Learning how to tie a head scarf can feel like one more thing to figure out on a busy morning. It doesn't have to be. With one square and a few simple moves, you can wear a classic headscarf to work, something more relaxed for errands, and even wear the same square around your waist. Beautiful shouldn't be complicated, so here are three easy ways to tie yours, plus a no-tie option for the mornings you need to be out the door in a minute.
Watch first: three squares, three looks
If you learn best by seeing it, start here. Our short reel shows three of our square headscarves, Ocean Veil, Butterfly Lace and Rosewater, tied in different ways. Watch it once, grab your square, and follow along.
You'll find this reel, plus our pretied headscarf and pretied bandana videos, on our How to Wear tutorials page.
Before you start
All three ties below start with a square headscarf. If you're new to squares, here's what a square headscarf is and how it's different from a pre-tied one. A few things that make any tie easier:
- Stand in front of a mirror, and use your phone camera to check the back.
- Lay the scarf out flat and smooth it before you start, so the print falls evenly.
- Give yourself a few tries. After a week of mornings, your hands will know what to do.
Way 1: The classic headscarf, with Rosewater
This is the look most people picture when they think of a tichel, and it's the one you'll probably wear most. It's also the simplest answer to how to wear a tichel if you're just starting out. The scarf covers your head, the knot sits at the back of your neck, and the ends fall down your back.
- Fold your square in half into a triangle.
- Place it over your head with the folded edge along your hairline.
- Bring the ends to the back of your neck and tie them in a knot.
- Adjust the knot until it feels secure, and let the ends fall.
Rosewater's pink and mauve florals with a burgundy border are soft enough for a regular Tuesday and pretty enough for Shabbos. Shop Rosewater and choose the Square option.
Way 2: Pirate style, with Butterfly Lace
Pirate style is the more relaxed way to wear your square. Think carpool, grocery runs and slow Sunday mornings. Like the classic look, the scarf goes over your head and the knot sits at the back, so once you've done Way 1, this one comes easily.
- Fold your square into a triangle.
- Place it over your head so it sits snug.
- Tie the ends at the back, then leave them loose or tuck them in, whichever you like.
Butterfly Lace, in charcoal and blush with lace-look butterflies, goes with almost everything in a fall and winter closet. Shop Butterfly Lace and choose the Square option.
Way 3: As a belt, with Ocean Veil
Your square doesn't have to stay on your head. Worn as a belt, it finishes an outfit, pulls in a sweater dress, or adds a bit of color to a plain skirt. It's also a nice way to wear the same print twice in one week without anyone noticing.
- Fold your square into a long, narrow band.
- Wrap it around your waist.
- Tie it at the side or front and let the ends hang.
Ocean Veil is charcoal with pink and white ferns and a mauve border, so it works on your head on Monday and around your waist on Thursday. Shop Ocean Veil and choose the Square option.
Want to see every print that comes as a square? Browse our square headscarves.
The no-tie option
Some mornings you don't have two free hands, let alone five minutes in front of the mirror. That's what our pre-tied headscarves are for. The shape is already done for you. A hidden velvet grip helps it stay in place, and an adjustable strap lets you set the fit, so it slips on in seconds.
Rosewater, Ocean Veil and Butterfly Lace all come pre-tied as well as square. You might like one of each: a square for the days you want to play, and a pre-tied for the days you just need to get the kids out the door. You can see how a pre-tied headscarf goes on in our pretied headscarf video.
Your turn
Pick a square, play the reel, and give yourself a few mornings to practice. Start with the classic tie, try pirate style on the weekend, and save the belt for when you want to finish an outfit. And on the mornings when there's no time at all, a pre-tied headscarf has you covered. Find your square and make it yours.