Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 23rd January 2014

Photography by Craig Landale

Fashion for men has always been a difficult thing to master and even the simplest items can cause trouble. Take a scarf for example. It seems simple enough but you need to get the style right if you’re to look your best during colder weather. 

With all the designs and colours available nowadays, you don’t need to limit yourself to one scarf either and this means there is plenty of opportunity to match this functional accessory to different outfits. 

To make the best choice, there are a few tips which can help you select a scarf which makes a personal style statement while keeping you warm – and here's our advice.

Choose fabric carefully 

What kind of protection you need from the weather depends on where you live but our guess is that if you’re shopping for a scarf then you need warmth as well as good looks. 

The most popular choices of material for scarves are wool and cashmere as they keep the heat in but lighter fabrics are also quite successful against the chill. 

Thick cottons, silks, synthetic materials or a mix of these are common in mens clothing and men’s accessories, and it’s important you recognise the merits of each. 

Cashmere will have the softest touch but potentially the highest price tag, while wool will be hardier but potentially a little rougher to the touch. 

Cotton and synthetic materials are a good compromise while silk is another luxury, soft option which is better suited to milder climates.

Proportions 

There are standard widths and lengths for winter scarves but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop around for something which suits your height and frame. 

If you are tall, you can get away with a long scarf worn loose or wrapped around your neck twice. This kind of look probably won’t flatter a smaller man who can nonetheless suit a short hanging scarf. 

How to tie your scarf 

You’ve taken care to select your scarf; now make sure you wear it properly! There are scores of ways to tie a scarf which are very simple but make such a difference to your appearance. 

A Parisian knot, where you make a loop with a folded scarf which you pull its ends through is both smart and casual. 

A once-around-knot is a loosely tied look which works well on days which have a chill but aren’t freezing while for a more informal look you can loop your scarf around your neck loosely.

Colour 

For a formal occasion an elegant scarf in dark colours will likely fit the bill whereas for outdoor activities or casual events you can go for something brighter. 

After our recent trip to Pitti Uomo 85, it was clear that bright and unique prints on oversized cotton or silk materials, draped over the shoulders is the new "in" trend.

We give tips and advice on Choosing a Winter Scarf from draping scarves to blanket scarves and how to wear them in a stylish way.