How to Tie a Bandana

Bandanas have been around for centuries, and have done a lot of morphing during that time. Originally stemming from the Hindi word bandhna, meaning "to tie," bandanas first gained popularity in India as colorful handkerchiefs used to wipe sweat or cover the face and head in hot, dusty environments. As time passed, bandanas made their way to the West, where they became fan favorites among cowboys and soldiers.

Today, bandanas have transformed from just a functional accessory into a bold statement piece that can elevate even the simplest outfit. Whether worn on the head or around the neck, a bandana has a peculiar way of exuding confidence and a sense of style. My best part? It’s genderless! 

So, whether you’re a man or a woman, I’ll show you different ways to tie a bandana.

Here are bandana tying techniques that are cute and effortless.

How to Tie a Bandana on Your Head

1. The Headband Style

This is a clean, polished look perfect for everyday wear or when you want your hair out of your face.

How to tie a bandana the headband way:

• Start by rolling your bandana into a long, even strip.
• Place the center of the strip just above your hairline.
• Bring the ends around your head, going over your ears.
• Tie the ends under your hair, at the nape of your neck.
• The bandana forms a full circle around your head, much like a hairband.

Style tip: Tuck the knot underneath your hair for a seamless finish, or let a bit peek through for a casual edge.

Watch the video

2. The Pirate Bandana

The pirate bandana tying technique is bold and a little rebellious. It gives that serious-cool vibes and is great for streetwear, males and females alike.

Here’s how to tie a bandana like a gangster or pirate:

• Fold your bandana into a triangle.
• Place the long edge of the triangle across your forehead, just above the eyebrows.
• Let the pointed end hang down toward the back.
• Tie the two ends at the back of your head, over the point.
• Bring out some hair out the sides for a more adorable look. Some child-like innocence.

This bandana tying technique is great for beach days, bad hair days, or when you just want to make a statement.

Watch the video

3. The Parisian Style

• Fold your bandana into a triangle.
• Place the triangle over your head so that the point drapes down the back.
• Tie the two ends under your chin slightly off to the side—don’t center it!
• Adjust the ends to sit neatly.

Watch the video

4. Pirate Style with Braids

• Fold a bandana diagonally, just a third of the way. Place it on your head like the pirate bandana style.
• Twist the ends at the back of your head.
• Take each end and braid it with your hair.
• Let both ends drop on either side of your neck or tuck one behind. It's a fun and casual look that'll draw compliments and get your friends asking how you did it.

Credit: Sophiaesperanza

5. How to Wear a Bandana (a Twist to the Pirate Style)

• Fold your square bandana diagonally, about a third of the way.
• Place the bandana over your head just as you would in the pirate bandana technique..
• Tie the ends at the back of your head.
• Create a half-up up half-down messy bun, leaving some face-framing pieces loose.

This bandana tying technique is cute and wild at the same time.

Watch the video

Bandana Tying Technique Using a Large Scarf

6. The Asymmetrical Twist Bun

If you have a large, airy scarf, you can tie it bandana style using the asymmetrical twist bun.

• Make a low bun with your hair at the nape of your neck.
• Place the center of the scarf across the front of your hairline, letting the ends hang evenly on both sides.
• Twist the two ends together under your bun once, then bring them back up and tie them over the bun.
• Twist the remaining ends together and pin them to one side of your head for an off-center finish.

 Watch the video

7. Bandana Twist Bun

Another way to wear a large scarf as a bandana is to braid it into your hair.

• Fold a long scarf in half, lengthwise. 
• Wrap it around your hair like a headband and then tie it at the back. 
• Braid the two ends loosely.
• Then tuck the braid through a groove to secure.

Watch the video

How to Tie a Bandana Neckerchief

There are several ways to tie a bandana on the neck, and my all-time favorite is the classic neck wrap. But I also love the Half-Windsor because of the creativity and complexity behind it.

8. The Classic Neck Bandana

• Lay your bandana flat and fold it in half diagonally so the two opposite corners meet, forming a triangle.
• Grab the two ends that are furthest apart (the long ends of the triangle).
• Wrap them around your neck so the triangle rests on your chest, pointing down.
• Tie the ends in a small knot either at the front, side, or tucked underneath for a clean finish.

The neckerchief is my favorite way to wear a bandana as it’s quite simple, elegant, and a bit more conventional and less rebellious than the pirate style.

9. The Half Windsor-Inspired Knot

This bandana tying technique works great for men, but it’s just as gorgeous for ladies.

How to tie a men’s bandana scarf (neckerchief style):

• Lay your bandana flat in a square.
• Fold one corner into the center.
• Fold the opposite corner in as well so they meet in the middle. This will make it look cleaner and tapered.
• Roll the folded bandana into a long strip from one end to the other.
• Drape it around your neck, with one end hanging lower than the other (just like you would when starting a tie).
• Cross the longer end over the shorter one.
• Loop it up and under the neck opening, then bring it down through the loop you just created (like a Half Windsor).
• Tighten and adjust the knot to sit neatly at your desired height.

Watch the video

10. The Simple Slip Knot

This is more or less like the half-windsor. The looks aren’t far apart, either. But if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, it’s worth a shot.

• Roll your bandana into a long strip.
• Drape it around your neck, letting one end hang slightly lower than the other.
• Create a loose, open knot on the longer end (just a simple overhand knot, don’t pull it tight).
• Take the shorter end and slip it through the loop of that knot.
• Adjust the knot for comfort.

Pro Tips

In my experience, it's usually more comfortable to use vintage bandanas made of cotton and silk as the fabric is breathable, soft, and less likely to slip out of place. Unlike their polyester and satin counterparts. And at Ichcha, we want everyone to experience that same level of comfort.

Our cotton-silk bandanas offer the best of both worlds: silk lends that exceptionally smooth luxury feel, while the cotton offers optimal breathability and slip-resistance. We made them through a completely eco-conscious process, from the natural fabric to the dyeing and printing. So if you fancy the earthy charm of vintage bandanas, take a peek at our shop. We trust you’ll find something you love.

Shop Ichcha now.