As promised last week – when we introduced our latest collaboration, the PS square scarf – here are some step-by-step guides to wearing it.
All images can be enlarged by clicking on them.
The scarves are available to buy, in navy and natural, on the Begg & Co site here. Begg is still offering free shipping.
Single wraparound
First, the easiest and probably most versatile option: winding the scarf around once, and tying with a simple over-and-under.
1. Fold in half
2. Place on the neck
3. Cross the ends over
4. Loop the bottom end over the top
5. Tie loosely
6. Tuck in the ends and the point at the back
7. Done (maybe fiddle with a bit in the mirror)
Double wraparound
The second option is to wrap the scarf around twice, which creates a thicker band and is therefore warmer and more insulating.
1. Wrap around with point to one side
2. Tie at the side with a simple knot
3. Tuck the knot in. (A bit too cowboy if it sticks out.)
4. Particularly nice for filling in an upturned collar
Other options
Among other options are wrapping the scarf around once, but letting the ends hang free. The only disadvantage to this is that the scarf can work loose during the day.
A small ring can also be used to push the two ends through, holding and even decorating the finished look. The size of the ring must be precise, however.
I also find that the scarf works well under a polo-collar sweater, like the John Smedley Dartmoor that we developed (below). It helps keep the collar up under a tailored jacket, and cover the T-shirt underneath.
Scarves available to buy here. They cost £175, with free worldwide shipping.
Photos: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man. Except bottom image: Skoaktiebolaget
Hi Simon
Can I ask where the blue jumper you’re wearing in the first photo is from?
Thanks
APC. They often do nice, slim knitwear. This is a waffle knit with a long rib
Hi Simon
I am a great fan of neckerchiefs and would very much liked to have purchased both options but, the price is rather steep for even one! I appreciate the quality, even on the web, as being ultra thin and large but, as an accessory a little out of my budget. Having said that at a run of only 50 ish in each colour wave it seems apparent that even Beggs are not expecting a rush on them. Appreciate you only deal with high-end so thanks for sharing.
Bradley
Thanks Bradley. Yes, I always aim to develop the highest quality possible, hence the price.
This initial run is just for Permanent Style. As with previous collaborations like Smedley, this is likely to go into the full Begg collection next year.
Hi Simon,
I love your blog and have been an avid reader for years. There’s much talk about content marketing in the press these days. Can you say a few words about how you choose your commercial collaborators? Do you receive any form for compensation or discount when you write about different brands/artisans? Thanks
Absolutely. I have always been very clear that no one can ever pay to have content on PS. It completely undermines the credibility of the site. The only income channels I have are the advertising – which for me is clear and transparent – and product sales like these scarves, where I have designed them and get some level of fee for their sale. This only happens on those collaborations and I flag them up as being so. If anyone else has any questions, please please let me know. The fashion industry is the worst in the world for lack of transparency in this area and unfortunately menswear sites are increasingly slipping into the ways of traditional magazines
Just took delivery of a navy scarf (yes, I’m conservative in style).
It is of the most refined and comfortable material I’ve ever seen. At a price, but top quality.
Thanks Aleg. I really hope you enjoy it – it’s so lovely to be able to develop something unique that gives people real pleasure
Like Aleg, I’ve also taken delivery of the blue and am knocked out by the quality and style (I also bought a beautiful scarf whilst shopping – you should ask them for your cut on that too).
I’ve long sported a neckerchief but have constantly had compromise with incorrect sizing/design. This one is bang on and the cloth is beautiful.
I would strongly suggest that Begg introduce them into their catalogue and add an indigo blue with a heritage spot.
Regards,
David
So great to hear, thanks David
On a slightly related note: I have another Begg scarf made of this very same thin cashmere. Unfortunately, it came in contact with the burdock on the strap of my cycle helmet (stupid of me, I know) and the scarf is now a bit roughened. Is there a good way to treat this before it becomes worse (not through the burdock anymore, however)?
Thanks beforehand.
It’s always worth trying gentle brushing, and if it’s dirty then a very gentle hand wash with a little soap. If you want any further advice please contact Begg themselves.
Cheers
Unrelated to this blogpost: Can you recommend (are there any) bespoke tailors outside London? I’m based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Many thanks.
There are. We are planning a project at some point collecting them together – there aren’t many but they do exist
Never thought I’d say this, but I could actually see myself using a scarf like this. I’m not a massive fan of thick winter scarfs (it doesn’t really get that cold in the UK) and I can see these wraparounds doing what I need – providing a bit of extra weather protection without too much volume.
I have to ask though, is there anything out there which is not top of the range like Begg? something at an entry level would do, seeing as I might not like it in the end and it could end up in a drawer for the rest of it’s life.
Thanks,
T.
Thanks Tom, good to hear. Not really currently, no, but we could look to do a more mid-range one
Tom, here is a more affordable option. I am from Wyoming, in the U.S., where people wear silk neckerchiefs much of the year, particularly those who work outside. American westerners can be very tacky in their style, but there are understated options.
I got such a kick seeing Simon produce and wear a neckerchief. I had no idea they were worn outside of the American west!
http://cowboywildrags.com/charmeuse_sueded_solid_color.html
I apologize if posting this link is inappropriate, but I thought it would be helpful.
Not at all Damon, nice to have.
Yes, neckerchiefs have been worn throughout history – by Roman soldiers, by sailors, by workmen. For warmth and to absorb sweat. The latter don’t tend to be expensive cloth though!
Very few people do wear them outside these specific areas, but I’m trying to bring (my version) back….
Can I wear my navy PS scarf with a navy JSround neck with a shirt underneath or just with a t-shirt underneath?
Either….
I am trying to buy a sweater like the shetland you are wearing in these fotos. I understand it is from A&S, but they offer three different browns. Is yours called LT Brown? Thank you very much
Yes
Is the color called now Moss Brown?
That appears to be a slightly different colour. Perhaps they don’t do the same one anymore
Why don’t you use here the same method as the one you described in your how to wear a silk scarf article? (I’m referring in particular to the first step where you fold both corners down the center and repeat so as to get a narrow strip)
You can do either, but the issue with the narrow strip is that it can ride up at the back and expose skin between it and the neckline of the sweater. If you keep it as a triangle, you don’t have that problem.
Do you ever wear it with a shirt (in which case, inside the collar or out?), and do you wash it after every wear or two? Thanks
No, not with a shirt, and no I rarely wash it as it isn’t inside a T-shirt or shirt and therefore not much against the skin. I’d say every dozen wears or so
Does the scarf match with a shirt, suit and coat – outfit?
Kind regards
Not really – it’s designed for knitwear really. Though I’m sure some would wear it as an ascot tucked into a shirt.
Hi Simon,
I usually find myself avoiding crew neck sweaters; without something like a shirt collar to frame the neck it always looks abrupt and rather ‘incomplete’ to my eye.
I think a neck scarf would be a very elegant – and relatively unusual – way of achieving the same effect without having to layer a shirt underneath, so thank you for that piece of inspiration!
So, a question about size… This scarf is 70 cm squared, but on the current Begg & Co website there is a smaller version measuring 50 cm.
Were you aware of a smaller version and if so, do you think that’s substantial enough to tie around the neck in the ways you’ve described?
Thanks.
No problem. I’ll be doing an article on different ways I wear scarves like this too, soon.
I haven’t tried the smaller version, but I think that could work well too. I’d also suggest the ones at Anderson & Sheppard – the wool/silk mix there is something people find easier if they have stubble at all that can catch on the lightweight cashmere of the Begg ones
The only disadvantage of the A&S ones is there aren’t any plains