How to Wear a Silk Twilly: 6 Ways to Tie One
Folk Form AtelierQuick answer: a silk twilly is a long, narrow silk scarf, about 2.6 by 59 inches (6.5 by 150 centimetres). You can tie it as a hair bow, a wrist bow, a slim neck tie, a headband, a bag-handle wrap or a ribbon on a shoe. Ours are 100% mulberry silk with hand-rolled edges, printed in Vietnam.
What is a silk twilly?
A twilly is a narrow scarf, sometimes called a skinny scarf or neck ribbon. It is the easiest first piece if you are not sure you wear scarves, because it can live on something you already own. It weighs only a few grams, so it does not add bulk to a bag or a ponytail. For the full definition, see what is a silk twilly scarf.
How big is a silk twilly?
| Folk Form twilly | 2.6 x 59 inches (6.5 x 150 cm) |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% mulberry silk, Hangzhou yarn, 16 momme |
| Edges | Rolled and stitched by hand |
| Design | Phoenix Dance, in pink, purple or green |
At 59 inches it is long enough to wrap a bag handle twice and still tie a bow, or to go once around a ponytail with two long ends. At 2.6 inches it stays slim at the neck. If you want something wider, a 26 or 36 inch square ties more ways.
How do you wear a silk twilly?
1. As a hair bow
Tie it around a ponytail or a low bun and let the ends fall. Silk is smooth, so it does not tug at the hair the way elastic can. More hair ideas are in our guide to wearing a silk scarf in your hair.
2. On your wrist
Wind it twice around the wrist and tie a small bow. It reads as a bracelet that happens to be soft.
3. As a slim neck tie
Under a shirt collar, knotted once and tucked, it adds a line of colour at the neck and nothing more. Worn long over a necklace, it becomes part of the jewellery. For a wider neck scarf, see how to tie a silk scarf around your neck.
4. As a headband
Wrap it once around the head, tie it at the crown and let the ends rest on one side.
5. On a bag handle
Wrap it twice around the handle and tie a flat knot, leaving the ends loose. A plain leather bag takes on a little colour without looking dressed up. The same idea with a square is in how to tie a silk scarf on a handbag.
6. As a ribbon on a shoe
Thread it through a heel strap or around the ankle of a low shoe and tie a bow.
Twilly, skinny scarf or bandana: what is the difference?
A twilly and a skinny scarf are the same idea: a narrow strip of silk. A bandana is a small square, usually folded into a triangle. If you are choosing between them, our comparison of silk scarf, twilly and bandana sets out which suits hair, a bag or the neck.
How do you choose your first twilly?
Choose the colour you wear least and the colour that is missing from your bag. Our twillies carry the Phoenix Dance design: a phoenix perched on a Bodhi leaf among royal clouds and ancient lotus, drawn from the Ly and Tran dynasties. The phoenix is a sign of peace and prosperity. They come in several colourways, with hand-rolled edges, printed in Vietnam. If you prefer a square, see our Vietnamese silk scarf guide or the size guide.
Is a silk twilly a good gift?
Yes. It needs no size, it is small enough to post, and it is the least expensive way into silk. Every Folk Form order arrives in a gift box with a story card and a small silk swatch you can burn-test. US shipping is free over $90, import duty is paid for you, and returns are open for thirty days. Browse silk twillies or see our silk scarf gift ideas for mom.
How do you look after a silk twilly?
Dry cleaning is best. If you wash it by hand, use cool water with a little shampoo, do not soak or wring it, dry it in the shade, and press it on the reverse side while slightly damp with a low iron. Keep it away from perfume and cosmetics. The full method is in how to wash a silk scarf by hand.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a silk twilly?
Ours measure about 2.6 by 59 inches (6.5 by 150 centimetres).
How do you tie a twilly on a bag handle?
Wrap it twice around the handle, tie a flat knot and let the ends hang. For a bow, tie a simple bow at the centre.
Can I wear a silk twilly in my hair?
Yes. Tie it around a ponytail or bun, or wrap it as a headband. Silk is smooth, so it does not pull the way elastic can.
Can I wash a silk twilly?
Dry cleaning is best. Hand wash in cool water with a little shampoo, never soak or wring, dry in the shade and press on the reverse side.
Does Folk Form ship to the United States?
Yes, from Hanoi. US shipping is free over $90, import duty is paid for you, delivery takes 10 to 18 business days, and returns are open for thirty days.
