Not Just Beachwear: The Scarf-Waist Trend Is City-Ready Chic

The summers are no joke. No matter how well we understand the importance of sunscreen in protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, a physical barrier against harsh sunlight is becoming equally essential. These days, breezy, cottony scarves that fasten fabulously around the waist are gaining popularity across social media.

This global wave began at the Spring 2026 Paris Men’s Fashion Week, where Julian Klausner made his debut for Dries Van Noten by pairing sleek trousers with printed pareos tied low and loose. Fashion insiders from Harper’s Bazaar note that this trend is far from try-hard. A waist-tied scarf “marks the waist and is flattering, but doesn’t look even vaguely try-hard,” noted stylist Lolita Jacobs’s muse Monica de la Villardière, who described this sarong-scarf waist trend aesthetic as summery and reminiscent of the vintage St. Tropez.

Soon after, Alexa Chung styled a silk scarf with grey pants and a white tee, while Kylie Jenner took the look to a bold new level, pairing a bikini top with white pants and slinging the scarf low around her hips. She later reworked the same scarf into a headwrap for another look.

When The Scarf Waist Trend Found Its Way In India

Somehow, this trend takes me back to summers in India, the bustling roads, the honking horns in the background, and people on scooters wrapping scarves tightly around their faces, secured in place by helmets. Scarves tied at the waist might be a new 'trend' globally, but in India, scarves have long served as a practical shield against extreme weather.

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Indian influencer Masoom Minawala Mehta, following the trend, reintroduced the waist-scarf trend with a local twist, styling a golden detailed saree with a simple white tee and blue pants, effortlessly blending tradition with casual elegance.

We see fashion influencers elevating their plain looks into chic styles by layering minimalistic jewellery or clothing. Scarves are not only accessories but also double as protection from the summer heat. Essentially, sarongs are being elevated into daily wear.

What started as beachwear has now made its way into metropolitan styling, bringing island vibes to urban fashion. Whether you're dressing for vacation or commuting to work, this scarf-at-the-waist trick offers a playful, polished twist to summer wardrobes. Would you try this trend?