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10 Ways to Wear a Bandana (Men’s Style Guide)

Published on October 26, 2022 by David Komisarchik · Accessories May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Want to wear a bandana but aren’t sure how? This guide will give you some ideas!

Table of Contents

  • What Are Bandanas?
  • Is it Ok to Wear Bandanas?
  • 10 Ways to Wear a Bandana for Men
    • The Standard Headband
    • The Overhead Headband
    • Neckerchief
    • The Mask
    • Neckerchief Version 2
    • Bandana Bracelet
    • The Bandana Pocket Square
    • Back Pocket Accessory
    • The Hat Band
    • Bandana Belt Loop Accessory
  • When Not to Wear a Bandana
  • How Would You Style a Bandana?
Ways to Wear a Bandana

If you’re looking to add a new accessory to your wardrobe, a bandana might just be the one you’re looking for. They’re surprisingly versatile and easy to style.

What Are Bandanas?

When we talk about bandanas, we typically think of the square piece of fabric, often with a paisley design, that folds into triangular shapes for different types of wear. We’ve seen it in everything from biker and rocker styles to preppier and dapper looks.

The bandana’s history extends back into antiquity. In India, women used them as head coverings which are very reminiscent of Ancient Greek kerchiefs. Much of its early use was for protection and covering. 

Similar kerchiefs have been used for centuries as religious head coverings, worn basically as a sign of respect, in many Orthodox Christian and Jewish sects. 

They’ve also long been popular in workwear, being a rag or piece of fabric that could actually be used. More recently, bandanas have also been worn to signify affiliations, Pride, and much more. Now, we’ve also seen them gain popularity in fashion again.

Is it Ok to Wear Bandanas?

Bandanas have been used to symbolize a lot of things throughout their history, but you can rest easy if you’re planning to wear one. 

If you’re worried about wearing a bandana based on what it might signify, you might be giving into a bit of social bias and giving yourself too much credit. Unless you’re deliberately wearing it in order to pretend to be a member of a specific group, you’re probably going to be safe wearing a bandana. 

10 Ways to Wear a Bandana for Men

This list will show you how to accessorize an outfit with a bandana and get the most use out of it. We’re showing you a variety of bandanas and ways to fold them to achieve a look. 

If you’re looking for a video tutorial for some of these outfits, check out Parker’s video below. He does a great job of sharing a few ways to style a bandana and how to fold it for each style.

We’re going to show you the versatility of the bandana as an accessory. 

The Standard Headband

This is an easy option for a bandana. If you start by folding it into a triangular shape and then folding it into a band, you’ll get a rocker-style headband that adds some edge to your outfit

Bandana Headband

This kind of styling is great for concerts or more casual settings. It’ll also help catch some sweat in the heat.

The Overhead Headband

This one is a very 90’s kind of vibe and is also very reminiscent of biker style.

Bandana Overhead Band

It’s a great way to use your bandana as a head cover, and this style will add edginess to your outfit. This pairs well with denim and leather jackets for a grungier look.

Neckerchief

We’re seeing the neckerchief make a comeback! If you already own a bandana, you can hop on this trend and elevate some casual outfits or make some of your suited outfits more casual.

Neckerchief

The best part is that you can leave the knot messy in the front and show a little more neck/chest so that the bandana pulls focus. 

The Mask

Bandanas make for great face covers. Folding it in half and tying it behind your head gives you a nice desperado-looking mask.

Bandana Mask

This can prove useful for masking up and help protect you from dust if you’re at any kind of open-air festival. 

Neckerchief Version 2

You can take that makeshift mask and pull it down to your neck to achieve this look.

Bandana Neckerkerchief

Styling your bandana this way has a little bit of a western feel but works well when accessorizing a casual outfit. A tee and denim jacket with this is perfect!

Bandana Bracelet

If you’re someone who likes to stack bracelets, you can swap in a bandana for a beaded bracelet or leather cuff. 

Bandana Bracelet

This move has a bit more rock and roll, but a bandana bracelet looks great when stacked with your other bracelets. Roll your shirt sleeves up and show it off!

The Bandana Pocket Square

If you’re in a pinch and out of pocket squarer or just looking for something new, sub in your bandana. Bandanas usually have great prints that work well as little focal points.

Bandana Pocket Square

You don’t have to worry too much about a bandana dressing down a jacket because it doesn’t take up too much room. However, it’s still best to keep bandana pocket squares for more casual jackets, especially if the bandana is made out of a rugged fabric.

Back Pocket Accessory

Some guys just like the look of a bandana hanging out of the back pocket of their jeans. It’s definitely a cool look.

Bandana Back Pocket Accessory

Try this with your next double denim look for a more rugged look. This also makes the bandana easier to use to wipe your hands and face.

The Hat Band

If you’re a fedora or wide-brim hat wearer, wrapping a bandana around the shaft of your hat is a great way to accessorize it.

Bandana Hat

This gives some extra personality to your hat and if you have multiple bandanas, you can switch up the look of the same hat for any outfit.

Bandana Belt Loop Accessory

It may not be a typical choice, but you can accessorize your belt loops with a bandana. Think of it as a sub-in for a chain that looks a little smarter.

Bandana Belt Loop Accessory

This is a great way to break up an outfit in a new way and get the most use out of your bandana. 

When Not to Wear a Bandana

Bandanas are inherently casual accessories. Even as a pocket square, I wouldn’t recommend them for formal or black tie events — for these occasions, stick to more classic pocket squares and accessories.

Bandanas usually have unmistakable loud and colorful designs. If you don’t want it to stick out or look like you’re wearing a costume, skip the bandana or go with a more neutral-colored one like I did. 

If you’re still unsure, test it out by rocking a bandana to a casual event, or even just when running errands. If you feel it’s not working for you, it’s pretty easy to remove.

How Would You Style a Bandana?

The best part about figuring out how to wear a bandana is that you don’t have a lot of limitations. Because it’s an accessory, it takes up little visual space with regard to your whole outfit, so don’t be afraid to play around! I hope this guide gave you some new ideas for styling your bandanas. 

If you have any questions or comments, leave them down below!

Accessories bandanas

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About David Komisarchik

David is a menswear and lifestyle content creator focused in exploring bold and personal style. He also educates creators, entrepreneurs and small businesses on how to navigate the influencer marketing industry.

Background: A full-time content creator with a passion for bold men's fashion, David originally started his Instagram account as a creative outlet and departure from his 9-to-5 contracting job.

He eventually moved from his hometown of Denver, CO to New York City in order to be closer to the action. Nowadays, he creates multimedia content around fashion and men's lifestyle, and helps brands with their influencer marketing and content marketing strategy.

Expertise: David has worked with brands like ClassPass, Taft, Nisolo, Samsonite and Abercrombie. He's been a special guest at New York Fashion Week, and he's written for or been featured in publications like Spy, Voyage Denver and Huff Post.

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