How Do I Wear a Bandana? – 3 Cool Ideas (with photos)

The bandana has come a long way from the rugged land of the old American West.  This practical cloth was an important accessory carried by men crossing the plains to keep dust out of the nose and mouth.  It is also an essential prop used by almost every western movie as a quick disguise during an impromptu bank hold-up.

Today the bandana is a great fashion accessory for men, women, and even pets!  Here are three fundamental ways to wear a bandana.

How to Wear a Bandana – Basic Headband

(Pictured above:)

1. You will need to start with a square bandana that is large enough to tie around the circumference of your head. Lay the bandana on a flat surface and smooth out the wrinkles.
2. Fold the square bandana into a triangle by bringing one corner of the bandana to the opposite corner.
3. With the point of the triangle facing away from you, grasp the long end of the bandana and fold it in a two-inch strip toward the point of the triangle.
4. Continue folding in this manner until you reach the point.
5. Carefully pick up the rolled bandana, place it around your forehead from front to back and tie the ends behind your head.
6. Note: You can make a thinner or wider headband by adjusting the size of the initial fold.

How to Wear a Head Bandana – “Pirate Style”

1. Fold a square bandana into a triangle by bringing one corner of the bandana to the opposite corner.
2. With the point of the triangle facing toward the back of your head, take hold of each end of the long side of the triangle.   Center the bandana over your forehead and drape it over your head.  The point should be pointing downward at the back of your head.  You should still be holding each end of the long end of the triangle.
3. Pull the ends that you are still grasping behind your head and tie them in a knot.
4. If the pointing end of the triangle is sticking out, tuck it beneath the knot.

How to Wear a Bandana – Hairband

The hairband bandana is folded similarly to the headband but tied a little differently.  After the bandana is folded, hold the two ends in your hands and place the middle portion of the folded bandana at the nape of your neck under your hair.  Pull forward to the top of your head and tie.