Neck gaiters (or tubular bandanas) have been popular with outdoor enthusiasts for a long time. But now many more people have caught on to the fashionable, highly versatile neck gaiter.

This simple tube of fabric has more uses than you can imagine. Once seen primarily on ski slopes and hiking trails, the versatile neck gaiter is now appearing nearly everywhere.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about neck gaiters, but especially how to stay warm and stylish this winter with a neck gaiter bandana.

What Is a Neck Gaiter?

A neck gaiter is simply a tube of fabric worn around the neck (mostly). Traditionally, they were most commonly worn as neck warmers for skiing, but they have a variety of uses, even for warm-weather activities.

So a neck gaiter is just a tube of fabric that you can pull over your head so that it sits loosely and scrunched up around your neck. You can also pull it up over your mouth and nose (much like a ski mask) for even more protection from the cold.

But you can also use neck gaiters to stay cooler during hot weather and, when worn over the nose and mouth, as protection against dust and pollen. It’s important, then, that you choose your neck gaiter according to its intended use.

Neck gaiters are typically made from synthetic fabrics, often polyester like this Hot Orange All Over Paisley Tube Headband. The synthetic fabric affords the necessary stretchiness, as well as the ability to keep wearers warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.

A neck gaiter can also do other things such as . . .

• Offering UV protection for your neck and face
• Blocking wind
• Providing protection against snow and rain
• Wicking away moisture when you perspire

And neck gaiters are compact and very light. So it’s no trouble to carry an extra one (or several) in your pocket or backpack. That way, you’ll always have extras when you need them.

Why Wear a Neck Gaiter in the Winter?

Why should you wear a neck gaiter in the winter? A better question would be: Why not wear a neck gaiter in the winter?

Neck gaiters are great as neck warmers. That’s why they are so popular among skiers, hunters, snowboarders, and most other winter outdoor enthusiasts.

But they aren’t just for outside warming. A neck gaiter can help you stay warm in your cold office building or in the movie theater where the air conditioning is at freezer level (and we’ve all been there).

The chief benefit of neck gaiter in cold weather is that it prevents or cuts down on the chimney effect. As you know warm air rises. So without something to stop it, the body you’re trying to keep in with your shirt and coat will rise and escape upward past the collar. The neck gaiter seals this body-heat escape route, keeping the heat where you want it so that you stay much warmer.

And neck gaiters come in an array of colors and prints so that you’ll have no trouble finding one to meet your fashion style and preferences. Consider these possibilities . . .

• Kelly Green Tie Dye
• Navy Blue Solid Tube Headband
• Liberty Flag Tube Headband
• Grape All Over Paisley
• Brown Plaid Tube Headband

How to Choose a Neck Gaiter

Typically, neck gaiters come in sizes between 8 inches and 10 inches wide. This width allows them to easily slip over your head, but also stay snug against your neck (and nose and face when pulled up). Their height/length varies on intended use, varying from 12 to 21 inches. Usually, cold-weather gaiters are shorter than the lighter-weight warm-weather options.

Generally, neck gaiters take a one-size-fits-all approach because they do stretch. For most people, this works out perfectly fine, but you may want to take some measurements to make sure the neck gaiter you’re considering will fit properly.

Really, though, there’s no hard-and-fast rule about how to wear a neck gaiter and no right or wrong approach to sizing. Do what works for you in this regard.

Neck gaiters, as we’ve pointed out, are intended to be highly multifunctional, but you do need to take into account what you’ll be using yours for. So think about what fabric and weight will best suit your purposes.

For example, if you spend a lot of time on the lake during the height of summer, you’ll want a lightweight gaiter with a high UPF rating. But if outdoor winter activities are your thing, you’ll want a heavier gaiter that can keep you warm and ward off wind and snow.

More Neck Gaiter Uses

Neck gaiters can do a lot more than keep you warm or cool. Consider these possible uses . . .

• Emergency arm sling
• Emergency pressure bandage or tourniquet
• Support for sprained wrist or ankle
• Makeshift backpack strap
• A tie to carry items outside your bag or backpack
• A cable organizer
• Substitute face mask
• Emergency tent guy line

Where to Get Your Quality, Affordable Neck Gaiters

Really, there’s no good reason not to own a neck gaiter or twelve.

Get yours at the bandana source that offers both quality neck gaiters and great prices coupled with superior customer service – Bandana.com?

Here at Bandana.com, we offer a wide selection of all kinds of winter apparel. You can get more information about us here.