Hello Friday! 2018 has really flown for me so far, what about you?
So this is my first post this year and if you are now just tuning in I’m teaming up with the charming @ceezoh_jenny one amazing food blogger from adventurewithjenn to style an outstanding neck wear. I got so fascinated lately by the neckerchief, It’s so sad how I thought of doing it this late but everyone was pulling off the look, from all the top guns to my fashion idols @mosyke @kenyanstylista @therealswizz. Heck I even saw it on one of the characters from call of duty WW2, Rousseau, a Paris rebel while I was playing the campaign mission 4 a while back (real gammers will know what i mean😄). Bet you’ve also probably seen it, from your favorite Instagrammers and even maybe on the menswear runway collections. If not, you better get familiar because this trend is here to stay.
WHAT IS THIS NECKERCHIEF?
In simple terms the neckerchief is a really easy way to fold a bandana into a wrap around your neck. It adds a complimentary colour and sizzle to any standard outfit and makes it outstanding. It’s one piece you can put up to any occasion be it a wedding, graduation, a party, evening cocktail, fundraiser it all depends on the design you use. It’s very simple and even better, can blend in both a casual and official look.
After research and hundreds of videos on the different ways of how to tie a perfect neckerchief I decided to write this to guide you on how to get tied up and not look like any kawaida mwananchi or even worse a scout.
So Giddy up, and check out some options below:
HOW CAN IT BE USED?
The neckerchief fabric can be used in a variety of ways, the reasons most men no longer know how to tie a neckerchief is because the current definition of a gentleman is dictated but the number of ties one has, it’s true ties “make man” but this is something to spice up that cool Nairobi casual look. It’s so easy, as long as you set your mind to it you’ll realise it’s actually what you needed.
It could also be turned around and raised to cover the nose and mouth when engaging in activities such as hiking in a dusty area. One thin I’ve seen in several western movies, cowboys riding on their horses while wearing neckerchiefs but this post isn’t about some Indiana Jones chronicles, this is all about upgrading that look you so desire.
HOW DO I STYLE IT?
You should start by folding your square bandana into a triangular shape. From there, start folding and rolling the fabric by the long side until you are left with a long thin wrap. Once that is complete, wrap the bandana around your neck and tie the two loose ends at the bottom into a knot. You can also use a small ring or piece of leather to hold both ends. Pair it with a denim-on-denim outfit for that Americana theme for me though I decided to do a pink and black dress shirt. For this post I did 2 looks, the navy style and button-up.
Button-up.
You can button-up to add a pop of colour on your neck that will get heads turning. Perfect for a casual weekend off with your friends. On this I went for a bolder look and paired the red neckerchief with a black dress shirt, blue khakis and a half jacket. Thinking of that next festival outing like koroga or thrift social, well you got yourself some ideas lads.
the Navy Style.
While doing my research I actually found out that the US Navy has its own instructions for how to tie a neckerchief (achana na hii navy yetu ya Kenya😅) and unlike anything worn by scouts, they use a thin piece of fabric that looks much more like a short slim necktie. The basic tying method just as I stated above.
Involves first laying the neckerchief open then head on and fold it into a triangular shape.
From there, start folding and rolling the fabric by the long side until you are left with a long thin wrap.
Once that is complete, wrap the bandana around your neck and tie the two loose ends at the bottom into a knot.
WHERE CAN I GET ONE?
For bandanas they are easily accessible; many people are now coming up with their own designs but my preference is to go to my local thrift store next to the I&M building opposite Tuskys Chap Chap yeah right at where the white tents are. This helps me save on cost (just 100 bob imagine😭😭) and the crazy mark-ups set on these “new” designs. I also get to choose from a variety of unique patterns and sometimes compare quality.
Fabric stores are also a great place to look as they’ll have a large variety of colour and pattern options but tend to be pricy. So it all depends on you, QUALITY or QUANITY?
So don’t be scared to do something wild there are no rules when it comes to style, so make it your own and step outside of your comfort zone to get involved with a surprisingly wearable trend this season. Hope you got something new to tickle your fancy.
Get SUITED, LOOK ALIVE!!