This browser is no longer supported.
How to Tie a Bandana
Bandanas have been around since ancient times, making them the ultimate timeless accessory. They have been worn for centuries for both practical and fashionable reasons. From ancient grecians wearing bandanas in their hair to savvy citizens wearing bandanas as makeshift face masks during the 2020 pandemic, humans have loved bandanas forever! These insanely versatile kerchiefs can be worn in limitless ways. All you need to know is how to tie your bandana. Don't worry. In this article we will share with you how to wear a bandana, the many different ways to tie them, and more!
In This Article:
What is a Bandana?
The word bandana comes from the Hindi word 'bāndhnā,' which means "to tie." This is fitting, because that is exactly what you do with a bandana. A bandana is a flat, square piece of fabric that can be tied many different ways, including on the head, in the hair, around the neck and more. Bandanas are most commonly a 20" square, but they are also available in larger sizes to allow for easier tying and more versatile styling options.
Step 1: The Magic Triangle
While bandanas can be tied in seemingly endless ways, most styles start out the same way: by making the "magic triangle." It is simple to create the magic triangle: all you need to do is fold the square bandana in half diagonally. When tying some styles, you will create a "perfect triangle" by meeting the two opposite corners. However, when working with a bandana, some tying styles require you to create and "off-set triangle" by leaving a bit of space (about 2" or so) between the opposite corners to give you more room for tying.
Now that you know how to make your magic triangle, it's time to start tying and wearing your bandana!
Different Ways to Tie a Bandana
In this video, you will be shown eight mind-blowing ways you can wear a bandana that will (surprise, surprise) blow your mind. Or at least, give you a couple of ideas.
Featured in Video: 100% Cotton Large Batik Bandana ; Cardani Bad Hair Day Baseball Cap ; Basic Brim Bucket Hat ; Cardani Classic Bucket Hat
Since the invention of the bandana, people have worn them in their hair. Why? Because it looks good, that’s why. What we have here are a couple of methods, and alternative methods, for some cute bandana hairstyles.
Bandana Hairstyle 1: Hair Wrap
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Batik Bandana
We'll start with the headwrap.
- First, start with a perfect magic triangle by grabbing 2 opposite corners of the square bandana and fold them together to make a triangle.
- Then, you’ll take the folded edge of the triangle and place it along your hairline.
- Lastly, you’ll take the 2 ends of the triangle and tie the ends into a double knot underneath your hair. Adjust as needed.
(Note: if you have hair, take the folded edge of the triangle, and fold it about 2 inches in towards the point for a better look).
The alternative method is to follow the same steps, except instead of tying the two ends underneath the hair, tie them over the hair.
Bandana Hairstyles 2: Headband
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Batik Bandana
Moving onto the bandana headband, which is a truly classic hairstyle you can create with a bandana.
- Make a perfect magic triangle by taking the two opposite ends of the bandana and then fold it in half diagonally.
- Take the point of the triangle and fold the bandana in sections all the way towards the folded edge.
- Once folded, place the bandana in your hair with the ends at the top of the head.
- Then take the two long ends and tie them on top of your head, double knotting it.
- Alternatively, you can center the folded bandana at the top of your head and take the two long ends and double knot them underneath your hair for a slightly different look.
While bandanas look great in your hair, they also look great around your neck. Try out these 2 methods to really spice up your outfit.
Style 1: Neckerchief
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Batik Bandana
The first method to style a bandana around your neck is the neckerchief. This is one of the most classic looks you can create with a bandana.
- Grab 2 opposite corners of the bandana and fold them together to make a perfect magic triangle.
- Then take 2 ends of the bandana (on the folded edge side) and wrap them around your neck.
- Double knot the ends.
Style 2: Necklace
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Batik Bandana
The second method to tie a bandana around your neck is the Necklace style.
- Make the perfect magic triangle.
- From the point of the triangle, fold in small sections towards the folded edge of the triangle to roll up the bandana into a tube.
- Tie the rolled up bandana in a knot in the center of the bandana.
- Then take the ends of the bandana and double knot it around your neck.
Bandana Hat: Accessorizing Headwear with A Bandana
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Batik Bandana ; Basic Brim Bucket Hat
Bandanas have the ability to compliment just about any hat you have. If you decide to wear them on your hat, such as a sun hat, it can provide a more fun and colorful look.
- First, we'll put it on a sun hat, bucket hat, or turban.
- Grab 2 opposite corners of the bandana and fold them together to make a perfect magic triangle.
- Then, starting at the folded edge, fold it all the way towards the point until it’s completely rolled up.
- Finally, take the 2 ends of the bandana and wrap them around the brim of the hat then double knot the ends. You can adjust the knot anyway you’d like.
Next, we'll wear under a hat. Just tie your basic headwrap; here we will use the method of tying it over your hair. Then you just put on your hat, and then you’re done!
How to Tie a Bandana on Your Head
A bandana is not only a fashionable accessory—it is also an excellent headcovering during hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy, cancer, radiation, alopecia, aging, or any other reason, a bandana can be a great solution. Not only are they comfortable and lightweight, they are also convenient, affordable, and cute. Additionally, you can wear your bandana under summer hats that do not provide full head coverage on their own, such as baseball caps and fedoras. They also make adorable decorative accessories when paired with your cancer hats.
This video will show you 2 stylish ways to wear a headwrap bandana that will provide full head coverage, turning your bandana into a cool and practical chemo headwrap.
Featured in Video: 100% Cotton Large Tie Dye Bandana ; Meridian Beanie
Tying a Bandana on Your Head Method 1: Tucked Under
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Tie Dye Bandana
In this look, the tail of the bandana is ticked in. Styling a bandana on your head in this way ensures a secure headwrap that provides total coverage to the head.
- Fold the bandana diagonally into an off-set magic triangle by staggering the 2 opposite corners of the bandana about an inch or 2 apart. This is so you can have more of the bandana to work with.
- Next, take the folded edge and place it along your hairline.
- Tie the double knot over the tail to create a tucked-in headwrap look.
Tying a Bandana on Your Head Method 2: Laid Back
Pictured: 100% Cotton Large Tie Dye Bandana
In this look, the tail of the bandana is loose. This method of tying a bandana a bandana on your head creates a more traditional, laid back look.
- Fold the bandana in half diagonally to create an off-set magic triangle. Stagger the two points about 2 inches apart.
- Place the long folded edge along your hair line
- Tie a double knot under the tail and adjust as needed.
Bonus: Wear Your Bandana Under a Sun Hat or Ball Cap
Life hack! Either one of these methods for tying a bandana on the head can be used to add total head coverage to your favorite sun hat or baseball cap.
Check out our infographic below to help you tie a bandana on your head in two different ways in a snap!
When searching for the best bandana to tie, there are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Size of the Bandana: It's important to remember that every bit of fabric makes a difference when you're tying your bandana. A bandana with some extra fabric will make tying much more simple, as well as allow you to create more versatile styles. Our 100% cotton bandana is a great option because it’s a 22" square, meaning it has an additional 2" of fabric on either side compared to a traditional 20" square bandana. It is especially ideal for those trying to tie a bandana on the head because it will easily provide full head coverage.
- Type of Fabric: Fabric type also makes a difference when it comes to tying. The easiest type of fabric to tie is cotton, because it is less slippery on the head. The cotton on our headcovers bandanas is also incredibly soft and lightweight, making these bandanas super comfortable.
This is why we highly recommend our bananas for tying.
Find Our Large 100% Cotton Bandanas Here:
If you love the look of bandanas but tying a bandana still seems a little daunting, a pre-tied bandana might be the perfect solution for you. Our Padded Carol Scarf—named after our founder Carol as it was her favorite headcovering during her own chemo treatments—is an easy-to-style triangular pre-tied scarf. You can tie this scarf in many of the same ways you can tie a regular bandana, but the first step of creating the "magic triangle" is already done for you. Their main purpose is convenience for the person. All you have to do is tie the ends together, and you’re ready to go! This is a huge time-saver and makes wearing your bandana that much more simple! Additionally, for a more flattering look these pre-styled bandanas are lightly padded on the edge, which add a softness to the skin, and a fullness to the hairline when worn on the head.
Bandanas are available in enough colors and patterns that even the pickiest person wouldn’t have any trouble finding a bandana that suits their personal style. Each print will give a different look, and the overall appearance will depend on how the bandana is tied. Some of these patterns include:
- Tie dye bandanas and Batik bandanas, which are handmade and have a boho, 60’s-inspired look.
- Hand-printed and stamped bandanas, which are made using the traditional technique for printing bandanas. Many of these bandanas are made using the ancient art of woodblock stamping, a traditional printing methods that using hand-carved blocks to stamp fabric with unique designs. These bandanas may come in a floral, paisley, or abstract design.
- Paisley bandanas, which, of course, is the classic pattern that has been around since the 1700’s. When you think of a bandana, you are probably thinking of a classic paisley print.
- Solid color bandanas: If you don't want a printed fabric, bandanas are also available in solid colors for every color of the rainbow.
Bandana Fabrics
Similar to the variety of colors and patterns, bandanas are also available in a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, silk, and satin. Every fabric has its own set of pros and cons. This includes certain aesthetic reasons, or certain qualities that are unique to those specific materials.
Cotton is a soft, lightweight material that is 100% natural, making it hypoallergenic. It is also the easiest type of bandana to tie. Cotton bandanas are typically available at an affordable price point. Shop cotton bandanas.
Like cotton, silk is a natural fiber that is hypoallergenic. It retains the natural moisture of your skin and hair, so it won't dry out your skin. Silk is soft and smooth, and has an elegant glossy-shine. However, it is so smooth that is sometimes a little more difficult to tie than other fabrics. Additionally, it is more expensive than other materials.
Satin gives a similar look to silk at a lower price point. Satin gives a beautiful, sheeny shine and feels soft on the skin. It is also more resistant to wrinkles than other types of fabrics. However, unlike cotton and silk, satin is usually not made from natural materials, and instead is most often made from 100% polyester. This makes it less breathable than silk and cotton. Additionally, satin is a little bit slippery, making tying slightly more difficult.
Pre-tied bandanas made from viscose are silky-soft to the touch while still being super easy to style. They also feel cool on the skin, regular temperature, and offer a nice stretch. Shop the Instant Tie Viscose Bandana.
Alright, it's time to (head) wrap this up (I'm sorry, we couldn't resist!). We hope we were able to bestow upon you some mind-expanding techniques that you never knew could ever exist; or, at least, inspire a new look for you. There are many great uses a bandana has. You can wear it around as a headwrap, a headband, a neckerchief, and many other ways. It’s great to spice up any headwear or outfit you may have. How will you be wearing your bandana? Let us know in the comments below! Happy tying!
Comments, Questions & Ratings
Add a comment. Post a rating. Leave your comments.