How to Wear a Men's Silk Scarf: With a Suit, Casually and Knots to Try

By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026

The short answer: men can wear a silk scarf formally, draped under an overcoat or knotted loosely at the neck with a suit, or casually, knotted under an open collar or looped over a jacket. Choose a colour that picks up something else you are wearing, keep patterns smaller than your jacket's, and pair a patterned scarf with a plain shirt.

How to wear a silk scarf with a suit

• The drape: hang the scarf around your neck, both ends falling evenly inside your overcoat.
• The ascot or cravat: tie it loosely under an open collar, tucked into the shirt, for smart-casual evenings.
• The loop: fold it in half, put it round your neck and pull the ends through the loop. Neat under a coat.
• With a tie: keep the scarf under a coat, and choose colours that complement the tie rather than match it.

How to wear a silk scarf casually

• Knot it loosely at the neck with a T-shirt or open shirt and a jacket.
• Tie a small scarf as a neckerchief with a crew-neck knit.
• Drape it over a denim or field jacket for colour.

How to tie a scarf: different ways

Colours and patterns

Paisley and polka dots are classic men's scarf patterns. Navy, burgundy (bordo) and black are the most versatile colours. Try the silk Navy Paisley, Bordo Polka Print, Bordo Paisley or the plain Black Silk with fringed edges. Our scarves are 100% silk and come in a gift box.

Evening scarves

For black tie or evening wear, a black or cream silk scarf draped under a dark overcoat is the classic choice. Pair it with a black bow tie and patent shoes.

How to care for a silk scarf

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent for delicates, or dry clean. Don't wring; roll in a towel to remove water, then dry flat away from sunlight. Iron on a low silk setting through a cloth. Store folded or rolled, away from sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

How do men wear silk scarves?

Draped under an overcoat or looped for formal wear, and knotted loosely at the neck under an open collar for smart-casual.

Can you wear a silk scarf with a suit?

Yes: draped or looped under an overcoat, or as an ascot with an open collar for evening events.

What colour silk scarf should a man buy first?

Navy or burgundy in a small paisley or dot. Both go with navy, grey and camel coats.

How do you wash a silk scarf?

Hand wash in cool water with a delicate detergent, roll in a towel, and dry flat out of sunlight. Or dry clean.

What is an ascot?

A scarf tied loosely at the throat and tucked into an open-collared shirt.

Shop the pieces in this guide: gloves and scarves · silk pocket squares · ties