How to Wear Men's Scarves? Pairing Scarves with Coats, Jackets, and Blazers
Wondering how to wear a men's scarf to look stylish? In this article, we'll share tips on how to choose the right scarf to complement the rest of your outfit. You’ll also learn some key principles for wearing scarves, ensuring you'll never feel underdressed for cold weather again.In the second part of the article, we'll answer common questions about matching scarves with different colored coats and jackets. Let's get started!
How to Wear a Men's Scarf - In Brief
- During fall and early spring, you can wear a men's scarf under a blazer, eliminating the need for a jacket or coat.
- A wool scarf will protect your chest (and heart) from the cold, keeping you warm and comfortable.
- Choose a men's scarf that's both warm (100% wool) and thin to avoid bulkiness around the neck. Thin scarves can be surprisingly warm—try one of our special wool scarves to see for yourself.
- The two best ways to tie a scarf are the elegant knot and the Italian knot—other methods can sometimes be overcomplicated.
- Wearing a men's scarf can replace an extra layer, like a sweater—high-quality wool scarves will keep you cozy.
- If you get too warm, you can simply remove the scarf, rather than taking off your coat—it's practical and convenient.
- The color and pattern of your scarf should match the colors and patterns in other parts of your outfit, such as your blazer or coat (we explain the rules for color and pattern matching later in the article).
- A scarf won't offer true comfort unless it's made from high-quality material (wool) and is the right size.
The Magic of a Real Wool Scarf
1. Replaces a Coat or Jacket
A men's scarf extends the period during fall and early spring when you can go without a coat or jacket, as long as your blazer is made from suitable fabric, like Harris Tweed. Remember, fall blazers range from 320g to 400g in weight.
Did you know that scarves have a connection to mountain rescue? Rescue workers cover the chest with a special foil to prevent hypothermia, as the heart is responsible for circulating blood and needs warmth. Similarly, a wool scarf can help warm your core, making it an excellent alternative to a jacket in milder weather (5°C to 10°C).
2. A Wool Scarf Expands and Contracts
Wool is a natural material that adjusts to the surrounding temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warmer conditions. To fully benefit from this, make sure to choose a scarf with the appropriate fabric weight for the season.
This adaptability also works with wool scarves, providing warmth to your chest, which spreads throughout your body.
3. Wool Removes Moisture and Breathes Well
Wool not only wicks away moisture but also allows air to circulate, keeping you comfortable in various weather conditions. Additionally, wool retains warmth even when damp, making it ideal for chilly days.
4. Beware: Not All Wool is Equal
In many stores, you'll find scarves labeled as wool but lacking the superior thermal properties of high-quality wool scarves. They don’t provide true warmth or fit well due to the use of lower-grade wool and different fabric weaves.
At Dignito, we ensure our scarves are made from the finest materials, with well-constructed weaves and soft, warm wool. Some of our scarves even contain silk for a subtle sheen.
Scarf vs. Coat Functionality
In fall, a coat's main function is to protect against moisture, not necessarily to provide warmth. To ensure warmth during cooler seasons, choose a coat that is one size larger than your usual blazer. This creates an air cushion between your body and clothing, offering extra insulation and preventing heat loss.
A Scarf's Role in Warmth and Style
A men's scarf serves two primary purposes:
- Sealing the neck area to trap warmth.
- Adding an extra layer to the chest to keep your heart warm.
The effectiveness of these functions depends on how you tie the scarf. Learn more about tying techniques in our article How to Tie a Men's Scarf?
But there’s also a decorative function to consider..
Scarves can bring life to an outfit during the gray days of fall and winter. Accessories in interesting colors or patterns can elevate your style and make you stand out.
Color Coordination: Scarf Matching Tips
When pairing colors, consider:
- Complementary colors: Contrasting colors from opposite sides of the color wheel (e.g., green and red) will draw attention and brighten your outfit.
- Analogous colors: Colors next to each other on the wheel (e.g., blue and green) create a harmonious, subtle look.
Read more:
RULES FOR COMBINING PATTERNS AND COLORS. 11 PRINCIPLES AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR
Let's take another look at the color wheel and answer the following questions:
FAQ
What scarf should go with a navy men's coat?
We start with the assumption that accessories should bring a bit more life to the outfit. That's why we don't recommend a navy scarf with a navy coat. In this combination, the whole outfit will come across as monotonous. From a distance, you'll look like a blob of navy color, which isn't very interesting.
On the color wheel, yellow/mustard is positioned opposite navy, making it a complementary color. A scarf with mustard elements will contrast with the navy coat, creating a bold yet balanced look.
Another good combination is using split complementary colors, which are three colors on the color wheel: the chosen color (navy) and two colors that are opposite the first color (dark red and dark green). So, you can confidently opt for a wool scarf with elements of burgundy or bottle green.
What scarf should go with a gray men's coat?
Similar to navy, it's worth avoiding a scarf in the same shade to prevent the outfit from looking too uniform. A gray coat provides an excellent base for creative color combinations.
Colors that pair well with gray are warm, vibrant tones like dark orange or peach. A scarf with elements of these colors will add warmth and energy, breaking up the coolness of the gray.
If you want to try something less obvious, consider combining gray with shades of dark purple or turquoise.
What scarf should go with a black men's coat?
A black coat is versatile, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of monotony by wearing an equally dark, patternless scarf. Sometimes, accessories are the only chance to stand out from the crowd, so why not take advantage of that?
With a black coat (just like with a gray one), any other scarf color will work. A bolder color is a great choice if you want to break up the outfit, while a lighter color can emphasize the elegance of your look. Besides using the color wheel, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and tastes. Do you prefer green over red? Then a scarf with green accents will suit you better.
You can also think about the impression you want to make. For example, burgundy is associated with luxury and romance. If you're going on a date, you might want to go in that direction.
What scarf should go with a beige men's coat?
Beige is a classic and warm color, but if the whole outfit is built around neutral tones, it can appear dull. Therefore, it’s worth introducing contrast into the look.
You can opt for a wool scarf in blue or blue-green. These shades are opposite beige on the color wheel and create an excellent contrast, adding depth and freshness to the outfit. Blue symbolizes calm, but when paired with beige, it adds a touch of modern elegance.
Alternatively, try a complementary color scheme—beige combined with burgundy and dark olive creates a subtle yet striking combination.
Have more questions about men's scarves? Feel free to write to us at info@dignito.pl