Neckerchief (Scarves & Wraps)

Small enough to fold into a band two or three inches deep, a neckerchief sits flat against the throat instead of hanging. Squares usually run 18 to 22 inches a side in light cotton, silk or a blend of the two.

The size is chosen so the knot stays small. Fold the square corner to corner, then roll the triangle down in bands. You get a strip you can tie once with almost no bulk. This is what lets it sit under a shirt collar or above a collarbone without pushing the collar open. Cotton makes a fatter, softer knot and holds it in place. Silk makes a finer knot that slides and needs a double tie. Because the hem vanishes inside the fold, a machine hem costs you nothing here.

Fold a full 30 inch square scarf this small and the knot triples in size, which is why the smaller cut exists at all. A square scarf is sized so its print reads when draped or worn on the head, where this is sized to disappear into a fold. An oblong scarf can be tied close too, but its width builds a roll at the back of the neck. An infinity scarf cannot go flat at all. Where the others add a layer, this adds only a line of color.

Use it with an open collar, a plain T-shirt or a jacket that needs something at the neck. Hot weather suits it, since it brings no warmth and a cotton one can be soaked in water and retied to cool you down. Anyone covering a neckline or a mark has a discreet option here. Short necks lose visible length under a band across the throat, so try it in a mirror first.

Judge the print at the scale you will actually wear. A design that looks good spread flat may vanish once folded into a two inch band, so favor small repeating patterns over a single large motif. Feel the hand of the cloth as well, because a fabric that will not hold a fold will not hold a knot. Wash cotton warm and press it flat, since a wrinkled square makes a lumpy knot, and keep silk blends to cool hand washing.