How to Wear a Bandana Every Way Possible

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Vehicle Transportation Automobile Car Hat Human Person Coat and Overcoat
Melodie Jeng

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you’re wondering how to wear a bandana in a number of different ways, look no further than the women below who have perfected the art of turning the humble accessory into a quietly chic fashion statement.

YSense 14-Piece Bandana Set

Showing us how to wear a bandana has been done by everyone from historical icons like Rosie the Riveter to modern-day faves like Kendall Jenner; the kerchief has appeared on the runway at Alexander Wang and popped up season after season in street style. 

Oleander-Print Bandana

BP Tie-Dye Bandana

Part of its appeal is that it can be worn in so many different ways: around the neck with the tails long, wrapped around the handle of a bag, as a headband. Just avoid wearing it as a face mask to protect against COVID-19, as its efficacy has been proven subpar. But as an accessory, it’s always in style, so keep reading for inspiration on how to wear yours. 

How to wear a bandana around your neck

Whether you tie it with the point in front, fold the whole thing to make a choker, or wrap an oversized version like a scarf, wearing a bandana around your neck is both classic and incredibly chic.

Getty

Claudio Lavenia

No, letting the bandana’s point take center stage isn’t just for cowboys. Try styling yours this way to add a little extra something to jeans and a tee. 

Getty

Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images

Wrapping a bandana around your neck and letting the knot hang out on the side is effortlessly chic. 

Getty

Edward Berthelot

Don’t be afraid to mix prints with your bandana. 

Getty

Melodie Jeng

Skip the necklace and try wrapping a bandana around your neck, choker-style. 

Getty

Christian Vierig

This bandana tie shows both the point and the knot. A little French, non

Getty

Edward Berthelot

Another choker-style bandana, though she gets extra points for matching it to her bag. 

Getty

Kirstin Sinclair

This spangly bandana adds some fun to a tee and blazer. 

Getty

Edward Berthelot

Knotting it in front and letting the ends hang out isn’t only easy but looks incredibly modern. 

Getty

Claudio Lavenia

Don’t sleep on the oversized bandana!

How to wear a bandana in your hair

Tie it like a headband, a head wrap, or a ponytail holder; there are seemingly endless ways to wear a bandana on your head. 

Getty

Edward Berthelot

Tying your bandana in the back adds some drama to any outfit. 

Getty

Timur Emek

It also looks particularly chic with Breton stripes and classic gold hoops. 

Getty

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Use your bandana to tie your ponytail—so cute!

Getty

Edward Berthelot

Getty

Claudio Lavenia

A stylish way to wear a bandana. 

Getty

Mauricio Santana

Tie a bandana like a headband, with the knot in front. 

How to wear a bandana like a shirt 

Getty

Daniel Zuchnik

Hi, is it summer yet?

How to wear a bandana on your bag

Getty

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

It’s the accessory trend that just won’t quit. If you need something to spruce up your bag, tie a bandana to the handle. You can switch it out with different scarves depending on your mood or outfit.

How to wear a bandana as a belt

Daniel Zuchnik

Find an extra-large bandana—or tie a few together—and fashion it into a belt to wear with your favorite jeans.