How To Wear A Bandana In 4 Ways (Women’s Style Guide)

Bandanas are more than just an ornament of fashion; they hold historical values and signify cultural practices. And if you love to wear a bandana aficionado, then you will be glad to know that you can style them in so many different ways. Bandanas can be traced back all the way to the 18th century. Originating in ancient Persia and India, the term “bandana” comes from the Hindi word “bāndhnū,” which means “to tie.” Bandanas played important roles by protecting sailors from the sun and dust, and cowboys and farmers used them to add flair to outfits. Bandanas were imported into America in the 18th century and eventually symbolized protests and nonconformity in the late 1960s and 70s during counterculture movements. They were then popularized among bikers and musicians. Nowadays, bandanas are used for practical reasons, but also as a statement of identity and solidarity in various social movements. Bandana continues to evolve with contemporary fashions while keeping intact its historical significance and cultural heritage. In this article, we will show you how to wear a bandana the right way so you can rock a retro look effortlessly. Now, to achieve your goal, all you have to do is, scroll down and give this article a read. Without further ado, go ahead and get ready to steal the show by styling your bandanas perfectly.

Ace The Look

• Fabric: Cotton bandanas are breathable and comfortable, while silk bandanas exude elegance and have a smooth, glossy texture. Polyester bandanas are durable and less prone to wrinkles.
• Size: Typically, a bandana measures 22 inches to 27 inches in a standard square shape, while neckerchiefs come in mostly triangular or rectangular shapes.
• Prints: Opt for paisley prints to add a hint of bohemian flair or vintage charm, floral prints for a romantic touch, and geometric prints for a modern and contemporary look.
• Personalize Your Look: Tie a bandana around the handle of your handbag or use it as a styling accessory by tying it through the belt loops of your jeans.

4 Best Ways To Wear A Bandana

1. How To Wear A Bandana In Your Hair
2. How To Wear A Bandana Around Your Neck
3. How To Wear Bandana As An Accessory
4. How To Tie A Bandana

1. How To Wear A Bandana In Your Hair

If there is no time for shampooing your hair; or if you are running out of dry shampoo, but have to be out the whole day. All you need is a bandana; it not only camouflages the messy, unruly hair but also makes you look stylish, almost instantly. There are many ways to style this scarf, and we will show you the top four easy ways to wear a bandana as a hair accessory.

A. Simple Knot

• Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles.
• Use a teaser comb, and randomly tease the front and crown part of your hair.
• If you are having a bad hair day, put your hair up in a high pony, and tease it a little for a messy look.
• Tie your bandana like this.
• Now, bring the bandana from under your ponytail, so that the loose ends are at the top.
• Adjust the bandana, and tie it up in one or two loops. Ensure it is intact.
• You can try different variations with your hair left open or tied down, a messy bun, etc.
• Looks great with both long and short hair.

Courtney Heffernan, a blogger, has shared how she styles a bandana as an ordinary headband during workout sessions. Courtney dons this style of wearing a bandana almost daily. She says, “It has the practicality of an ordinary headband, but with added cool. It makes me feel like I was vandalizing a back alley before I showed up to yoga class (i)!” Moreover, she adds further on the knot style, saying, “It’s a simple style, the kind of look modern day Rosie the Riveter would wear to class.(i)”

B. Biker Style

• It’s called biker style, simply because men and women cover their hair with a bandana on long drives. It’s both stylish and protects your hair. In simple terms, it looks like a ‘do-ragⁱ  A tightly fitted cloth tied on top of the head to protect curly or kinky hair; also known as a durag or du-rag. ’ look.
• Brush, tease, and leave your hair.
• Just fold the bandana in half.
• Now, wrap it around your head, bringing the loose ends to the crown area.
• Tie them up, and you are done.
• You can try this look with a messy bun or a ponytail too. Or you can leave your hair open untied to adopt a hippie look.
• Biker-style bandana goes with both short and long hair.

C. Bandana Bow

• Brush your hair and tease it to tie it into a messy bun or a ponytail.
• Fold the bandana into a sleek band and drape it around (from under the neck) the bun or the ponytail.
• Tie the ends at the top of your head.
• Now tie the remaining part into a bow, like it is shown below.
• It is easy, and it’s almost like tying a shoelace. Practice it a couple of times, and you will be a pro in no time.

Quick Tip

Pick bandanas in bold colors and minimal prints to make them stand out as a hair accessory without making your outfit “too crowded”.

D. Sweat Band Bandana

• Tie your hair up in a ponytail or a chignonⁱ  A popular hairstyle involving tying a knot at the nape of the neck or a low knot at the back of the head. updo. Clip the bun neatly with bobby pins (optional).
• Fold the bandana into a thin band.
• Wrap it around from the nape of your neck.
• Bring the loose ends to the center of your head and tie into a loop.
• Tuck the remaining part of the bandana. You’ve got yourself a sweat band.
• Sweat band bandana works great during summers when you go outdoor for running, hiking, or even a walk on the beach. Looks chic and is functional too!

2. How To Wear A Bandana Around Your Neck

Prep yourself to learn how to use a bandana as a neckerchief. All set?

A. Basic Knot

• Fold the bandana like this (as shown in the picture)
• And tie it around your neck, with the loose ends at the front of your neck
• Tie it into a loop or two

B. Choker Bandana

• Fold the bandana like this (as shown in the picture)
• Tie it around your neck, with loose ends in front of the neck
• Tuck the remaining part of the bandana on either side

C. Triangular Choker Bandana

• Fold the bandana like this (as shown in the picture)
• And, wrap it around the neck
• The loose ends should be at the back, and the triangular section of it should be at the front
• This look goes well with deeper or broad necklines

D. Large Triangular Neck Piece Bandana

• Fold the bandana like this (as shown in the picture)
• And wrap it around your neck like a neckpiece
• Adjust it at the front
• This look resembles a cowboy scarf that people wear on their neck. It gives you more coverage, so it’s a good style and can replace your neck scarves in winter.

E. Mask Bandana

• Fold the bandana in half (as shown in the picture)
• Twist it a little and tie it around the neck
• The loose ends should be tied near the nape of the neck
• Adjust the remaining bandana at the front
• It is more flowing and looks like a mask

Trivia

Celebrities like Kiernan Shipka, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Rita Ora have all sported the bandana around their necks as style accessories.

3. How To Wear Bandana As An Accessory

All you have to do is to fold your bandana into a thin band like this. Start by wrapping the band around your wrist, with the pointy end at the bottom. Leave enough for tying it up and tuck the remaining (if any).

Learn 5 amazing hairstyles with a bandana in this video! Get creative and stylish with your look in just 2 minutes!

How To Tie A Bandana

• Headband Style

• Lay the bandana on a smooth surface.
• Fold into a half.
• Start wrapping the bandana towards the sharp end of the bandana.
• Let the pointed side go inside the bandana without sticking out.

Triangle – Little And Large

• Lay the bandana on a smooth surface.
• Fold into a half.
• Start wrapping the bandana towards the sharp end of the bandana.
• Make about two or three rounds, until you see a small or big triangle formed.

Note:

When wearing bandanas, also consider how their colors and patterns pair with your outfits and other accessories. For instance, a vibrantly colored bandana can add a pop of color to all-black, or full-denim outfits. Or, tying bandanas in neutral colors around your neck with your formal attires can give you a stylish office look.

Key Takeaways

• A bandana can help you cover up unruly hair, enhance your outfit, and amp up your style quotient.
• Simple knot, biker style, and bandana bow are some trendy and cool ways to wrap a bandana around your head.
• You can enhance your outfit by tying a bandana around your neck in different ways, such as a basic knot and a triangular one, choker-style.
• Tying a bandana into a thin band and wrapping it around your wrist can also make an amazing accessory.

Infographic: Facts About Bandanas

Although bandanas have found their way into the fashion industry and are trending wildly right now, they have been around for quite a long time. And you will be glad to know that these casual fashion accessories have always played a significant role in the past too. Often used to spread the message of different causes, these accessories deserve appreciation for being extremely versatile.

Check the infographic below to know more about bandanas!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What do bandanas symbolize?

In the past, bandanas were associated with criminal acts since outlaws would use them to cover their faces so as not to be recognized.

What do bandana colors mean?

Gangs often display their identity through the use of bandanas that have certain colors. White bandanas represent peace, and pink ones are used for breast cancer awareness.

What are some tips for choosing the right size and material for a bandana?

Choose the size and material of the bandana based on the intended use. You might need a smaller size for fashion accessories while you need a larger one to cover your head. Cotton and silk bandanas are fashionable, whereas moisture-wicking polyester materials are best suited for outdoor activities.

Can both men and women wear bandanas?

Absolutely. Bandanas come in vivid colors and prints, like florals, solids, skulls, galaxies, etc. You can wear all different styles according to the individual preference.

Are there any specific occasions or events where a bandana is appropriate to wear?

Bandanas work amazingly as streetwear accessories and can be worn to music events, fashion shows, and outdoor activities; some even use them as makeshift face masks.

Can a bandana be worn with different types of clothing styles?

Yes, you can wear the bandana as a head scarf or neckpiece with a casual outfit. You can wear it with a matching bohemian outfit as a headband or in a braid. You can pair it with denim and cowboy boots for a more Western look or just as streetwear.

Are there any specific colors or patterns that work better for certain outfits or occasions?

Solid-colored bandanas go with any outfit. Solid or intricately printed silk and satin bandanas are a great addition to formal dresses. Do not wear vibrant prints to formal events. You can use the bandana as a neck statement piece or tie it around your waist as well for fun outdoor parties and pool parties.

Are there any accessories that pair well with a bandana, like sunglasses or hoop earrings?

Yes, sunglasses are a great addition to a bandana look, especially if you are on a beach, or at a casual event. The big hoop earrings add depth to the bandana look, making you stand out.

Illustration: How To Wear A Bandana In 4 Ways (Women&039s Style Guide)

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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