Regarding men’s accessories, the bandana is a classic and timeless choice. This simple yet versatile item can be worn in many ways and is perfect for adding a stylish edge to any look. Curious about how to wear a bandana? Men’s bandana have come a long way since the classic paisley-printed cotton. New cool geometric designs can add a graphic twist to your simple white t-shirt, while a silky texture will add an elegant accent to your ordinary suit for a style that stands out.
Our version of the kerchief, bandanas, are square pieces of fabric that come in various colors, patterns, and sizes. They’re most often made of cotton and cambric, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality silk or satin fabrics if that’s your style.
When it comes to how to wear bandanas, all the info you need is here. So whether you’re rocking out at a gig like Axl Rose or heading off on a sophisticated date, keep reading to find out all you need to know about wearing a bandana.
How to Wear a Bandana for Men?
Around the Head
Think rock-and-roll, bikers, and rappers for this style. Tupac made head bandanas famous in Male 90s Hip-Hop Fashion for good reason — this cool and casual streetwear style lets people know you’re on top of the fashion game. There are plenty of ways to rock this style, from headscarves to the headband.
Tie a bandana around your forehead with a knot or simple bow in front for a laid-back look. Got long hair? A bandana headband keeps your locks perfectly in place and is also a bold statement piece.
If you want greater coverage or to channel your inner Jack Sparrow, opt for a pirate-style bandana that covers more of the forehead and upper head.
You can try tying your men’s bandana around your head for a bolder and more rock-and-roll look. This look is a favorite of musicians and perfect for achieving a statement style.
It’s also an excellent choice for gents with long locks. Try it for yourself when attending your next festival or gig.
- Lay your bandana flat
- Fold it lengthwise a few times until you have a long rectangle
- Tuck in the loose edges
- Tie around your head
- Rock on!
Remember that this is easiest with a larger bandana, and cotton is the easiest fabric to work with here. Silk and satin fabrics look great but can be more difficult to tie and hold in place.
Around the Neck
Beginner in the world of bandanas? No worries, this style is perfect for you. If you’re not ready to commit to a head bandana’s statements, a bandana scarf is a great first step. Literally, anyone can pull this look off.
Go simple and casual with your neck bandana by tying a knot in the front and letting the ends hang, or tie the knot behind your neck and leave the rest of the bandana loose to create a striking look. And this style isn’t just for everyday wear — you can also pair it with your suit as a bandana ascot for that perfect finishing touch.
Around the neck is one of the easiest ways to wear a bandana. The look suits just about any gent and works for casual and smart-casual occasions. To keep the appearance subtle, opt for a small bandana. Twist it, place it around your neck, and tie a knot at the front.
Alternatively, you can knot it at the back of your neck for a bolder look with a corner left loose at the front. Or, if your bandana is large enough, you may even be able to wear it as a scarf.
But, no matter how you wear it, be mindful of your bandana’s color. Choose bold hues like red to add excitement to otherwise neutral ensembles and softer tones for outfits that already contain color.
- Twist your bandana along its length
- Place it around your neck
- Tie a knot at the front (and leave the ends dangling free)
- Alternatively, you can wear your bandana knotted at the back with a corner loose at the front for a more edgy, cool vibe.
That’s not the only way to wear a bandana around your neck. You can wear larger bandanas as a scarf for a more everyday look if you don’t feel confident enough to wear one tied around your neck.
Around the Wrist
The wrist bandana is your style if you feel edgy and want to stand out. Add attitude to your ensemble while keeping your wrists warm in the colder months or wicking away moisture during the summer. Is there anything a bandana can’t do?
This look works best with darker bandanas with an eye-catching print – think black with white skulls — but in a pinch, your dark blue or green bandanas will look just as good. Alternatively, use bright hues like a red bandana to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit.
Remember to keep things messy to achieve that cool guy look.
Another simple yet stylish way to wear a men’s bandana is to wrap and tie it around your wrist. Doing so will add a subtle dose of attitude to any outfit. Perfect for edgy casual looks, wearing a bandana around the wrist projects an instant rockstar vibe.
As such, this look works best with darker bandanas and striking prints. For instance, a black bandana with white skulls will appear much more appropriate than a traditional red style with a paisley design.
Also, remember that a bandana around the wrist looks best when worn a little messy, so don’t get caught with yours perfectly folded and tied.
Around the Waist
It’s the perfect intro to the bandana trend — ease into things by letting them dangle from your belt or pocket. This is a great place to start if you’re not feeling bold about bandana-wearing.
There is no need to knot or tie anything — hook it into your belt or a pocket. Your bandana can be as subtle or dramatic as you want.
If you’re looking for a subtle way to incorporate a bandana into a casual outfit, wearing it from your waist makes an excellent option. When you wear a bandana near your face, such as on your head or around your neck, it instantly becomes a Fashion Accessories For Men.
But, when worn low from your waist, it can gently accent your outfit and provide a pop of color without appearing overly bold. You may also find wearing it from your waist much more comfortable and easy. After all, you only need to tuck it into a pocket, your belt, or waistband or tie it to a belt loop to attach it.
Wearing a bandana hanging from your waist is becoming popular as it’s easy to rock a bandana without looking over-styled. A bandana hanging from the waist can add a pop of color to your outfit and gives a less edgy vibe than wearing a bandana on your head.
Super easy to wear, tuck your men’s bandana into your waistband, belt, or pocket, or tie it around your belt loop. You can wear any fabric, style, or bandana color you want with this look to blend in or contrast with your pants and shirt.
As a Pocket Square
A simple men’s bandana can be incredibly versatile. You can even use it as a backup pocket square in a pinch. Perfect for smart-casual occasions, a bandana can easily be folded and placed in your jacket pocket for a quick and easy dapper touch.
To rock the look, select a bandana that matches your outfit. One with a pattern or bright hue will stand out, while subtle designs will blend in. Also, note the size and fabric weight of the bandana.
Ideally, you want the bandana thick enough to poke out of your pocket stylishly but small enough to avoid adding too much bulk. Ironing your bandana before using it as a pocket square to ensure a neat appearance is also essential.
We told you they were versatile. Who needs pocket squares when you’ve got bandanas on hand? They lend a surprisingly elegant look to your favorite suit while keeping things fresh and stylish.
We recommend sticking to silk or satin bandanas for this style to avoid bulky-looking pockets, but any thin bandana will do.
If your ensemble is busy, go bold with a red or yellow bandana, or keep things toned down. No matter what, you will show people you know your way around today’s fashion trends.
A men’s bandana can double up as a pocket square for smart-casual occasions, but don’t forget to iron it first! Nobody wants a creased, rumpled bandana poking out of their jacket pocket. Your bandana shouldn’t be too bulky for a pocket square, as it won’t sit neatly in your jacket pocket.
Choose a satin or silk material that’s nice and thin; fold it and place it in your pocket. You can keep things subtle so that your bandana blends with the rest of your outfit, or opt for a patterned style or bright color so that it contrasts.
Around Your Face as a Mask
You’ll feel as cool as a wild west cowboy in a bandana-print face mask! Remember playing cops and robbers as a child — and putting on a bandana for added effect? Now you can do it again, grown-up style. And this time, it’s about fashion and function.
Not only will you look awesome, but you’ll also be keeping yourself and others safe — which is also awesome.
Final Words
Men’s bandanas are the ultimate versatile accessory and are making a big comeback. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out to a casual date, hitting up a music festival, or adding style to your Sunday suit — the bandana has your back!
If you’re a woman who enjoys this bandana look but would like to learn more, read How to Wear a Bandana for Women.
