How to Wear a Scarf: A Men's Styling Guide

It's a question we get most as the weather turns, how do you actually wear a scarf without it looking like an afterthought? The honest answer is that there's no single right way, it depends on the scarf you've got and what you're wearing it with. The three main ways to wear a scarf are the Drape, the Once-Around and the Loop, covered step by step below, plus a quick guide to choosing the right scarf in the first place.

Choosing the Right Scarf

Before the knots, it's worth knowing what you're working with. Length, fabric and colour all change what actually looks good.

• Length. Most menswear scarves sit between 180 and 200cm. That's enough for any of the three methods below, a shorter scarf is better kept simple with the Drape.
• Fabric. A fine, structured knit like our Bowen Slim Merino Wool Scarf holds a knot cleanly without adding bulk. A heavier jacquard-knit scarf, like the RMW Merino Wool Scarf in Chocolate, wears more casually and suits a looser style rather than a fussy knot.
• Colour. A neutral, navy, chocolate or charcoal, works with almost everything you own. Save a patterned or checked scarf for a plain coat or jumper, so it's not competing with another pattern.

How to Tie a Scarf, Three Ways

The Drape

The simplest option, no wrapping or tucking, just an even drape.

1. Take the scarf by both ends and drape it evenly around the back of your neck.
2. Let both ends hang down the front at the same length, nothing tucked or wrapped.
3. Wear it loose and open over a coat or jumper, the simplest, most casual option.

The Once-Around

A bit more coverage for colder days, still quick to do.

1. Drape the scarf around your neck with one end noticeably longer than the other.
2. Take the long end and bring it back around the front of your neck.
3. Let both ends fall down the front and adjust until they sit at a similar length.

The Loop

The neatest option and the quickest to get right, good for the office or anywhere you want it to sit still.

1. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and drape the folded end around the back of your neck.
2. Bring the two loose ends up and thread them through the folded loop at the front.
3. Pull gently to snug the loop against your neck, the neatest, quickest option.

How to Style a Scarf with Different Outerwear

Knowing the knot is half of it, the other half is wearing it with the right layer.

• Overcoat or wool coat. The Loop sits neatly under the lapels and won't come loose walking around all day, the most polished option for tailored outerwear. Browse our coats and jackets range if you're building the whole look.
• Casual jacket, denim or a gilet. This is where a scarf with a bit more character earns its keep, something like the Wallabies Heritage Scarf. The Once-Around or an open Drape both work, no need to overthink it.
• Knitwear, no coat. Keep it simple, the Drape avoids bunching under a jumper collar and is the quickest to take on and off. A chunkier cable knit scarf pairs naturally with heavier winter knits.
• With a suit. Stick to the Loop or a neat Once-Around, and keep the scarf plain. A bold check reads casual against tailoring, a solid merino wool colour doesn't.

How Long Should a Men's Scarf Be?

Most menswear scarves run between 180 and 200cm, and that's the sweet spot for all three methods above. Go shorter and you'll struggle to get enough length for the Once-Around or the Loop, go much longer and the Drape can start to look oversized rather than deliberate.

Common Scarf Questions

How long should a men's scarf be?
Most menswear scarves run between 180 and 200cm, which is versatile enough for any of the three styles above. Shorter scarves work best kept simple with the Drape, there isn't enough length for the Once-Around or the Loop.

What's the easiest way to tie a scarf?
The Loop. Fold it in half, drape it around your neck and thread the ends through the fold, it takes seconds and always sits neatly.

Can you wear a scarf with a suit?
Yes, keep it simple. The Loop or a neat Once-Around look the most put-together with tailoring, a plain wool or cashmere-blend scarf in a single colour works better than a bold check.

Does a scarf have to match your coat?
Not exactly, but it should sit in the same tonal family. A navy or chocolate scarf works with most coat colours, and a patterned scarf is easiest worn against a plain coat rather than another pattern.

Wool or cashmere blend, which is better for everyday wear?
Merino wool holds its shape well and is the most practical everyday choice, a cashmere blend adds softness and a slightly dressier finish for the same warmth.

Not sure which scarf suits your coat? Drop into one of our stores and we'll sort it out with you, or give us a call.

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Shop Men's Scarves

A spread of everyday merino through to a heritage weekend pick.

Bowen Slim Merino Wool Scarf, Indigo $169.00 AUD Shop now	RMW Merino Wool Scarf, Chocolate $149.00 AUD Shop now
Cable Knit Scarf, Navy $159.00 AUD Shop now	Wallabies Heritage Scarf, Brown $129.00 AUD $90.30 AUD Shop now

Want a hand picking the right one, or working out which knot suits your coat? Drop into one of our stores for hands-on advice, or give us a call.