How to Do a Turban Knot

The turban headdress is still stylish in contemporary fashion.

An English word used to describe the headdresses traditionally worn in the Middle East and India, the turban is worn for cultural affiliations, religion and fashion. The unisex headdress has been popular among female socialites since the late 1880s and typically uses a long rectangular scarf, which can be fabricated in a plethora of patterns and prints. Currently, turbans are popping up on runways and in magazine spreads and are popular with French designer Jean Paul Gautier and celebrity stylist-come-accessories designer June Ambroise. Tying one of these fashionable turbans might seem daunting, but it requires only a few strategic twists and knots.

Things You'll Need

• Long rectangular scarf, approximately 1 1/2-by-4 feet

Instructions

1. Wrap the long piece of fabric around your head lengthwise, placing it so the back of the head is in the middle of the scarf. The width of the scarf should cradle the head, from about the nape of the neck to the forehead's hairline. If the scarf is too wide, fold the top of the fabric back upon itself so the hairline is visible.

2. Gather the two ends of the scarf, bring them toward the face. Twist the two ends once before knotting them at the center of the forehead, right at or below the hairline. The turban should start taking shape at this point, as there should be a triangular shape framing the face.

3. Pull the excess fabric toward the back of the head and tie another knot at the nape of the neck. There shouldn't be much fabric left after the second knot. Tuck any fabric that is left over underneath the turban.

4. Smooth the top of the turban by tucking in any parts of the scarf that might be sticking out; the headdress should have a clean appearance. Distribute any puckering or bunching evenly into the part of the turban wrapping the head. Additionally, make sure no hair is peaking out between the top of the turban and its sides.

5. Finish the look by distributing the gathers, created by the knots, along the side of the head. This will help ensure that the turban is even and symmetrical.

Tips & Warnings

• Longer scarves can be used to tie a turban but they might produce a thicker, more voluminous head wrap.

References

• "The Berg Companion to Fashion"; Valerie Steele; 2010
• "Fashion, Costume and Culture"; Sara Pendergast, et al.; 2004
• The New York Times: The Head Wrap Comes Back, Again; Simone S. Oliver; Nov. 10, 2010
• Newsweek; Taming a Provocateur; Robin Givhan; June 26, 2011
• Malaysia Star; Islamic Fashion with a Modern Twist Showcased in Singapore; Louisa Lim; June 22, 2011