How to Wear a Silk Scarf as a Belt, a Top or a Skirt Sash
Iris NguyenQuick answer: For a belt, a 36 inch (90 cm) silk square folded on the bias makes a band of about 51 inches, enough for most waists with a flat knot and short tails. A 44 inch (110 cm) square gives about 62 inches, room for a bow or a long sash. For a top, use 36 inches for a triangle top and 44 inches for fuller coverage.
The skirt is high-waisted and plain, the shirt laid out beside it feels heavy for the evening, and a red square sits folded on the dresser. Ten minutes later the square is a halter, knotted at the nape, its lower corner tucked out of sight into the waistband.
What size scarf do you need for your waist?
Measure your waist where the scarf will sit, then add about 10 inches (25 cm) for a flat square knot with short tails, or about 20 inches (50 cm) for a bow. Compare that number with the bias length of the square, because a belt is folded corner to corner and the diagonal is roughly 1.4 times the side. Folding takes back an inch or two.
| Scarf size | Bias band, about | At the waist | As a top |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 in (55 cm) | 31 in (78 cm) | A knot through two belt loops at the hip | Too small |
| 26 in (65 cm) | 37 in (92 cm) | A snug belt for a waist up to about 27 in, or a loop-to-loop accent | Too small for most frames |
| 36 in (90 cm) | 51 in (127 cm) | A belt for most waists, square knot with short tails | Triangle top, halter tucked into a high waistband |
| 44 in (110 cm) | 62 in (156 cm) | A bow or a sash with long tails | Halter or wrap top with fuller coverage |
If you are between sizes, the larger square is the forgiving choice: a long tail can be tucked, a short one cannot be stretched. The silk scarf size guide shows the same four squares at the neck and in the hair. Folk Form accepts returns within 30 days for items that are unused, unwashed and unworn, in the original box, so measure with a tape before you tie anything.
How to fold a silk scarf into a belt
- Lay the square flat, print side down, and fold it corner to corner into a triangle.
- Fold the long edge toward the point in folds about 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Keep going until the band is 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 to 6 cm) wide and the point has disappeared inside.
- Thread the band through your belt loops starting at one hip, or wrap it straight over a dress at the natural waist.
- Tie a square knot, right over left and then left over right. A square knot lies flat against the body and holds its shape.
- Let the tails fall, or tuck them under the band on each side for a cleaner line.
A knot shows the reverse of the silk. Folk Form squares are hand screen-printed through both faces, one screen for each color, so the back of a knot carries the same color as the front.
Three belt styles that work
Through the loops of jeans or trousers
A 36 inch square handles most waists. Pull the band through every loop so it stays level, knot at one hip and leave tails of four to six inches. With straight jeans and a white shirt, the printed band adds color where the eye naturally rests. A twilly does the same in a narrower line; our guide on how to wear a silk twilly has the knot.
Over a dress or a long shirt
A plain shift, a shirt dress or a long linen shirt takes a scarf belt well. Wrap the band once at the narrowest point, knot it to the side of center, and let the tails hang against the skirt. A 44 inch square tied in a bow gives tails long enough to move when you walk, which reads relaxed and easy.
The belt-loop tie
For a small accent, fold a 22 or 26 inch square into a narrow band, pass it through two adjacent belt loops at the hip and tie a small bow or a single knot.
How to tie a silk scarf as a top
A scarf top is a few square feet of slippery silk held by knots, so stability comes before style. Use square knots, pull them firm, and test before you leave: raise both arms, twist at the waist and sit down. If anything shifts, retie. A bandeau or a thin camisole underneath is simple insurance, and an open blazer on top looks considered.
The triangle top (36 or 44 inch)
- Fold the square corner to corner into a triangle.
- Hold the folded edge across your chest just under the arms, with the point hanging down toward your waist.
- Bring both ends around and tie them at mid-back in a square knot, snug enough that the edge does not roll.
- Tuck the ends under the knot so nothing hangs.
A 36 inch square suits many frames. For a fuller chest or a deeper point, choose 44 inches.
The halter top (36 or 44 inch)
- Fold the square into a triangle and hold it point down in front of you, folded edge on top.
- Take the two ends of the folded edge up and tie them behind your neck in a square knot. Gather the silk at the neck if you want the softer drape in the photo above.
- Smooth the triangle down over the chest and tuck the point into a high-waisted skirt or trousers.
The back of a halter stays open, so this version depends on a high waistband to anchor the hem. It suits an evening with a long skirt; for a full day, the triangle top is the steadier choice.
Over a swimsuit
Either top works over a swimsuit. A 44 inch square also ties at the hip as a short sarong: fold it into a triangle, wrap the long edge around your hips and knot the two ends at one side with the point falling along the leg. Keep the silk out of the pool and the sea, and in the bag when you are lying in full sun, because long exposure to light yellows and weakens silk.
The scarf as a sash on a skirt
A sash sits lower and looser than a belt. Fold a 44 inch square into a band about 3 inches wide, wrap it over the waistband of a plain skirt and tie a bow or a loose knot at the side, letting the tails fall to mid-thigh.
How to tie and wear a silk wrap skirt
Most wrap skirts close with ties. Wrap the inner panel across the body, pass its tie through the opening at the waist seam, wrap the outer panel over it and knot both ties at the hip. The silk midi wrap skirt in red Dragon of Grace ties this way, with the knot at the side. A wrap skirt already has movement and print, so pair it with a plain shirt in a color from the pattern, and keep any scarf at the neck small. For cleaning, dry cleaning is preferred for silk garments. More in how to wear a silk wrap skirt.
For neck, hair and bag knots, see how to wear a silk scarf. For sashes and tops, the 44 inch silk shawls give the most length.
Frequently asked questions
What size scarf do I need to tie around my waist?
Add about 10 inches to your waist for a square knot, or about 20 inches for a bow, and compare with the scarf's diagonal. A 36 inch square gives a band of about 51 inches and suits most waists; a 44 inch square gives about 62 inches for bows and long tails.
Can a 26 inch scarf be used as a belt?
A 26 inch square folds into a band of about 37 inches, which circles a waist of up to about 27 inches with a small knot. On larger waists it works as an accent tied through two belt loops at the hip.
What size scarf do I need to wear as a top?
A 36 inch square makes a triangle top or a halter for many frames. A 44 inch square gives a longer edge and a deeper point for fuller coverage and an easier knot.
How do I keep a silk scarf top from slipping?
Tie square knots and pull them firm, then raise your arms, twist and sit to test the fit before you go out. A bandeau or thin camisole underneath, or an open blazer on top, adds security.
How do I wash a silk scarf I wore as a belt?
Hand wash a printed silk scarf in cold water with a little shampoo or body wash, do not wring it, and dry it flat in the shade. Iron on the lowest silk setting while damp; dry cleaning is the safest option.
Browse every guide in our silk scarf and tie guides.
