How to Style a 25.5-Inch Silk Scarf: 5 Easy Ways to Wear a Small Silk Square

A 25.5-inch (65cm) silk scarf is small enough to tie neatly and big enough to wear five ways: as an ascot-style knot, a headscarf, a cowl-style drape, a side knot and a silk headband. For neckwear, fold the square into a band. For a headscarf, fold it into a triangle. Each style below takes about a minute once you know the fold.

The five looks at a glance

What is a 25.5-inch silk square?

A silk square is called a carré in French, and the word simply means square. The classic carré is usually about 35 inches (90cm), which gives plenty of fabric for a big, voluminous knot. At 25.5 inches, the scarf is smaller and sits closer to the neck. It adds a line of color and texture without bulk under a collar or a jacket.

The trade-off is coverage. A 25.5-inch square works well around the neck, in the hair, on a bag handle or through a belt loop. It is too small to wear as a shawl or a top.

Before you start

•         Fold the scarf on a flat surface so the creases stay soft.

•         Fold to about 2 inches wide for a neck tie or headband and about 4 inches wide for a headwrap.

•         Silk is smooth, so use a double knot if you want it to hold.

•         Skip body lotion on your neck before wearing, since it can make silk slip.

1. The ascot knot

The ascot is the neat option. It sits at the collarbone and fills the gap of an open collar. It looks best with a crisp white shirt or a structured blazer.

1. Lay the square flat and fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle.
2. Fold the long edge toward the point two or three times until you have a band about 4 inches wide.
3. Drape the band around your neck, inside your collar, with the center at the back of your neck and both ends hanging in front.
4. Pull one end about 6 inches lower than the other.
5. Cross the long end over in front of the short end.
6. Tuck the long end up and under the short end at the base.
7. Pull the long end all the way through and straighten it out.
8. Reposition the ascot so the long end is on top of the short end.
9. Tuck both ends of the ascot into your shirt or blazer, then fan the silk so it falls in soft folds at the neckline.
   

Tip: if the knot slips, tie it a second time and tuck it a little deeper.

2. The Riviera headscarf

This is the weekend look. It has the feel of a summer on the French coast, and it keeps hair in place on a windy day. It also looks good with a pair of large sunglasses.

1. Fold the square in half diagonally to make a triangle.
2. Place the long edge across your forehead, just behind the hairline, with the point hanging down your back.
3. Bring the two corners down on either side of your face and cross them under your chin.
4. Tie them in a soft bow under your chin, or take them back and tie them at the nape of your neck for a firmer hold.
5. Let the silk gather loosely around your hair. It should look relaxed, not tight.

Tip: add a wide-brimmed hat or oversized sunglasses for a more styled look. A houndstooth or other graphic print, like our Silk Twill Riviera Houndstooth Square Scarf, suits this style well.

3. The cowl neck drape

The cowl drape gives a plain outfit a soft panel of silk at the front. It works with a minimalist blazer or with fine knitwear.

1. Lay the square flat and fold it lengthwise into thirds to make a long band about 8.5 inches wide.
2. Place the band around your neck and let both ends hang evenly down your chest.
3. Cross the right end over the left at mid-chest.
4. Tuck both ends into your blazer or top, leaving a generous panel of silk at the sternum.
5. Loosen the folds so the silk forms a soft, rounded cowl instead of a straight line.

4. The side knot

This is the everyday neck scarf. It takes less than a minute and works with a T-shirt, a button-down or a denim jacket.

1. Fold the square in half diagonally to make a triangle, then fold the long edge toward the point until you have a band about 2 inches wide.
2.  Place the center of the band at the back of your neck and bring both ends forward.
3. Tie a loose single knot just below the collarbone, slightly off center.
4. Let the ends fall and adjust the knot until it sits flat.

Tip: for a firmer hold, tie a second small knot on top of the first.

5. The silk headband

The headband is the simplest way to wear the scarf in your hair. It keeps hair off your face and adds a line of color to a plain outfit.

1. Fold the square in half diagonally, then fold the long edge toward the point until you have a band about 2 inches wide.
2. Place the center of the band across the top of your head, just behind the hairline, with the ends hanging down behind your ears.
3. Bring the ends together at the nape of your neck and tie a double knot under your hair.
4. Smooth the band so it lies flat, then tuck the ends under the knot or let them hang.

Tip: use a narrower band for a delicate look and a wider one for more coverage.

More quick ways to use a 65cm square

•         Tie it around the handle of a tote or shoulder bag.

•         Wrap it around a ponytail and tie it in a small knot.

•         Thread it through a belt loop and tie it at the hip.

What fabric works best for a small scarf

Our 25.5-inch squares are made from silk twill. Twill has a fine diagonal weave and a smooth, slightly crisp feel, so a scarf made from it holds a knot and still drapes softly. A lighter weight feels softer and moves more. A heavier one keeps its shape better. Check the momme weight on each product page to choose the feel you want.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a 25.5-inch silk scarf?

It is a square that measures 25.5 inches on each side, or 65cm. That is smaller than the classic silk square, which is about 35 inches (90cm).

Is a 25.5-inch silk scarf too small?

No, if you want to wear it at the neck, in your hair, on a bag or through a belt loop. It is too small to wear as a shawl or a top.

How do you tie a small silk scarf around your neck?

Fold it into a band about 2 inches wide, place the center at the back of your neck, cross the ends at the front and tie a double knot. Move the knot to the center or to one side.

How do you fold a silk square into a band?

Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle, then fold the long edge toward the point two or three times. Make the band narrower for a neck tie and wider for a headwrap.

How do you keep a silk scarf from slipping?

Use a double knot, keep the knot small and avoid body lotion on your neck before wearing it.

Can you wear a silk scarf in your hair?

Yes. Fold it into a triangle for a headscarf, into a narrow band for a headband, or wrap it around a ponytail.

Which look to try first

Start with the ascot knot if you want a polished neckline for work. Try the Riviera headscarf for a weekend or a trip. Choose the cowl drape when an outfit needs a softer line at the chest. The side knot is the quickest everyday option, and the headband is an easy way to use the same scarf in your hair.