How to Tie a Scarf: Easy Ways for Everyday Winter Outfits

By Winter Styled Editorial Team · Updated 1 November 2026

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A scarf is the quickest way to change a winter outfit. The same coat looks different with a chunky wrap, a neat knot or a long drape. And a well-tied scarf keeps out the cold far better than one that's just hanging there.

These nine ways to tie a scarf go from the easiest to slightly more styled. All of them take less than a minute once you've tried them a couple of times.

First, know your scarf

The type of scarf changes which knots work best.

• Long, medium-weight scarf: the most versatile. Works with almost every knot here.
• Chunky knit scarf: best with simple wraps and loose knots, as bulky knots get very big.
• Blanket scarf: a large square or rectangle. Great for wraps, triangles and draping.
• Thin or silk-like scarf: good for neat knots and decorative styles, less warm.
• Infinity scarf: a closed loop, so no tying needed.

1. The simple drape

1. Hang the scarf around your neck so both ends fall evenly down the front.
2. Leave it open over a coat or jacket.

Best for: mild days, long scarves and adding a column of color over an open coat.

2. Once around

1. Drape the scarf around your neck with one side longer.
2. Wrap the longer end once around your neck.
3. Let both ends hang down the front.

Best for: everyday warmth with little effort. One of the warmest quick styles.

3. The Parisian knot

Also called the European loop or the slip knot.

1. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, so you have a loop at one end and two tails at the other.
2. Put it around your neck with the loop on one side and tails on the other.
3. Pull both tails through the loop.
4. Adjust to tighten or loosen around your neck.

Best for: medium-weight scarves with coats and blazers. Neat and warm.

4. The faux infinity

1. Wrap a long scarf around your neck twice.
2. Tie the two ends together in a small knot.
3. Turn the scarf so the knot is hidden inside the loops.

Best for: looking like an infinity scarf, using a regular one.

5. The reverse drape

1. Drape the scarf around the front of your neck, so the ends hang down your back.
2. Cross the ends behind your neck and bring them back to the front.

Best for: cold days. It covers the throat well, which feels much warmer under a coat collar.

6. The blanket scarf triangle

1. Fold a square blanket scarf in half diagonally to make a triangle.
2. Place the wide point at the front, like a bib, with the ends in your hands.
3. Cross the ends behind your neck and bring them back to the front.
4. Tuck the ends in, or let them hang over the triangle.

Best for: big cozy scarves over sweaters and wool coats. A plaid blanket scarf works especially well.

7. The belted blanket wrap

1. Drape a large blanket scarf over your shoulders like a shawl, with the ends hanging in front.
2. Add a belt at the waist over the scarf and your sweater or dress.

Best for: indoors, chilly offices and a more styled look. Not for windy walks.

8. The braid or chain knot

1. Fold a long scarf in half and drape it around your neck, loop on one side.
2. Pull one tail through the loop.
3. Twist the loop once, so it forms a new loop.
4. Pull the second tail through that new loop.

Best for: medium-weight, not-too-chunky scarves. Looks detailed but is quick.

9. The tucked knot

1. Wrap once around and tie a loose single knot at the front.
2. Tuck the ends inside the front of your coat.

Best for: windy days with a buttoned coat. Keeps everything in place.

Matching scarf knots to coats

• Wool overcoat with lapels: Parisian knot or once around, tucked into the lapels.
• Puffer jacket: a chunky scarf with the reverse drape or once around, worn outside the jacket.
• Trench coat: simple drape or braid knot with a lighter scarf.
• Leather jacket: a large wrap or triangle for contrast.
• Collarless coat: almost anything. Blanket scarf styles shine here.

Our guide to styling winter boots shows how to tie the whole outfit together, and our winter accessories capsule suggests scarf colors that go with everything.

Choosing a warm scarf

If warmth is the main goal:

• Wool and wool blends are warm and breathable. Merino is often softer on the skin. Cashmere is soft and light but more delicate.
• Acrylic is affordable and easy to wash, but generally less breathable.
• Length matters. A longer scarf can be wrapped more times.
• Knit density. A tightly knitted or woven scarf blocks wind better than a loose open knit.

Search wool blend winter scarf to compare materials.

Care tips

• Follow the label. Many wool scarves need hand-washing in cool water.
• Lay flat to dry; hanging wet knits can stretch them.
• De-pill with a fabric comb or shaver.
• Store folded, not on hooks, to keep the shape.

A scarf works best as part of a full layering system. See how to layer for cold weather.

Read next: How to Choose a Winter Hat: Styles, Materials and Sizing →