How to wear a foulard
There are almost an infinite number of ways you can wear this classic and versatile accessory.
An essential fashion accessory in your wardrobe, a foulard can be worn stylishly in all seasons to enhance your look, while keeping your neck warm. How you tie a foulard is key in determining what kind of look it adds. Different ties result in different looks: classic, business, bohemian, relaxed, and more. There are also many knots you can choose from: the simple knot, the coil knot, the tie knot, and don’t hesitate to put your scarf in your hair, attach it to your purse, or use it as a belt.
What is a foulard ?
Most people, especially in English, do not distinguish between a scarf and a foulard. A foulard, known in its most basic form as a neckerchief in English, also comprises a large number of other types of scarves besides the neckerchief in French. So what makes it different from a regular scarf?
A foulard can be square or rectangular, its dimensions vary between small squares of 60x60cm (23.62×23.52in) up to very large at 150x150cm (59.05×59.05in), while in rectangular form, the foulard varies from 30x160cm (11.81×62.69in) up to 90x200cm (35.43×78.74in).
The foulard is an accessory for both men and women. For men, starting with its most basic function, a foulard fulfills a simple job: to protect men’s necks from rough external conditions: wind, rain, sun, sand, and so on. Thus the foulard served a very functional role when it was adopted by aviators during WWII. Today, men wear it for its trendy, sophisticated look.
Generally speaking, a foulard is made of a more light-weight, flowing material like silk or cotton. Thus, a foulard is different from a regular scarf because of its material, a scarf is made of a heavier fabric such as wool. In the same vein, a foulard is different from a stole also because of its material, a stole is woven in a heavier material than a scarf, and even more so than a foulard.
Men will prefer large rectangular scarves, worn in simple knots like the Parisian knot, the cross knot, or the simple loop. We have tutorials for all these below.
How to tie a small silk square foulard
A small silk square foulard and a large square foulard both are worn using different types of knots.
The most popular ways to tie a foulard
For a small square foulard—the simple knot:
Always very trendy and one of the most classic ways to wear, this look is perfect for everyday wear, with different color and patterns. Fabrique d’écharpe offers you a wide selection of small silk satin squares.
TUTORIAL
Fold the square silk scarf to a point, then fold it back to form a headband and wrap it around your neck with a small knot.
With a small foulard—the spool knot:
A more discrete, yet refined look, this adds a touch of color to your outfit and becomes almost like a necklace.
TUTORIAL
Fold the scarf into a triangle, roll the triangle back onto itself, then put it around your neck, make a simple knot, and roll the two sides back around the first roll.
With a small foulard—the bowtie knot
For a smart, business look, this style goes well with a blouse.
TUTORIAL
Fold the square scarf into a triangle, then fold it several times to make a ribbon. Put it around your neck and then make a knot with double loops like a bowtie.
With a large square foulard—the large loop:
Perfect for completing a chic style with a low-cut dress for a special event, or especially with cotton foulard, for summer evenings.
TUTORIAL
Fold the large square into a triangle, adjust the point on the front, cross the two ends behind the neck and then adjust two sides on the front. For a small twist, you can tie the ends in front, for more comfort and stability.
With a large square foulard—the double wrap-around knot:
Very easy to make, works well for everyone, and especially goes well with an urban style.
TUTORIAL
Holding the foulard in a diagonal, make a ribbon, then wrap it once around the neck. Finally, tie the two ends at the front.
With a large square foulard—the necktie knot
This elegant knot is full of character and will add a classic chic look to your outfits.
TUTORIAL
Fold the square into a triangle, then fold the point up to the middle. Then fold the foulard several times to form a ribbon, which you will then put around your neck. Then make a knot on one side and pass the other side through the knot.
With a large square foulard—the shawl knot
Perfect for oversized foulards, it’s more than just an accessory, but a major part of your outfit. Great for parties, special events, and weddings, guaranteed to dazzle!
TUTORIAL
Fold the square into a triangle and place it over your shoulders, then tie the two points either on the front or to the side.
How to tie a rectangular foulard
The most popular knots
The Parisian knot:
The Parisian knot has the benefit of being both simple and functional. It’s versatile and durable even when you’re on the move, and if you get too hot, all you have to do is loosen it with a flick of your wrist. A knot to keep in mind for both men and women.
TUTORIAL
First fold your foulard in half, base to base, then put it doubled around your neck and pass the two ends through the loop formed in the first fold.
The Loop
The loop wraps around your neck without a knot, and is great for adding a touch of nonchalance to your style. Great both men and women.
TUTORIAL
Take the scarf lengthwise and wrap it loosely in a loop around your neck, with the two ends meeting in front.
The Pretzel knot
A variation on the Parisian knot, holds together very well, and is especially good for cotton scarves, or cotton and silk blends and even wool and silk, you need a fabric with a certain amount of hold to it. A very stable knot that is perfect for men.
TUTORIAL
Fold the foulard in half, end to end, then put it over your neck. Pass the first end through the lower loop then the second end through the upper loop.
Freestyle
To create the impression of movement around you, choose a foulard made of a light and airy material. Wearing it simply around your neck without any knots becomes a powerful tool to add a touch of color and fantasy to a casual, relaxed style.
TUTORIAL
Take the foulard and just put it over your shoulders, for a relaxed style.
How to wear a scarf on your head
How to wear a scarf in your hair
The foulard is an essential hair accessory that we have at our disposal, offering us a wide selection of hairstyles, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. It is your go-to accessory, and is versatile enough to be worn for a casual get-together with friends or to a wedding. You just need to find the style that works for you.
Casual head-band style
Trendy and easy to wear, the headband scarf is very easy to make with a square scarf.
Fold the square into a triangle, and place it on your head, pointing the tip towards your neck. Then all you have to do is tie the other two tips at the back of your head, for a guaranteed casual stylish look.
Chouchou style, simple and chic
Turning your foulard into a scrunchie is on the rise and is very simple to do. Just wrap your foulard around your bun, or your ponytail, so as to hide the elastic hair tie underneath. Form the foulard into a pretty knot to make a seamless, aesthetically pleasing style. Or, for a bohemian look, choose a long foulard so that the ends fly over your shoulders!
Bandana style:
All you have to do is tie the ends of your foulard onto your head. This very simple style can be worn with loose hair or with tied-back hair. A classic style. For a more offbeat style, tie the knot behind your head. Another option is to roll the initial ribbon into a twist before tying it around.
Grace Kelly style, classic sophistication:
Imagine you are driving a sleek convertible, and you decide to wear your scarf like Grace Kelly in one of her movies: the 1960s are once again influencing new trends. Fold your silk square into a triangle (you need a fairly large 90x90cm square), place it on your head with the point at the back, cross the other two points at the front to tie them at the back on your neck. You can also make this knot with a rectangular foulard.
How to wear a foulard if you have short hair
If you have short hair, you can still use the “headband” and “bandana” styles listed above, they will give you a chic and sophisticated touch. Wearing a scarf on your hair can also protect you from the wind, and on cool summer evenings.
How to tie a foulard around your waist
If you have a large rectangular foulard or a large silk square, you can replace your belt with a scarf, putting it over a light summer dress. For a bohemian chic style, put it through the loops of jeans to add color and flare, or simply tied on to your leather belt.
How to tie a foulard to your purse
You can tie your foulard to the handles of your handbag, your shopping bag, or on your straw basket, very trendy this season. Tie a simple knot or a knot with a loop, and choose a smaller foulard in colors that will match your outfit. Tying your foulard to your bag is also very practical, this way, you will always have it on hand to wear it in your hair or around your neck later.
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