16 different ways to style a bandana.

Published by Shoaib Turk on

16 styles of bandana for guys

What is that single fashion accessory that can be worn in more than a dozen unique ways, hated by a handful of elitist fashion gurus but loved by millions upon millions around the world? A funky piece of square fabric with mostly paisley prints and a cute name? Need I say more? Our beloved bandana of course! Who doesn’t know? This fun accessory was once associated with pirates, gangsters, and cowboys. Rockstars (Who can forget the way Justine Bieber rocked it! in the 2010s) and bikers then stole this quirky kerchief and with that, it became a fashion sensation around the world. Do you know what is so special about this funky accessory? It can be worn in more than a dozen unique ways! Can you name any other accessories that can be worn in half as many ways? Can’t name the name? Well, you can’t, because there is none, Nada! It can only be a bandana that you can rock in so many different ways and never look boring!

How to style a bandana?
A red bandana around a baseball cap! It’s just one of the many ways to rock this quirky kerchief popularly called a bandana.

You are here to know about those 16 unique ways you can style your bandana so let’s go straight ahead into it. 

16 different styles of bandanas.

1. Bandana as a Headband/sweatband:

16 different styles of bandanas.

A bandana as a headband is at the top of our list for a reason. It is in fact the most popular way a bandana is worn nowadays. This classic around-the-head style is worn with extremely casual outfits. For a laidback look get the minimal pattern in front if want or for a bold look keep the more patterned part in front. This style is ideal to help you keep your long hair in place and to protect your eyes from sweat in hot weather. image source

How to do it: Fold the bandana diagonally from corner to corner and then start folding it over and over until it becomes a band of your desired width. And then just grab it and tie it (with a simple overhand knot) around your head just above the ears. If you are sporting longer hair you can tie it just above your forehead.

2. Bandana as a neckband:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

The next on our list of 16 different styles of bandanas is the neckband bandanna, it’s a loose loop around the neck and is worn around the neck with tee shirt outfits or with a casual jacket style. It is also called the neck cooler because you can save your neck from the scorching heat in summer by splashing some water on it and letting evaporation do the rest. Image source

How to do it: Fold the bandana diagonally and start rolling it(instead of folding like in the previous case) from the corner opposite to the longest side and keep it nice and tight. Then tie a small knot at the very end of it.

3. Bandana as a Necktie/ the collar saver bandana:

16 different styles of bandanas.

You can wear a bandana just like a necktie, in fact, a tighter version of the neckband bandana. This bandana necktie is often kept under the collar, it not only looks stylish but it saves the collar from sweat. A bandana necktie is the dressiest and the smartest way you can style your bandana. Image source

How to do it: Fold your bandana just like the way you would for a neckband, keeping it a little bit thicker. And then tie it around your neck just like a normal necktie. Keep it tight, and close to the neck of the tee or underneath the collar of your collared shirts.  

Bandanas can be worn with a wide range of situations and outfits, not just for an off-duy street-style look or a resort wear option! visit this link to find out more about men’s outfits with bandanas.

4. The classic overhead/ pirate fold bandana:

different styles of bandanas.

This overhead style of the bandana is popular among bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts for functional reasons. The pirate fold wraps the head snugly and it can be styled in multiple ways.  image source

How to do it: Fold the bandana into a triangle by bringing the opposing corners together. The triangle at hand is in fact a right-angled triangle now keep the folded side at your forehead and tie the ends of this folded side at the back of your head in a square knot. And finally, tuck in the third corner through the knot, and smooth out any wrinkles at the head.

 

5. Bandana as a mask:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

As a mask, a bandana is not only functional but looks stylish too. You can wear it two ways, a loose, neck-enveloping bandana mask ( called the Jesse James style) and a more modern-looking band mask that covers your nose and mouth keeping the neck uncovered. Both styles are equally stylish and wearable in different situations.  image source

How to do it: Simply fold the bandana into a triangle like in previous cases. Place the folded side above your nose and tie the ends of this folded edge into a square knot at the back of your head. Let the third corner hand down your neck, and never cover your ears when wearing a bandana mask. This bandana mask is roomy and breathable and still able to offer some protection. For the band mask fold the bandana into a triangle, then fold the corner opposite to the folded edge back up to the center. We have a broad strip with tapered ends now. Fold it again from the middle to create a sleek band wide enough to cover your mouth and nose. 

6. The cowboy bandana:

16 different styles of bandanas.

Also called a neck gaiter, this style is one of the most popular ways a bandana is used. Cowboys used to rock this accessory for functional reasons, it protected them from the elements and dust and sand during their work. You can wear it over a tee or inside a button-down shirt just to add a pop of color to your outfit. Image source

How to do it: It’s exceedingly simple to wear a bandana the cowboy way. Just fold it into a triangle and wear it as a loose mask we mentioned above. Pull it down, grab the top edge and just flip it in for a nice and snug cowboy bandana style.

7. The scout master style: 

16 different styles of bandanas.

This style of a bandana as the name suggests is a part of the boy scouts’ uniform. It’s popular among scouts and you can wear your bandana in this style for a unique look.  Image source

How to do it: Fold the bandana into the shape of a triangle, and place the folded edge at the back of your neck with the folded edge facing upwards. Then tie the two ends of this folded side to make a square knot in the middle of your chest.

8. Bandana as a pocket square:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

The next on our list of 16 different styles of bandanas is a bandana as a pocket square. It adds a pop of color to your outfit, and it’s handy to store a bandana in situations where you are not using it in other ways. The paisley prints of bandanas make them good pocket squares.  image source

 How to do it: You’ll have to fold the bandana multiple times and reduce it to a rectangular shape small enough to fit in your pocket. 

9. Bandana as a hat band:

16 different styles of bandanas.

If you are an avid hat wearer then you must be aware of this voguish manner of styling a bandana, instead of your own head or neck you tie it around the neck of your Fedora hat, at it looks great.  image source

How to do it: You do this just like the way we rolled the bandana into a neckband. First of all, you have to fold the bandana into a triangle and you have to start rolling it up from the corner opposite the folded edge. And then you have to wrap the rolled-up bandana loosely around your hat and tie a knot at the back of the hat. 

10. Bandana as a bracelet, 16 different styles of bandanas:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

This is another quirky way you can rock this versatile accessory. So a bandana can sometimes be used to replace your jewelry! Give your gold or silver brace a break for a day and give this humble bandana bracelet shot on a hot summer day. It is a stylish and functional way of rocking a bandana. Image source

How to do it: You will fold the bandana into a triangle and then roll it the way you did in the case of the bandana neckband. And then just wrap this around the left or right(whichever you prefer) wrist.  

11. Around-the-knee:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

Wearing it over your jeans at the knee or under-the-knee rip of your jeans is a stylish option. You wrap it around your knee or calf just like you did in the case of the bandana bracelet and it looks fun.  image source

How to do it:  Again fold and roll your bandana the way you did to create a bracelet and then wrap it around your leg at the spot where you like.  Most people like to wear it on the knees or at the calves some prefer their thighs to tie the bandana around. Image source

12. The choker bandana, 16 different styles of bandanas:

16 different styles of bandanas.

This style is similar to the necktie bandana except for the fact that the knot this time is behind your neck. This style is popular among urban guys who prefer chic outfits for their off-duty days. 

How to do it: You have to fold or roll the bandana into a thin strip and then you have to wrap it around the neck with a knot at the back of the neck. Image source

13. Bandana as an anklet, 16 different styles of bandanas: 

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

One less common way of wearing a bandana is using it as an anklet/ ankle bracelet. It’s a fun twist on the bandana saga and is worth trying if you are a streetwear fashion junkie. Image source

How to do it: You can do this just the way you accomplished the bandana bracelet thing. This time you only have to wrap it around your ankles. Make sure that are wearing shorts or cuffed jeans so that you could flaunt this bandana style. 

14. Bandana at the waist:

16 different styles of bandanas.

We have reached to the most casual way you can use a bandana, the dangling bandana style. You can use your bandana somewhat like the belt chain you often wear with jeans and chinos. Image source

How to do it: Fold the bandana into a triangle and roll it into a thin cord-like shape and then just tuck it into the belt loop and tie. This dangling accessory can be a game-changer for your badass street-style look.

15. Bandana around the arm:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

This is the next on our list of different styles of bandanas. When wearing a sleeveless shirt or a tank top, a bandana can be wrapped around the arm. A bandana used this way can invite extra attention to the biceps you have worked so hard for! Image source

How to do it? Tie the bandana around your arm exactly the way you tied it around the wrist as a bracelet.

16. Bandana as a belt:

16 ways to style a bandana for guys

Bandana as a belt, is the last of 16 different styles of bandanas you can try. We don’t often see guys wearing a bandana as a belt, but it is an insanely cool way to use your bandana for a super casual look. Kim Tae-Hyung a.k.a V of the South Korean boyband BTS wore his bandana this way and looked so cool. Image source

How to do it? Just fold and roll your bandana like you did to use it as a necktie, and pass it through the belt loops of your jeans or chinos.


0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *