How to Tie, Wear, and Wash a Silk Scarf
People ask me some version of the same three questions: how do I tie this, how do I actually wear it without it looking like a costume, and how do I wash it without ruining it. Fair questions. A $185 piece of silk isn't something you want to guess with. So here's the real answer to all three, the way I'd explain it in the studio.
How to Tie a Silk Scarf
You don't need a dozen techniques. You need three, and they cover almost everything.
The classic neck knot. Fold the scarf into a long strip, accordion-fold it a few times, or roll it loosely. Drape it around your neck so one end hangs longer than the other. Cross the long end over the short end, tuck it through, and pull snug but not tight. That's it. Works with any of the 52" scarves.
The European loop. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise so you have a loop at one end. Drape it around your neck with the loop hanging on one side. Take the two loose ends and thread them through the loop, then pull down gently to tighten. This one stays put all day, which is why it's my go-to for the 24" scarves: less fabric, less bulk, still looks intentional.
The wrap and tuck. For the oversized 52" scarves, skip the knot entirely. Drape it around your neck once, let both ends hang, and wrap the longer end around a second time before tucking the tail in. This is the move for the silk-wool blends especially, since they have enough weight to hold the shape without slipping.
If you're working with hand-rolled edges, and every scarf in this collection is, go easy on tight double-knots. The rolled hem is delicate by design. A loop or a wrap will treat it better than a hard knot cinched down over and over.
How to Wear a Silk Scarf (Beyond the Neck)
The neck is the obvious spot, but it's not the only one:
In your hair. Fold into a thin band, tie it over a low ponytail or wrap it as a headband knotted at the nape. The 24" scarves are the right size for this: the 52" pieces are too much fabric for hair.
On a bag. Loop it through the handle of a tote or crossbody and tie a loose knot. This is the easiest way to wear one if you're not ready to commit to it around your neck. It still reads as intentional, and it's a good way to get comfortable with a new piece before you wear it close to your face.
As a belt or waist wrap. Stick to the oversized 52" silk chiffon scarves for this one. They're sheer and light enough to wrap once or twice around the waist over a dress or high-waisted pants and knot at the hip without adding bulk. Skip the silk-wool blends here; they're thicker, closer to a light blanket than a ribbon, and will fight you at the waist.
Over the shoulders. Drape it open, unknotted, like a small shawl. This is where the silk-wool blends actually shine. They have the weight and warmth of a light throw, so they hold their drape instead of sliding off. It's also the option that shows the most of the artwork, if you want people to actually see the print.
How to Wash and Care for a Silk Scarf
Silk is tougher than its reputation, but it does need to be treated like silk.
Hand wash, always. Fill a sink or basin with cool water, not hot, not warm. Add a small amount of a gentle, silk-safe detergent, or a few drops of baby shampoo if that's what you have. Swirl the scarf through the water. Don't scrub, don't wring, don't twist.
Rinse thoroughly. Cool water again, until the water runs clear and there's no soap left in the fabric. Soap residue is what makes silk feel stiff or look dull over time.
Press, don't wring, to remove water. Lay the scarf flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up with the scarf inside, and press gently to pull out excess water. Wringing or twisting silk can distort the weave and stress the hand-rolled edges.
Dry flat, out of direct sun. Lay it flat on a dry towel, away from direct sunlight and away from a heat vent. Direct sun can fade the tea-printed color over time, the same reason I'd tell you not to leave it draped over a chair by a sunny window for weeks on end.
Skip the dryer, skip the iron on high. If it needs a touch-up, use the lowest setting on your iron, on the reverse side, with a thin cloth between the iron and the silk. Never put a silk chiffon or silk-wool piece in the dryer.
Store it flat or loosely folded. Avoid hanging a silk scarf on a hook for long stretches, since it can stretch the fabric at the point where it hangs. The silk pouch it ships in is exactly the right way to store it between wears.
One more thing on the silk-wool blends specifically: because they're 70% wool, treat them a little more like you'd treat a fine wool sweater. Use cool water, and be extra gentle with the pressing step, since wool fibers can felt slightly if agitated too much.
If you're not sure whether a stain will come out with a home wash, a professional silk cleaner is worth the trip before you experiment. It's a $185 scarf, better to ask than to guess.
Reed Slater
Teascarf Brooklyn
Shop the silk chiffon scarves or the silk-wool scarves.