Ascot scarf – the perfect accessory for a man!

Every gentleman's wardrobe should include this elegant accessory called an ascot scarf. 

The Ascot scarf brings a relaxed twist and a pleasant change to your attire compared to the classic tie or bow tie, while still maintaining an elegant overall look. Despite its long traditions, the Ascot scarf adds a touch of something new and different to your outfits.

Tie this luxurious silk scarf around your neck, under a collared shirt, and leave one or more of the top buttons open depending on your style. Over the collared shirt, feel free to wear a suit, blazer, vest, or even a stylish sweater.

The ascot scarf is considered an accessory for less formal occasions and has traditionally been a typical substitute for a tie, especially for daytime use. Today, however, you can push these boundaries a bit, as long as you do it with confidence and in tune with your own style, always using discretion according to the spirit of the occasion and respecting its organizer with your attire. 

The origin of the Ascot scarf

The roots of the Ascot scarf date back to 18th century England. The Ascot scarf is named after the racecourse located in the town of Ascot, where the annual Royal Ascot, also known as the Ascot horse races, is still held.

From 1807 onwards, the dress code in the royal box included an ascot tie alongside a morning coat and top hat. Thanks to horse racing and the royal example, the ascot gained a foothold as part of stylish attire and became hugely popular for over a hundred years, becoming an essential part of the morning coat.

The ascot worn with a morning coat was originally gray or silver according to etiquette, but later in the 1800s, as the grip of etiquette loosened a bit, more colorful ascot ties began to be used. During the golden age of the ascot, it served as the most formal accessory for daytime events.

The popularity of the ascot scarf, however, waned with the use of regular suits and ties. The 1960s mod culture in England briefly brought the ascot back into use among men in the subculture, but since then, the popularity of the ascot scarf has once again been overshadowed by the bow tie and necktie.

Nowadays, you rarely come across an ascot scarf, but it definitely turns heads and garners admiration. It is certainly a unique accessory as part of an outfit. 

The versatile use of the Ascot scarf

An ascot scarf is an accessory tied under a collared shirt, used as a substitute for a tie. A scarf tied around the neck is a great choice for occasions where a tie is too formal. If the dress code is Smart Casual, you can confidently wear an ascot scarf instead of a bow tie or a regular tie.

Many people consider the ascot tie and the plastron tie to be the same accessory, but this is not the case. The plastron is a similar accessory to the ascot tie, but it is worn over a dress shirt and fastened with a tie pin that goes through it. The plastron is seen less often, as it is mainly used in combination with a morning coat for wedding attire.

A silk scarf can be worn paired with a blazer and a collared shirt or more casually with a V-neck sweater. An ascot also works really nicely with a vest!

Many consider the ascot scarf a summer garment, and its demand notably increases especially with the arrival of spring. However, we believe that in the style of the 2020s, personal style and preferences in dressing will surpass formal etiquettes, and the ascot scarf is suitable for use in both autumn and winter. Thus, at Saarnila, ascots are part of our selection year-round.

The purpose of an ascot scarf is to add details and color to your outfit, so there's no need to be shy when choosing a colorful silk scarf. However, for a traditional and more subdued style, a gray, silver, or blue-toned ascot is an excellent choice. 

If one wants to set some 'rules' for wearing an ascot, they might relate to choosing a solid-colored or more neutral-toned shirt alongside a strongly patterned or brightly colored ascot. This way, the ascot gets the attention it deserves and stands out in the outfit as intended. If desired, the pocket square can be chosen to match the shades of the ascot, similar to how one would with a tie or bow tie, thus tying the entire outfit together down to the last detail.

Tying an Ascot scarf

The ends of the Ascot scarf are equally long and wide. When wearing a tie scarf, the top or couple of top buttons of the collared shirt are left open, the scarf is tied beautifully and voluminously around the neck with a simple knot, inside the collar of the shirt. 

The Ascot scarf differs from the traditional silk scarf in that it is sewn into shape and is not too long. Pleats are sewn into the neck area, which gives the scarf durability and allows it to sit better on the neck, preventing it from rising too high at the back.

This excellent accessory is very easy to use, and it doesn't require any special knots or techniques. Perhaps the best thing about the ascot is that it is comfortable around the neck, as it doesn't tighten or squeeze. 

1. Leave 1 or 2 buttons of the collar shirt open
2. Place the ascot scarf around your neck so that the ends of the scarf are equally long.
3. Tie a light 'regular' knot close to the neck
4. Tuck the ends of the scarf under the collar shirt
5. "Spread" the knot appropriately

 Watch the video on how to tie an ascot scarf

Ascot scarves at Saarnin in the boutique 

The ascot scarves from Saarnin Boutique are made from high-quality and lightweight silk, and you can comfortably wear them even in the summer heat, as they feel pleasant and breathe well around the neck. Instead of a tie or bow tie, an ascot often feels more comfortable to wear and does not feel constricting to the wearer.

Our silk scarves are unique, beautifully patterned, and deliciously colored, and they are handcrafted in Italy. In our selection, you will also find solid-colored and more harmoniously toned options for a more subdued taste. Explore our extensive range of pre-tied, stunning ascot scarves!

Peek at the ascot scarf selection