How to Wear a Scarf With a Suit: Fabrics, Colours and Knots

Quick Answer: How Do You Wear a Scarf With a Suit?

• Fabric: soft, warm knits in classic patterns like check, plaid, herringbone and stripe.
• Colour: a scarf that complements your suit and coat. Grey, navy, burgundy and camel are easy wins.
• Knot: the drape, once-around, Parisian loop or overhand knot all work.
• Proportion: a slimmer scarf for a suit jacket, a fuller scarf with an overcoat.

A scarf is one of the most practical, and stylish, winter accessories you can wear with a suit. It keeps you warm on the commute, adds colour to a dark winter outfit and looks sharp with an overcoat. Here's how to get it right.

Choose the Right Fabric

• Warm knits: the go-to for Canadian winters.
• Classic patterns: check, plaid, herringbone and stripe scarves add interest to a dark coat.
• Solids: the easiest to pair with patterned suits and ties.

A good scarf should feel soft against your neck and drape naturally.

Choose Colour and Pattern

• Solids are the easiest to pair: grey, navy, camel, burgundy and forest green.
• Patterns like checks, stripes and herringbone add interest. Keep them in proportion to your suit and tie.
• Rule of thumb: if your suit or tie is patterned, choose a solid scarf. If your outfit is solid, a patterned scarf adds personality.

Four Easy Scarf Knots

The drape

Hang the scarf around your neck with both ends falling evenly down the front. Simple and elegant, best when your coat is buttoned.

The once-around

Wrap the scarf around your neck once, leaving both ends hanging in front. Warm, quick and casual.

The Parisian loop

Fold the scarf in half, drape it around your neck and pull the loose ends through the loop. Neat, warm and great over a suit jacket.

The overhand

Wrap the scarf around once, then tie a loose overhand knot at the front. Relaxed and warm.

Wear It Over a Suit Jacket or Overcoat

• Over a suit jacket: choose a slimmer scarf and a neat knot like the Parisian loop.
• With an overcoat: a fuller scarf in a drape or once-around looks balanced. Read how to wear a topcoat with a suit.

A Few Scarf Tips

• Coordinate your scarf with your tie or pocket square, but don't match them exactly.
• Take your scarf off indoors, just like your coat.
• Keep a darker scarf for the office and a brighter one for weekends.

For a dressier neckline, try an ascot or silk neck scarf under your jacket.

FAQ

Can you wear a scarf with a suit?

Yes. A scarf adds warmth and style, especially with an overcoat in winter.

What scarf colour goes with a navy suit?

Grey, burgundy and camel all look great with navy.

What's the best scarf knot for a suit?

The Parisian loop is neat and warm, and sits well over a suit jacket.

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