How Should Men Choose Scarves?

Would you rather brave the cold than figure out how men are supposed to wear scarves?

If so, you’re not alone!

How to wear a winter scarf in a way that looks both manly and smart (as opposed to the absent-minded-professor or walking-the-dog-in-the-park look) is something that baffles many men.

So they steer clear of an accessory that has huge potential for them – both functionally and stylistically.

We wondered if what unnerves men most is that scarves are so different from ties. Ties are precise. One glance in the mirror and you know whether you’ve got it right. Whereas scarves are not only altogether more individual – but they seem to have to be worn with a certain nonchalance. As if the wearer isn’t trying.

And it’s impossible for anyone to effect that nonchalance when they’re not 100% sure what they’re doing!

With that in mind, we decided it was high time we put together some tips for pulling off the chic, effortless, ‘nonchalant’ look – quickly and confidently – before you dash out of the door.

Start by choosing the right man’s scarf

As with all accessories, your choice of scarf is very much a matter of personal taste. But there are a few things it’s worth bearing in mind when you buy.

So, before we get into the business of the easiest, most effective ways to knot your scarf, here are some selection tips …

Size matters

The ideal men’s scarf can be anywhere between 16 and 30 cm wide (that’s around 6 to 12 inches) and between 140 and 178 cm long (that’s around 55 to 70 inches). Any shorter and you’ll be limited as to how you can tie it. Any longer and, unless you’re unusually tall, it risks being too bulky or peeking out below the hem of your jacket.

And it has to be wool

Yes, a smart scarf does need to be wool.

This isn’t just to be elitist. Comfort-wise, good wool is soft and warm – and, essentially, it will never prickle or chafe. Style-wise, the fineness of the yarn ensures that it’s not too bulky. And nobody wants either an itchy neck or a big, snowman-style knot.

An investment in a high quality fine woolen scarf is an investment in years of stylish, cosy warmth.

By contrast, anything hand-knitted (however lovingly) will be too chunky to tie neatly. And, at the other extreme, anything super-lightweight will fail to serve the essential purpose of keeping you warm – and risks looking effeminate. Ditto anything excessively fringed or adorned.

Pattern or no pattern?

A brightly coloured, boldly patterned scarf gives you the opportunity to make a statement. Or to transform a sober outfit.

But unless you specifically want to have lots of different boldly patterned scarves, it’s probably easier to do this with bright ties and pocket squares. And stick to one or two single-coloured scarves.

Colour

Colour is such a personal thing.

A brightly coloured scarf, just like a bright tie, can always be relied upon to liven up a bland outfit.

But if it’s a quieter sort of elegance that you’re after, our advice is to play safe and stick to strong, chic masculine colours – like charcoal, navy and black – that tone with the rest of your outfits.