer
Formals, semi-formals and scarves go hand in hand. Especially with casual blazers. Wrap a narrow scarf around your neck and let it peek from behind the lapels of th blazer.
↓ 14 – Business casual
Ties are not the only accessories you can pair with your business casual attire. Wrap a scarf around your neck in a double knot style. The scarf adds extra oomph to your otherwise bland business casual attire.
↓ 15 – All black
Absolutely nothing can go wrong with pulling off an all-black outfit look. Accessorize your plain black outfit with a lightweight wool scarf to take your style game up a notch. You can play around with shades of both grey and white to pair with your look. Here are 19 Ways to Match Black Shirt.
↓ 16 – Earthy Tones
You can always incorporate a dash of color to your boring outfit for work or the day in general. But why stop there? Keep your cool in any weather by draping a scarf in shades of blue and grey to match with your tan trench coats or blazer jackets.
↓ 17 – Cotton
Accessorizing your summer outfit can go from simpler to overdoing it in just an article. Choose a cotton scarf to tie around your neck over your favourite t-shirt. There you go!
↓ 18 – Chunky
Chunky scarves are your best friend when you are opting for an outfit that will keep you warm for the day as well as look great. Drape a chunky wool scarf under your coat and have the look!
↓ 19 – Blanket Scarf
A blanket scarf is a square piece folded in half and draped over the shoulders and neck. It requires zero effort but will give your casual attire a complete twist.
↓ 20 – Pop of color
Choosing a colored scarf can be difficult. Keep the rest of your outfit monochrome to highlight the dash of color to it. You can match a red scarf with your all-black attire or a mustard wool scarf with your denim outfit.
↓ 21 – Silk
Using a silk scarf can correspond nicely with a tie or a pocket square to bring together your outfit perfectly. Wrap a silk scarf around your neck under the shirt and let it make a statement.
↓ 22 – Printed Scarves
Printed scarves come with unlimited varieties. Pair up a lightweight printed cotton/silk scarf with your button-down shirt.
↓ 23 – Cardigan And Scarf for Fall
↓ 24 – Suit up
A well-chosen scarf can mark you out as a guy who not only treads his path but looks spot on doing it. Dress your suit look down with a nonchalant drape or once around or let a lightweight scarf peek out from your lapels.
↓ 25 – With Coats
↓ 26 – The Ascot
Ascot is the genuine classic knot for men scarf fashion. The scarf is first wrapped fairly and then knotted close to the neck. It is the fastest and easiest way to the scarf for classic men. Make sure that both ends are of the same length. Since this style looks great with a hat, I also recommend that you check out my earlier post on Men’s Outfits with Hats Different
↓ 27 – European Knotted Scarf
European knot is the traditional way to tie a scarf. It is simply modern. Fold the scarf in such a way that it is just half of its original length. It is perfect for winter and windy weather. This scarf is the perfect combination of form and function.
↓ 28 – Loose Knot
Lose knots look less fussy and more casual than the previously discussed ones. Just loop the scarf once and let both the ends hang equally. For this knot, it’s best to focus on bold colors and patterns.
↓ 29 – The Once Around Look
If you are looking for an eye-catching way to wear a scarf, never tie it around your neck. This is will an effortless feel to your outfit. Simply let the scarf fall in front of your outfit. Pair it with your skinny belt. This style can be adopted with large scarves usually which come in rectangular shapes.
↓ 30 – With Denim Jacket
To soften a casual outfit we usually add a knit scarf or a silk scarf. Pair up your Denim jacket with a Scarf to create the most awesome casual outfit of the season. Try to match the scarf with any clothing piece of your outfit.
↓ 31 – Celebrity Inspired Look
↓ 32 – With Leather Jackets
↓ 33 – Plaid Scarves
I often see people saying plaid is boring. However, I always select plaid with a pop of colors on it. I think plaid with red riding boots makes an amazing combination for this winter. Because of the neutral outfit, the red plaid is the center of attention.
↓ 34 – For Men Over 50
↓ 35 – With All Kinds Of Outer Wear
Scarves look great with all kinds of outerwear. If you think your scarf is longer and lighter in stature then simply fold it. It will give a little more coverage to the neck. Round the scarf twice but make sure you have enough room to breathe.
↓ 36 – With Suits
There are a number of ways to wear a scarf with a suit. When you are combining the scarf with a suit, go for heavy fabric. A woolen scarf can be the best choice in this case. If you are up for a formal meeting select gray color or neutral color scarf to complement other elements of your suit. It always adds a dash of class to your suit.
