If you thought that classic silk scarves were a thing of the past, you just need to look at influencers on Instagram and you will see how wrong you were!
Turn a silk scarf into a sleek bandeau and combine it with a nice dressy jacket and skirt and you have an inexpensive and creative way to upgrade your wardrobe!
So how do you tie a scarf into a bandeau? There are many ways to tie a scarf into a bandeau, but our two favorite ways are the basic bandeau and the backless bandeau. You’ll need a scarf that is at least 35-inches long, and you’ll need to pick a fabric and pattern that you’ll enjoy wearing all day.
Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions for each of my favorite ways to tie a scarf into a bandeau!
Turning a Scarf into A Bandeau
One scarf, so many possibilities! There is a lot you can do with just one scarf, however, it is nice to have a few different scarves on hand to spice up your wardrobe even more. You can get several inexpensive scarves that will do wonders for your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
A bandeau is usually strapless and sleeveless and designed to barely cover the breast area – like a strapless bikini top. It is commonly made of stretchy material to keep it from slipping off, but scarves are not usually stretchy, so a scarf bandeau is tied tight or pinned.
The technique is very simple. Remember, there is no sewing or cutting involved, just a little tying, so the scarf can be worn as a scarf again afterward. Or, you can create some other type of cool summer top the next time.
If you’re reading this in the winter months, then head over to my tutorial on how to make a cloak out of a blanket.
Choosing Your Scarf
The first step is making sure you have a scarf that’s big enough. A 35-inch square is a good start, but the dimensions don’t really matter. Just as long as it’s big enough to cover the parts you want to be covered with a bit extra for more flexibility in style.
Ideally, you want a patterned scarf that’s not too sheer. Since a bandeau is usually worn without a bra, you want to have enough cover.
The pattern in the fabric will make the top more visually attractive and a bit of substance in the cloth will help conceal the parts you don’t want shining through.
The soft and smooth fabric will feel great next to your skin, making you feel sexy all over. And wearing your favorite colors are always more fun. If you’re going to wear a scarf as a bandeau, you might as well make it fun.
Once you wear a scarf bandeau, you might be tempted to wear a scarf dress or skirt. A scarf this size can easily be turned into all sorts of fashionable summer or beachwear. Without ever cutting or sewing a stitch, you can make a cute sarong, toga or halter dress.
I highly recommend any of these 100% silk scarfs by Salphira. This satiny silk scarf has an extremely nice feel. It will make you feel like you are wrapped in total luxury. At 35” x 70,” it’s also a great choice for other scarf fashions.
2 Ways to Tie a Scarf into A Bandeau
Now that you have your scarf, let’s get to work.
1. Basic Scarf Bandeau
- Make sure the scarf fits around your bust with enough room to tie it in the back. You will be making a knot in the back. How big this knot is will depend on the size of your scarf.
- Take one corner of the scarf and fold it over diagonally. If your scarf isn’t a perfect square, fold it diagonally as good as you can. The end result will still look great. This isn’t a geometry class. You won’t be dinged for not having a perfect square. Most scarves don’t come in a perfect square shape anyway.
- Next, take the long horizontal side—the side with the fold—and fold it over about three to four inches inwards to create a bandeau shape.
- Take the folded side again and fold it over one or two more times. Fold according to your size.
- How many times and how small you fold the scarf depends how big your bust is and how small you want the bandeau to be in the end. This folding won’t affect the length, just the width.
- Fold until the scarf is the size you want, making sure it is relatively even from one end to the other.
- Place the folded scarf around your chest with the open side at the back.
- Make an X with the two end pieces at or near the small of your back. Be careful not to let the scarf slip off. If it slips while you are trying to tie it, the folds could come out and you will have to fold it again.
- Tie the scarf with the usual overhand knot, just like you would tie a halter top or string bikini.
- Pull the ends tight. You can double knot for extra security if you like. If you have a very fine scarf double knotting will look fine. A bulky scarf could make the knot look too big.
- Position the knot squarely in the back and not off to one side. You should be able to slide the scarf enough to get the knot in the right position. Move it around until it fits comfortably. This might mean untying and retying until you get it just right.
- Grab a cool top to go over the bandeau and you are good to go!
Any top or shirt can be used as the “overlay” top. A cute little shirt looks very nice. An over-sized tank top looks great, too! It all depends on the occasion and how dressy you want to look.
Just make sure the neckline is low enough to let your bandeau peek out for the world to see. After all, you didn’t put in all that effort to create a bandeau to have it completely hidden.
2. The Backless Bandeau
This design is perfect for adding a sexy summer look to your outfit or simply to shape and enhance your bust area.
- Start with a scarf that is large enough to cover your bust.
- Fold two corners diagonally towards each other, making them overlap. This will make the front and center part quite wide and the backside very small. You can fold the scarf again if you want the front smaller or more narrow.
- Tie the ends at the back and circle the ends back around to the front.
- Tie a knot under your bust. This gives your back a sleek, sexy look without the big knot in the center of your back. And your front side gets a nice little lift!
- The knot and ends can easily be hidden by tucking them under the front of the bandeau.
- You can hide the knot completely with a little tucking and positioning. Or you can let a little bit of the ends hang out. Whichever look you prefer is fine.
You can wear this bandeau all on its own because there isn’t much chance of anything slipping out. And the tie in the front keeps everything nice and perky. Or you can cover part of it with a little top, large shirt or tank top.
That is what makes the scarf bandeau so perfect! You can change your look just by changing the overlay top. Imagine how many different wardrobe combinations you can create with just one scarf!
Now, if you had several of these supper cool scarves, you could have a different outfit for every day of the summer.
For two more awesome bandeau ideas, watch this video by Neens on YouTube!
