The most versatile scarf size is 90x90cm: you can wear it around the neck, on the head, on a bag and at the waist. Not by chance, it is the size with the most styles in the Scarf Me catalog. 

Each size, however, has a use where it works best, and knowing that keeps you from buying a scarf that won't close the knot or that leaves too much fabric.

How to read a scarf's measurements

The first measurement is the width and the second is the length. On square scarves, both are the same. In practice, the measurement that matters most is the diagonal.

When the scarf is folded into a triangle, the most common fold, it is the diagonal that goes around the neck or the head. A 90x90cm scarf has a 127cm diagonal. For reference, the head circumference of an adult is, on average, between 54cm and 58cm.

Square scarves

• 40x40cm and 50x50cm: The smallest in the catalog. They work wherever the scarf is a detail: on a bag handle, on the wrist or holding a ponytail. Around the neck, they fit as a short, close knot, flight attendant style.

• 65x65cm and 70x70cm: The classic bandana size. A diagonal of 92cm to 99cm goes around the head with enough tail left for the knot, and at the neck it makes a front knot without excess fabric. See the 70x70 scarves and the cotton bandanas.

• 90x90cm. The go-to size. At the neck it takes almost any tie, on the head it covers all of the hair, and at the waist it works folded on the diagonal, which gives 127cm of length. See the 90x90 scarves.

• 110x110cm. For those who like volume. At the neck, it wraps around more times and makes a fuller knot. Folded into a triangle, it covers the shoulders like a small shawl, and it is the safest size to wear as a top. At Scarf Me, it comes in silk satin, wool and cotton.

• 130x130cm. The Max scarf, in silk mousseline, and the polyester beach cover-up. With a 184cm diagonal, it becomes a shawl, a top tied at the back or a cover-up over a bikini.

Long scarves, pashminas, cashmere and rectangular pareos

For long pieces, the width defines the use. Up to 60cm, the piece wraps around the neck several times without getting bulky. From 70cm, it covers the shoulders well. At 100cm, it works as a shawl and as a blanket on the plane. See the long scarves, the pashminas, the cashmere and the pareos.

Which size to choose for each use

• Neck: 65x65cm to 90x90cm for everyday knots; 110x110cm for more volume; a 45cm or 60cm wide long scarf for wrapping.

• Head: 65x65cm for a bandana; 90x90cm or 110x110cm to cover all of the hair or tie a turban.

• Headband: 50x50cm to 90x90cm folded into a band, or an 8x130cm twilly.

• Bag and wrist: twilly, 40x40cm or 50x50cm.

• Waist: 90x90cm folded on the diagonal, or 110x110cm.

• Top: 110x110cm or 130x130cm.

• Shoulders: pashmina, 60x210cm long scarf, Max scarf or 100cm wide cashmere.

• Beach: 130x200cm pareo or 130x130cm beach cover-up.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most versatile scarf size?

90x90cm. Its 127cm diagonal lets you wear it around the neck, on the head, on a bag and at the waist, and it is the size with the most styles in the Scarf Me catalog, in silk satin and in polyester satin.

What size scarf should I wear on my head?

For a bandana, 65x65cm is enough, with a 92cm diagonal. To cover all of the hair or tie a turban, go for 90x90cm or 110x110cm, which leave plenty of fabric for the knot.

Does a 70x70 scarf work around the neck?

Yes. With a 99cm diagonal, it ties a knot at the front or on the side with little volume. For wraps and fuller knots, 90x90cm and 110x110cm work better.

How big is a long scarf?

At Scarf Me, long scarves measure 45x210cm, in polyester mousseline, and 60x210cm, in silk mousseline. The 210cm length allows two wraps around the neck with tails to spare.

What is the best scarf size for the waist?

110x110cm goes around most waists with room to spare. 90x90cm also works if folded on the diagonal, which gives 127cm of length.