Silk scarves
Buying a silk scarf? Check three things: the weave, the hem and the back.
How to tie a silk scarf
Side knot at the neck
Fold a square corner to corner, then roll it into a band. Wrap your neck once and knot it off to one side.
Head wrap
Fold it into a triangle and cover your hair. Cross the ends under your chin and tie them at the nape.
Bag handle
Fold it into a long thin strip and wind it around the handle. Tie off at the base. It adds color and keeps the handle clean.
Squeeze some silks and they whisper. The trade calls it scroop.
What to look for
Silk scarves
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
How can you tell if a scarf is real silk?
The surest home test is burning one loose thread. Hold it in tweezers over a sink of water, well away from the scarf. Silk smells like burnt hair and leaves crumbly ash. Polyester melts into a hard bead.
How do you wash a silk scarf?
By hand in cold water with silk-safe detergent. Do not wring it. Roll it in a towel, dry it in shade and iron on low from the back.
What size silk scarf should I buy?
A 90 cm (35 in) square suits most neck knots and head wraps. A 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) square makes a neat neckerchief, and a long oblong is easiest for beginners.
