Are you looking for a fun and trendy way to shield yourself from the wrath of the angry summer sun? Need a cosy and stylish accessory to perfectly complement your new winter outfit? Searching for a sophisticated add-on to go with your brand new spring outfit?
Whatever be your fashion qualm, scarves can solve it, hands down.
This humble piece of clothing has been a reliable companion for women and men alike in the bid to find fashionable protection from the ever-changing weather.
When worn the right way, a scarf is all you need to give your dull, old outfits an exciting new twist. However, finding your perfect new scarf and learning the many ways to wear it may prove to be quite an adventure. Worry not.
Is there more than one type of scarf?
The answer is yes. But do you know how many different types of scarves there are? Let us help you with that one.
You can sort your neck wraps based on their shape and the material they are made of.
Types of scarves based on the shape
Scarves come in three basic shapes: square, rectangle/oblong, and triangle. But, no, that’s not all. The many stacks of scarves that you see in shops are variations of these basic shapes. Here’s how you identify each:
Bandana Scarf
This is generally triangular, but a square scarf folded to form a triangle is also used as a bandana. It is made either of cotton or silk and worn around one’s head, neck, or ponytail wrap.
Infinity Scarf
This type of scarf is worn around the neck, which wraps around it with neither a beginning nor an end. It’s made of cotton, acrylic, cashmere and a variety of other fabrics.
Head Scarf
This is the one you observe most often and is worn by women around their heads. It can be made out of light fabric for summers or wool for winters.
Shemagh Scarf
Also known as the Keffiyeh scarf, it is a square-shaped cotton scarf traditionally worn by Arabs. It is worn around the neck or over the head as protection from the sun and dust.
Types of scarves based on material
Based on the texture and lightness of the material used to weave a scarf, the scarf is used either during cold or hot weather. The following are some examples:
Cotton Scarves
This light and porous fabric are ideal as a summer companion and can be worn as a mask to ward off pollution and the sun.
Silk Scarves
Smooth, shiny, and elegant silk scarves are a great choice to pair with your stylish new outfit.
Pashmina Scarves
Known for its softness, warmth and sheen, Pashmina is wool collected from the Pashmina goat of Kashmir. Choose this to keep yourself warm in winter.
Linen Scarves
Made from fibres of the flax plant, linen is light, breathable and an ideal summer choice.
Cashmere Scarves
Collected from the cashmere goats of Kashmir, Cashmere woollen scarves are soft, light and durable. Pair it with your old sweater or cardigan to give it a stunning new look.
Alpaca Scarves
Alpaca is a type of wool collected from the camelids of South America. Alpaca scarves are soft, warm, and ideal winter companions.
Trendy ways to wear a scarf uniquely
The way you wear your scarf can dramatically glam up your look. Now that you have the basic information needed to choose the scarf that best suits your needs let us explore the different methods of wearing it. Based on your outfit, you can select the style that works best for you.
French knot
You’ll need:
An oblong scarf is preferably made of light material.
Method:
- Take a long scarf and fold it lengthwise, in half.
- Loop it around your neck.
- Take one of the loose ends and go over the loop and then back under.
- Take the other loose end and go under the loop and back over.
- Adjust the length, and there you have it.
The chain
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Drape the scarf around your neck evenly.
- Tie the ends around your neck, leaving some space between your neck and the knot.
- Repeat it a few more times to form a chain.
The double twist
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Drape the scarf around your neck evenly.
- Loosely twist the two ends around each other near your neck.
- Put the ends of the scarf to either side of your neck.
- Knot the ends at the back.
- Tighten and adjust.
The bow
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice. Silk is an excellent choice in this case for a sleek and shiny look.
Method:
- Drape the scarf around your neck. Make one side of the scarf longer than the other.
- Using the longer side, make a loop hiding the loose end.
- Now hold the loop in the middle to form a bow.
- Take the shorter part of the scarf and wrap it around the bow.
- Bring the end of the shorter side around the bow and through the middle. Tighten the knot by pulling it on the other side.
- Adjust the bow till you are happy with it.
The rope twist
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Drape the scarf evenly around your neck.
- Twist it into a long rope.
- Wrap one side around the neck to create a single loop.
- Tie the ends together to make a second loop.
- Adjust the length of the loops as desired.
- Fluff it up and wear centred or to one side.
The side knot
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular/square scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Put the scarf around the neck with one side longer.
- Bring the longer side up to meet the shorter side and tie a loose double knot.
- Adjust the placement of the knot as desired.
The braided knot
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a material of your choice.
Method:
- Fold the scarf in half and put it around the neck.
- Pull the long ends through the loop.
- Take the loop and twist it locking the first end and creating a second loop.
- Pull the ends through the new loop.
- Tighten or adjust the braided knots as desired.
The Rose
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Drape the scarf around your neck evenly.
- Twist the two ends together along the entire length.
- Wrap the twist into a bun on one side of the neck.
- Tuck ends in and fan out the material to give a floral appearance.
The Derby
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Put the scarf around your neck with one end longer than the other.
- Form a loose knot on the shorter side.
- Pleat the longer side of the scarf from the bottom until it is even with the knot.
- Hold the pleats of the longer end together and pull the pleated end through the knot.
- Adjust as required.
The Parisienne
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Fold the scarf into a square.
- Wrap the folded corners around your neck and once over the back.
- Knot the folded corners on top.
The choker
You’ll need:
A long, rectangular scarf made of a light material of your choice.
Method:
- Place the scarf evenly around your neck such that the ends are at the back.
- Cross the ends at the base of your neck.
- Bring ends to the back of your neck again.
- Knot the two ends behind your neck to finish.
- That brings us to the end of our little adventure in the world of scarves. But, yours has just begun. Find the scarf that matches your personality and play your way with it to explore other trendy ways of wearing it.
