Black Silk Scarf: How to Choose and Wear One

A black silk scarf is one of the easiest accessories to wear well. Black goes with almost every colour, and silk adds a soft sheen that lifts a plain coat, a white shirt or a little black dress. This guide explains how to choose a black silk scarf (plain or printed, long or square, silk or satin), how to wear one at the neck, in your hair and with a black dress, and how to look after it so it lasts.

If you already know what you want, browse our women's silk scarves and satin scarves for women.

How to choose a black silk scarf

Three questions make the choice simple: how much black you want, what size suits the way you will wear it, and whether it needs to be pure silk or simply have a silky look.

Plain black or black with a print

• Plain black is the most formal choice. It suits evening wear and smart office outfits, but it can look flat against a black coat.
• Black and gold is the dressiest option. Gold detail catches the light at Christmas parties and weddings and pairs naturally with gold jewellery.
• Black and white is crisp and graphic. It works with denim, navy and camel as easily as with black.
• Grey and soft neutrals give a gentler version of the same look. A grey silk scarf worn with black clothes keeps the outfit dark and calm while still showing a little pattern.

Long scarf or silk square

A long silk scarf, around 55 × 175 cm, can be looped at the neck, worn open across the shoulders or folded into a wide band for your hair. A silk square of about 53 × 53 cm is best for a neat neck knot, a bandana or a bag handle. If you only buy one, a long scarf gives you the most ways to wear it.

Silk or satin

Silk is a natural fibre. Satin is a weave with a smooth, glossy face, and it can be made from different fibres. Both drape well and both can look smart in black. Silk feels lighter and softer, while satin tends to have a brighter shine and is often a little more affordable. Every product page states the fabric, and our guide to telling satin from silk explains the differences in more detail.

Black silk scarves for women: our picks

Our mulberry silk scarves currently come in soft floral prints rather than plain black, so here are the pieces that give you the black silk scarf look, with the fabric named for each.

• Silk to wear with black: the Midnight Blossom grey floral mulberry silk scarf is 12 momme mulberry silk in a long 55 × 175 cm shape. Its grey tones and pale flowers sit beautifully against a black coat or dress, so it reads as a dark, quiet scarf with a little detail.
• A softer neutral silk: the Sky Blossom grey and cream mulberry silk scarf has a subdued blossom print and works well with black, navy and camel.
• Black and gold, in satin: if you want a true black background, the Celtic black and gold satin scarf has gold scrollwork on black and measures 180 × 70 cm. It is satin rather than silk, with a bright, dressy sheen.
• Black and white, in satin: the gold, black and white satin scarf has a geometric pattern that looks sharp with a black blazer or a cream knit.

How to wear a black silk scarf at the neck

1. Fold the scarf lengthways two or three times into a soft band.
2. Place the middle at the back of your neck and bring both ends to the front.
3. Tie a loose knot slightly off-centre, or loop it twice and tuck the ends in.

A black silk neck scarf frames the face and looks especially smart with a white shirt, a grey jumper or a camel coat. Keep the knot relaxed so the silk drapes rather than bunches. For a smaller silk square, fold it into a triangle, roll it from the long edge and tie it at the side as a neckerchief.

Black silk head scarf and hair styles

A black silk head scarf is a classic, polished look, and silk's smooth surface slides over hair without snagging. Try one of these:

• Headband: fold the scarf into a band about 5 cm wide and tie it at the nape, under your hair.
• Ponytail wrap: wrap a narrow band around the base of a ponytail and finish with a bow, leaving the tails to hang.
• Full head scarf: fold a long scarf into a wide band, place it over the hair from the front and knot it at the back of the neck.

For step-by-step styles, read our guide on how to tie a silk head scarf.

How to wear a scarf with a black dress

With a black dress you can go tonal or add contrast. A black and gold scarf worn open across the shoulders turns a simple dress into an evening outfit, especially with gold earrings. A grey or cream silk scarf softens all-black clothing for daytime. For a winter wedding or a cold evening, a black pashmina scarf and wedding shawl gives the same black-wrap look with more warmth.

What to wear with a black silk scarf

• Office: grey knitwear or a camel coat, with the scarf knotted at the side.
• Weekend: white shirt, jeans and loafers, with a silk square as a neckerchief.
• Evening: black dress, gold jewellery and the scarf as a shoulder wrap.
• Winter: tucked under the collar of a wool coat for a flash of sheen.

Black silk scarves for men

A black silk scarf for men is usually worn with a dark overcoat or a dinner jacket. Loop a long scarf once around the neck and let both ends hang inside the coat, or tuck a silk square into the open collar of a shirt. Keep the pattern small or plain so it looks smart rather than showy.

How to look after a black silk scarf

Always follow the care label supplied with your scarf. As a general guide, hand wash silk in cool water with a gentle detergent, never wring it, and dry it flat away from direct heat and sunlight, which can fade black. Press it on a low setting with a cloth between the iron and the silk. Store scarves folded in a drawer and keep them away from rough jewellery and bag hardware. Our full guide explains how to wash a silk scarf.

Questions and answers

What do you wear with a black silk scarf?

Almost anything. White, cream, camel, grey, red and pastels all look sharp next to black. For a tonal look, wear it with black and add gold jewellery.

Is a black satin scarf the same as a black silk scarf?

No. Silk is a natural fibre, while satin is a type of weave with a glossy face. Satin usually has a brighter shine, and silk feels lighter and softer. Our guide on how to style a black satin scarf covers satin in more detail.

What size should a black silk scarf be?

A long scarf around 55 × 175 cm is the most versatile, as it works at the neck, in the hair and over the shoulders. A 53 × 53 cm silk square is best for a neat neck knot or a bandana.

Can you wear a black silk scarf in your hair?

Yes. Fold it into a band and tie it as a headband, wrap it around a ponytail, or wear it as a full head scarf knotted at the nape.

Is a silk scarf a good gift?

Yes. A silk scarf needs no size and suits most wardrobes. Our long silk scarves arrive in a gift box, which makes them easy to give for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries. See more ideas in our luxury Christmas gifts for her guide.

Can I ask for help choosing?

Of course. Email support@livloko.com or call 0330 808 4947, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (UK time).