What Is a Square Silk Scarf Called? Names Explained

What is a square silk scarf called? It depends on its size and how it is worn: a large silk square is often called a carré or foulard, a small one tied at the neck is a neckerchief, and one worn over the hair is a headscarf or, in Britain, a headsquare. This guide explains the common square scarf names and neck scarf names, the usual sizes, and how each type is worn.

To see our silk squares, browse women's silk scarves.

Square scarf names

• Silk square: the simplest, most common name for any square scarf made of silk.
• Carré: French for "square". Fashion houses use it for large printed silk squares, usually about 90 x 90 cm.
• Foulard: another French term, originally for a light silk twill fabric and now used for printed silk scarves, often square.
• Kerchief: a square of cloth worn over the head or around the neck; the word comes from the old French for "cover the head".
• Bandana: a square cotton scarf, usually printed with a paisley pattern, worn at the neck or as a headband.
• Headsquare: a British name for a square scarf worn over the hair and tied under the chin, the classic 1950s and 1960s look.

What is a neck scarf called?

A small scarf tied around the neck goes by several names:

• Neckerchief: a small square scarf folded into a triangle or band and tied at the neck. A 53 x 53 cm silk square is a typical neckerchief size.
• Neck scarf: the everyday name for any small scarf worn at the neck.
• Cravat: a wider band of fabric tied at the neck and tucked into an open shirt collar, traditionally worn by men.
• Ascot: a formal, wide cravat named after Royal Ascot, usually worn with morning dress.
• Twilly: a very narrow silk scarf, often tied around the neck, wrist or a bag handle.

Square scarf sizes

Size	Common name	How it is worn
45–55 cm	Neckerchief, small silk square	At the neck, in the hair, on a bag
65–70 cm	Medium square	At the neck or as a headscarf
85–90 cm	Carré, large silk square	Draped over the shoulders, as a headscarf or a top
100 cm and over	Shawl square	Folded into a triangle over the shoulders

What is a very large scarf called?

A very large scarf is usually called a shawl, a wrap or a stole. A shawl is worn over the shoulders, a wrap is a long rectangle wrapped around the upper body, and a stole is a long, narrower piece worn over the shoulders with evening dress. A pashmina is a fine wool shawl; see our pashmina shawls for women if you need more coverage than a silk square gives.

What is the British scarf called?

There is no single British scarf, but a few names are very British: the headsquare (a square scarf over the hair), the muffler (an older word for a long, warm winter scarf), the cravat and the tartan scarf. The silk headsquare tied under the chin is closely linked with the British countryside and the Royal Family.

Silk square scarves to try

Our 53 x 53 cm mulberry silk squares are neckerchief size, easy to tie at the neck, in the hair or on a bag:

• Polka dot: the green polka dot mulberry silk square scarf is a classic print that goes with plain outfits.
• Portrait print: the portrait print mulberry silk square scarf in red and blue makes a bold neckerchief.
• Multicolour: the designer silk square scarf in blue, red and green brightens a navy or white outfit.

How to wear a silk square scarf

1. Neckerchief: fold into a triangle, roll from the long edge into a band, and tie at the side of the neck.
2. Hair tie: roll into a band and tie around a ponytail or bun.
3. Headband: roll into a band and tie at the nape of the neck.
4. Bag scarf: knot around the handle of a handbag.

For step-by-step styles, read how to wear a silk square scarf and how to tie a silk head scarf.

Questions and answers

What is a square silk scarf called?

Most commonly a silk square. Large ones are called a carré or foulard, small ones worn at the neck a neckerchief, and those worn over the hair a headscarf or headsquare.

What is a neck scarf called?

A neckerchief, neck scarf, cravat or ascot, depending on its size and how it is tied. A very narrow one is a twilly.

What is a very large scarf called?

A shawl, wrap or stole. A pashmina is a large shawl made from fine wool.

Are square scarves in fashion?

Yes. Silk squares are a classic that keeps returning, worn at the neck, in the hair or on a bag.

How big should a square scarf be?

Around 53 cm is ideal for the neck, hair or a bag; 90 cm is better for headscarves and draping over the shoulders.

Silk squares arrive in a Livloko London gift box or gift bag. Compare every print in our women's silk scarves collection.

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