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How to Pair a Men's Scarf with Pea Coats, Coats and Jackets

Coats and jackets are a menswear staple so and it's important to invest in at least one with high-quality fabric that fits you well.

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Pairing your chosen outer layer with a men's scarf is not only about keeping the winter chill at bay but also leveling up your style. Whether you're keen to match your long winter coat, pea coat or go for a more casual style with your favorite jacket, how to combine one with a perfectly folded scarf is a must know.

PeaCoat-by-Todd-Snyder-NYFW

First - What Exactly is a Pea Coat?

A pea coat is a double-breasted outer coat, often made of navy or dark-colored wools. It has originally worn by sailors in the European and American navies and retains crisp military-inspired tailoring.  Pea coats are short, usually hip-length, with broad lapels, two rows of prominent metal or plastic buttons, and vertical pockets.

Depending on the climate, they can be worn in the fall, winter, and spring. They're a great casual look for men of a thin to average build. (Avoid double-breasted jackets if you've got a belly as they add thickness and emphasis the waist).

Because these coats have large, wide-set lapels, wearing a men's scarf with a pea coat is crucial to keep warm and aren't a purely aesthetic addition.


A man in the woods with a coat and scarf

Which Men's Scarf Would Match a Pea Coat, Coat or Jacket?

A coat (pea or otherwise) or a jacket plus a men's scarf is a classic cold-weather combination and a practical look for crisp winter days.

Knowing how to wear a scarf with one begins from selecting your scarf for the pairing. As coats and jackets are for cold weather, pick a scarf made for similarly cool temperatures. Look for scarves made of cashmere, wool, alpaca, or a silk-wool blend.

In terms of style, guys tend towards dark and plain designs to match their coat or jacket. However, if you're feeling bold, think outside the box and go for bright colored or patterned scarves instead. It will add a spot of color that's normally missing from winter outerwear.


How to Wear a Scarf with Your Outer Layer

How to Wear a Folded Scarf

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This is a classic look with any outer layer but it matches well to the pea coat's military-style. You'll need a longer scarf, that you can fold and tuck tidily into the neck of your coat. This works well with most woven or knitted wool winter scarves.

  1. Start by folding the scarf in half.
  2. Lay the folded scarf across the back of your neck and over the front of your shoulders so the folded side makes a loop.
  3. Insert the two loose ends into the loop and tighten it up until it feels comfortable.

How to Wear a Wrapped Scarf

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This is a classic look so no need to overthink it. Coats already have a tailored, military-inspired structure so you can complement that by keeping your scarf simple and neat or contrast with a looser, more casual men's scarf.

Wrapping or looping the scarf around your neck will give your look a more casual feel. This look works well with oversized scarves or lighter materials you want to puff up for an airier feel.

How many times you need to loop it depends on the length of the scarf, generally you don't want the ends of your scarf hanging below the end of your jacket or coat.

man with leather jacket and plaid scarf

The goal is to get your men's scarf to fill in the area around your neck without getting too bulky. If it's windy, tuck the ends of your scarf into your jacket or coat to keep everything in place.

This type of wrap with fluffy or puffy jackets makes you look super cozy and stylish in one fell swoop. It also works best with oversized large scarves — think Lenny Kravitz in his most famous blanket scarf streetwear style.


How to Wear a Loose Scarf

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One way to wear a scarf with a coat more for style purposes than warmth is to wearing a loose men's scarf under your coat's collar. This type of scarf 'drape' can be a good way to add color and personality.

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You can do the same with a jacket for an even more casual laissez faire look.

Draping the scarf this way also works well with the coat or jacket open. Just make sure that the scarf is the same length or slightly shorter than your outerwear and the colors match well.

If you want to know how to wear a scarf with a pea coat more for style purposes than warmth, wearing a loose scarf under your coat's collar can be a good way to add color and personality. This also works well with the coat open. Just make sure that the scarf is the same length or slightly shorter than the coat and the colors match well.

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David Schwartz
Writer

Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.