Ask Dethroner: What Scarf Should I Buy?
15 Comments Published by Joel December 6th, 2006 in Ask Dethroner, Clothes. Share This
I’d like some advice on buying a scarf. I’m looking for something that will A) Keep me warm (obviously) and B) be able to be worn with a suit or jeans. Am I over-thinking this? Should I just go with the typical J Crew or Brooks Brothers type deal or are there more options out there?
To an extent, Jake, you are over-thinking this scarf purchase. It’s okay to have more than one; In fact, it’s recommended.
Which one you wear all depends on what you’re trying to pull off aesthetically. If you’re wanting to keep warm and under the radar, go with a basic, dourly-colored scarf that won’t draw any undue attention. If you want to make an outfit pop and draw attention to your floating, disembodied head, try something that is brightly colored or extra long.
I have a pink, puffy scarf that is about six feet long that, when coupled with the right outfit, absolutely shines. The ladies love a man who can pull off pink, trust me, and it’s so over-the-top that it makes me look stupidly assured. (Plus it’s warm as fuck.) I don’t wear it all the time, but it’s great to have as an alternative. You might consider picking up something equally as audacious as an experiment in self-confidence. (Unlike a flash, risky outfit, you can always just take a scarf off if you freak out.)
A final bit of advice: To keep a scarf from unwinding, fold it in half; drape the folded scarf over your neck; put a hand through the looped end and grab the two loose ends; pull the ends through the loop; gasp for oxygen; loosen; done! (It sounds complicated but it’s totally not.)
Big layers of scarves are definitely in this winter for both guys and ladies. Check out The Sartorialist’s front door (I just linked a single entry) and just walk down the page—you’ll see tons of good suggestions on styles and ways to wear a scarf.
Wait, wait, hoooold on… you have a pink puffy scarf? Man, you have to post a picture modeling it.
I got into the scarves when I was on extended stay to Europe for a bit. There, it’s a must. Here, it’s just good sense.
And yeah, the method mentioned for tyeing the scarf (fold in half, blah blah) is good stuff, but will look like ugly if the scarf is a good thick knit type because the knot will bunch up under your chin. For those types of scarves, put it around your neck, with uneven tails. You want about 1/4th on one side, the rest on the other. Then, take the long side and wrap it _loosely_ around your neck until both tails are the same. Once both tails are the same, take the first end and push it over the wrapped scarf and down the side of your neck. Sounds complicated, but it ends up being _warm_ and looks good. Try it.
if the scarf is thin, then the longer the better. lots of stuff that the gap and companies like that sell are waaaaay too thick, and won’t work. express sells some decent ones, though i really recommend armani express and companies like that.
exchange, rather.
I had a great scarf until I lost it inexplicably. It was black, about 5-feet long, made of a very soft, warm wool, with NO tassels or fringe (I cannot stress this enough, if your scarf has tassels or fringe, you better be a girl).
My wife got it for me at Target, and I’ve never had a better one. I sure do miss that scarf.
In Chicago (and I assume most places) the Burberry Pattern scarf is a standard. You see them everywhere, and though I question the authenticity of most of the Burberry scarves I see, having one is still nice. The cashmere is soft and warm (I’m very picky about material in something that is going to be rubbing against my kneck) and the pattern is dressy enough for the finest suit or casual enough for jeans.
If you have a Burberry store near you then go in and look at all of the different patterns, that way you don’t have to look like everyone else. I have a standard and then a grey pattern that doesn’t even have the trademark “I got this at Burberry” look.
Well maybe I am sheltered and this isn’t meant just to tick people off, but most of the guys I know, even with good fashion sense don’t wear scarves. It’s uncouth for guys.
Now to contradict myself, I think a pink Scarf is great. It’s so over the top that that people will be amused while you, yourself will stay nice and toasty.
@werk, I suspect you live in a typical American city where cold weather is met with a quick dash from house to heated car. In places like New York or Chicago where cold weather is an everyday pain, scarves are unquestionably beyond fashion into necessity.
That said, I dispute the uncouthness in general. Scarves are for everyone.
For the record, the pink scarf is mine. But yes, you do look quite dashing in it, Joel.
Amen Joel, I long for a scarf but fear being black listed within my community of friends. Perhaps I should look for new friends. Until that day I shall continue the other questionable practice of popping my coat collar to shelter me from the wind.
And for the record I am in Minneapolis. But we are all a little insane up here. First time it gets in the 50’s in March we are all in shorts and t-shirts.
ugg. i have to object to the burberry recommendation. one should NEVER where clothes with huge-ass logos all over them. the burberry plaid counts as such. if you buy expensive clothes, people will know by the excellent fit and high quality. you don’t need to scream it from the roof tops.
@Adam
Note I said that Burberry has good scarves, go to a store and get something OTHER than the standard pattern.
Does it speak poorly of me that I want a scarf like this?
My winter wear always includes a hat and scarf. Currently, I have a matching wool scarf and stocking cap from the Fisherman out of Ireland collection. I’ve been happy with it, had the current set for 3 winters now.
Most days, they are really all I want/need to keep warm. It keeps the wind off of the back of my neck and the hat keeps my body heat in. I think it looks just fine with dressed up and down. Ok, the stocking cap, not so much with dressed up look but it’s still effective.
In New York City, all your friends who scoff at scarves would be dying of hypothermia, so it wouldn’t be a problem.