Scarf Tying Styles

In modest fashion, scarves are not just a means of covering, but undoubtedly one of the most powerful accessories reflecting your style. The question "How should I tie my scarf today?" when you stand in front of the mirror in the morning is actually a key question that determines your mood that day, the place you're going, and your need for comfort. Scarf tying styles are more than just a complement to your outfit; they're an art that changes your facial expression and, with the right technique, ensures your comfort all day long. But let's face it; we all sometimes struggle to achieve that perfect look. A scarf slipping, the front getting messed up, or thinking it doesn't suit our face shape can be frustrating.

In this comprehensive guide, we won't just be discussing theoretical information. We'll explore practical methods and style suggestions for every face type, based on experience. Whether you're looking for everyday scarf tying techniques for the office or different ways to tie a scarf for a special occasion , you'll find all the details you need in this article. Ready? Open your scarf drawer and let's start trying out new styles!

What are the different ways to tie a scarf?

While tying a headscarf might seem like a simple act from the outside, it becomes a complex subject when the fabric's texture, the size of the scarf, and personal preferences are taken into account. In the past, there were more standard and uniform ways to tie a headscarf, but today, with changing fashion trends and the needs of women who wear headscarves, there is a great variety.

So, what are the most popular scarf tying styles today ? Actually, we can group them into a few main categories:

• Classic and Minimalist: Styles that emphasize simplicity, usually with the ends gathered at the neck or swept back.

• Modern and Casual: Pinless and slightly draped techniques, a favorite especially among young people and those who embrace street style.

• Sporty Chic: Practical bindings with minimal risk of damage, preferred for walks, school, or weekend outings.

• Formal Wear and Special Occasions: Voluminous and sophisticated looks achieved with fuller fabrics (such as Medina silk and taffeta).

Which style you choose depends entirely on your needs at the time. However, knowing different ways to tie a scarf allows you to achieve a fresh look every day, as if you were a different person, even with just one scarf.

Scarf Tying Styles for Everyday Use

No one wants to constantly fiddle with their scarf, adjusting its pins, when rushing out of the house in the morning or during a busy day. Therefore, the key words in everyday scarf tying techniques are: Comfort and Speed. In the fast pace of daily life, your scarf should adapt to you, not slow you down.

Here are the most helpful and practical ways to tie a scarf:

1. One-Shoulder Back Throw Technique: Perhaps the most popular and timeless style. Place your shawl on your head unevenly (one side slightly longer than the other). Secure it under your chin with a pin or magnet. Throw the longer side over your opposite shoulder, ensuring it doesn't constrict your neck. This style maintains its shape, even in windy conditions, and offers a modern look.

2. Loose Wrap: A trend of recent years, in this style, you wrap the scarf loosely around your neck by crossing one end over the other without pinning it under your chin. This style is perfect for those looking to tie a scarf without pins . However, it is recommended to wear a good quality cotton bonnet underneath to prevent the scarf from slipping.

3. Two Ends Tied in Front: Place the scarf centered on your head and secure it under your chin. Cross both ends behind your neck and bring them back to the front. Let the ends hang loosely over your chest. This style works great with coats and jackets, keeping your neck warm, especially in winter.

How to Choose a Scarf According to Your Face Type?

Have you ever tried a different scarf-tying style on a friend and been disappointed? The problem isn't with you or the scarf; it's most likely a mismatch between your face shape and the chosen technique. Tying a scarf according to your face shape is like contouring in makeup; with the right technique, you can balance your facial features and achieve a more oval and aesthetically pleasing look.

Every face has its own unique beauty, and the goal is to frame that beauty correctly. The angle and tightness of the fabric are crucial to avoid making your face look wider, longer, or flatter than it is. Let's detail the tips that best suit your face shape.

Scarf Tying Suggestions for Wide Face Shapes

If you have broad, square, or angular facial features, our main goal should be to soften the face slightly and create an optical illusion that makes it more oval. The biggest mistake made with this face type is cutting the face horizontally by pressing the scarf too close to the cheeks or by showing the entire headscarf.

• Conceal your bonnet: If your bonnet shows too much on your forehead, it will narrow your forehead and make the rest of your face look wider. Try to keep your bonnet just at the edge of your scarf.

• Create an Oval Frame: When tying your scarf, don't tie it too tightly around the cheeks. Allowing the edges of the scarf to gently come forward will camouflage the width of your cheekbones and make your face appear thinner.

• Avoid excess volume: Styles that are too puffy at the sides can make the face look even wider. Instead, opt for styles that create vertical lines and have ends that droop downwards.

Scarf Tying Suggestions for Oval Face Shapes

If you have an oval face shape, you're quite lucky when it comes to tying scarves. Oval faces are considered the "ideal face type" due to their symmetry and proportions, and almost all different scarf tying styles suit this face type.

• Experiment freely: Whether you tie it tightly or leave it loose, oval faces can pull off either style.

• Classic Turkish Scarf Tying: Classic styles where the top of the scarf is slightly pointed and the sides gently wrap around the face look very elegant on oval faces.

• Neck Tie: Since your facial features are proportionate, you can comfortably wear "turban" style headscarves that leave your neck exposed and are tied at the back of your head.

The only thing you need to be careful about is avoiding excesses that will disrupt the natural proportions of your face.

Scarf Tying Suggestions According to Round Face Shape

Women with round faces often desire to make their faces appear slightly longer and thinner. With this face type, where cheeks are full, tying a scarf incorrectly can make the face look even rounder, like a "moon face." However, with a few simple tricks, you can achieve the perfect balance.

• Pointed Front Look: Creating a slightly pointed shape at the front of your scarf (above the forehead) adds a vertical line to your face and breaks up any roundness.

• Cover Your Cheeks: When tying your scarf, slightly bringing the sides forward to cover some of your cheeks will make your face look thinner.

• Never tie it in a rounded shape: Avoid tying the front of your scarf flat against your forehead. This will accentuate the roundness of your face.

• Leave it Loose: Instead of tightening the neckline, leaving it a little looser and more flowing will draw attention downwards from the face and make the neck area appear longer.

The Best Scarf Tying Techniques to Prevent Your Scarf from Slipping

Our biggest nightmare during the day is a scarf that constantly slips and gets ruined. This problem is especially common with slippery fabrics like silk or satin. To avoid turning the experience of tying a scarf into a nightmare, you can follow these tips:

• Choosing the Right Scarf: The biggest secret to preventing your scarf from slipping is the right scarf. Cotton or viscose scarves grip the fabric of the scarf, preventing it from slipping. Avoid satin or very slippery scarves.

• Double-Sided Tape: If it's a very special occasion and you're wearing a silk scarf , you can apply a small piece of double-sided tape or special scarf tape to the part of the scarf that touches your forehead.

• Ironing: To ensure the front of your shawl stays flat and doesn't lose its shape, iron it just before wearing it to create a crease; this will help maintain its form throughout the day.

• Fabric Choice: If you're going to have a very active day, opt for fabrics with a textured and highly supportive feel, such as cotton, crepe, or jazz shawls, instead of slippery silks.

Hairstyle Tying Techniques Without Pins

For those tired of pins pricking, tearing, or getting lost in scarves , pinless scarf tying techniques are a lifesaver. These methods look much more modern and don't cause headaches.

• Magnetic Clasps: Using strong scarf magnets instead of pins will keep your scarf securely in place without damaging it.

• Cross Wrap: Crossing the two ends of the shawl at the nape of the neck and tying them in place without needing pins.

• Tucking Technique: Passing one end of the scarf under the chin and tucking it between the folds on the other side is a practical method frequently used, especially with cotton scarves.

• Ready-to-wear scarves: Recently popular, these "put-on" ready-to-wear scarves offer the convenience of pin-free use without the hassle of tying.

Scarf Tying Style Without a Bun

In the past, it was fashionable to tie a headscarf in a large bun at the back, but nowadays naturalness and minimalism are prioritized. Instead of large buns that resemble a "camel hump," bunless headscarf tying styles that preserve the natural shape of the head are considered more elegant and modern.

For a bun-less style, simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck with a small elastic band. If your hair is very short and the back of the scarf is bare, you can use elastic hair ties that only add a little volume. This style reduces the weight on the back of the head, preventing neck pain, and especially in winter months when wearing coats or jackets, it prevents the scarf from bunching up on the back. For a simple, understated, and intellectual look, you should definitely try bun-less styles.

Choosing the Right Scarf Color and Fabric

No matter how beautiful your scarf tying style is, choosing the wrong fabric or color can ruin all your efforts. Choosing the right color for your skin undertone is just as important as choosing the right scarf for your face type .

• Skin Undertone: If your wrist veins appear blue, you have a cool undertone; if they appear green, you have a warm undertone. Cool colors like blue, purple, silver gray, and emerald green suit those with cool undertones, while terracotta, mustard, golden yellow, beige, and earthy tones look great on those with warm undertones.

• The Language of Fabric:

• Cotton and Viscose: Suitable for everyday wear, sports, and breathable materials. Doesn't cause sweating in summer.

• Medina Silk: With its firm structure, it is suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. It takes on a very smooth shape at the front.

• Chiffon and Crepe: They are drapey and elegant, but can be slippery and require good hold.

• Cotton jersey: The most comfortable, ideal for sports and home use.

Remember, the most beautiful way to tie a scarf is the one in which you feel happiest and most confident. When you understand your facial features and combine them with the right fabric and technique, your scarf will be more than just a covering; it will be the strongest signature of your style.