There are many different ways of wearing a scarf. They can be worn as head coverings, shawls, belts, accent pieces, accessories, or even garments. Versatile and stylish, they can be tied, pinned with a brooch or a piece of jewelry or secured with other special accents.

Scarves have been traditionally used to cover the head. In fact, some cultures, such as those of the Islam religion, insist that women wear scarves to cover their heads for propriety or modesty purposes. In other areas of the world where the weather is especially cold, women use scarves as protection against the elements. We also see scarves among female cancer patients who undergo hair loss because of their radiotherapy or chemotherapy patients.

Mostly though, scarves are used to make a fashion statement. There are many ways of wearing scarves. Some women take square scarves, fold them in half to make a triangle and lay the scarves over their heads. Then they tie a knot at the back, simply tuck the triangle flap under that and that’s it. Instant protective head cover. Some women with thick hair fold them even thinner and wear them like headbands.

Another way to wear scarves is just to tie them around the neck. Take the scarf, fold in half to form a triangle, drape around your neck with the triangle at the chest area and then knot it behind the neck. This style generally works best with a scarf which is relatively stiff. Silk scarves won’t hold up well with this style, so silk scarves are worn more snugly around the neck. Nobody would want a droopy or sloppy-looking scarf. Long, thin scarves can be worn by folding it lengthwise and then knotting so that it wraps around the neck. Some women even do a bow.

Wearing a scarf can also vary depending on the length of the scarf. Long scarves can be used as a belt sash, a hat sash, a stole, a headband or a wide belt. Short scarves, on the other hand, can be worn as a jeweled neckerchief, an over-the-shoulder-tie, a classic headband or a ponytail wrap. Square scarves can be worn the Grace Kelly way, which is the style named after the famous Hollywood style icon turned Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. This style is used mostly by women who are traveling and who would want to protect their hair and look glamorous at the same time.

As testament to the scarf’s versatility, scarves are also the rage among men, especially in Europe. The Italian style is especially popular. To achieve this look, first fold a long, oblong shaped scarf into a smaller oblong. Men can fold it in half lengthwise many times over until it is the desired width. Next, fold the oblong in half, end to end, to create a loop. After, place this folded oblong behind the neck and bring the looped end and the loose ends towards the front of the body. Get the two loose ends and pull them through the loop. Lastly, pull the ends until the scarf fits as snugly around the neck as desired.

This Italian style can be further tucked into a leather jacket or overcoat, or over a sweater, or a suit jacket.

More about scarves »