How To Wear A Bandana In 4 Ways (Women’s Style Guide)
Here is how to style your bandana in simple and elegant ways.

Image: Shutterstock
Bandanas can be traced back all the way to the 18th century. 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. 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.
In This Article
4 Best Ways To Wear A Bandana
- How To Wear A Bandana In Your Hair
- How To Wear A Bandana Around Your Neck
- How To Wear Bandana As An Accessory
- How To Tie A Bandana
1. How To Wear A Bandana In Your Hair
Image: Shutterstock/instagram
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, 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, tease it a little for the 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.
B. Biker Style
- It’s called biker style, simply because men and women tie up a bandana on long drives. It’s both stylish and protects your hair. In simple terms, it looks like a ‘do-rag’ look.
- Brush, tease and leave your hair.
- Just fold the bandana into a 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.
- 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 start wrapping 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.
D. Sweat Band Bandana
Image: Instagram
- Tie your hair up in a ponytail or a chignon 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 when you go out for running, hiking or even a walk. Looks chic and is functional too!
2. How To Wear A Bandana Around Your Neck
Image: Instagram
Prep yourself to learn. All set?
A. Basic Knot
Image: Instagram
- 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
Image: Instagram
- 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 gives you more coverage, so it’s a good style and can replace your neck scarves in winter.
E. Mask Bandana
- Fold the bandana into a 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
3. How To Wear Bandana As An Accessory
Image: Instagram
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).
Image: tumblr
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.
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 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
No wonder bandanas are loved so much all across the world. They are versatile and easy to wear and can turn your basic look into a dramatic one in just a few steps. And now that you know how to wear a bandana in different ways, do not let that knowledge go to waste. Instead, get yourself a cute piece and add that extra charm to your outfit. But whether you wear it as a headpiece, around your neck, or as an accessory, always make sure that you choose a soft and breathable fabric suitable for your skin.
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.