Ribbon is the entry point nobody recommends. It costs less than a scarf, it is narrow enough to go anywhere, and it does a job no other shape can: it threads, weaves and ties in places a folded square is simply too bulky for.
In the hair
1. Woven through a braid
The classic. Start the braid with the ribbon as one of the three strands and let the ends tie in a bow. Use a jacquard ribbon rather than a satin craft ribbon — it holds the weave without sliding out.
2. The ponytail bow
Secure with a scrunchie first, then tie the ribbon over it and knot a bow. Tying directly onto hair slips; tying over a scrunchie does not.
3. The ribbon headband
Run the ribbon under the hair at the nape, bring it up over the crown, and tie a small bow at the side or a knot at the back under a layer of hair.
On the body
4. At the throat
One loop, small knot, ends tucked under a shirt collar. Ribbon reads more delicate than a scarf here — better with fine knits and open collars than with tailoring.
5. At the wrist
Two wraps, small knot, worn with a watch. The most everyday use, and the one that gets noticed.
On things
6. On a bag
Tie a bow at the base of a handle, or wrap the handle spiral-style if the ribbon is long enough. Also works looped through a zip pull.
7. On a hat
A ribbon band around a straw or felt hat is the fastest way to make a plain hat look considered — and it hides the sweatband line on an older summer hat.
8. On a parcel
The most-used one. A gift wrapped in plain paper with silk ribbon looks more expensive than any printed wrapping paper, and the recipient keeps the ribbon. See the gifting edit.
How much to buy
One length is enough for hair and gifts. Two lets you do a bag and a wrist at the same time. Because ribbon is narrow, having three colours costs less than one scarf and multiplies what you can do.
Shop the pieces: Jacquard silk ribbon · Scrunchies · Gifting
This is part of our complete guide to styling silk accessories.