The bandana is experiencing a huge resurgence as a must-have, go-to fashion accessory. In fact, one 2022 trends report found that along with cargo pants and wide-legged jeans bandanas were at the top of the fashion comeback list, with nearly a 50% increase in online searches year-on-year.

But what can we attribute this impressive resurgence to? After all, the bandana as a hair accessory hit its popularity zenith in the 1990s and then nearly faded away as such? Well, you can thank TikTok in large part.

“A go-to ’90s hair accessory is making a major comeback, thanks to the coolest teens on the internet. No, the trend isn’t colorful barrette hair clips or giant puffed headbands, but bandanas. Bandanas are gaining popularity on TikTok, and a particular way of wearing the hair accessory has recently infiltrated teen culture. Sporting bandanas in a tri-fold style is making a comeback after disappearing in the early 2000s.”

You just can’t deny that the bandana imparts a timeless look and can be worn just about anywhere and for any occasion. Whether you want to spice up your outfit for a special occasion or want your own iconic, everyday look, the bandana is up for the job.

Bandanas as a Fashion Statement

Bandanas have a nearly 300-year history in this county, so they are certainly not a new fashion accessory for women (and men.)

Bandanas “have been around since the late 1800s, when they were commonly worn by cowboys and soldiers. Bandanas were also popularized by rebel groups in Latin America and Africa, from the Rastafarians to the Mau-Mau. These days, bandanas are catching on with fashionable women who want an edgy . . . look.

“Women who wear bandanas typically pair them with bikini tops or tank tops that reveal skin, such as at a beach club or at a music festival. The look is also appropriate for street festivals.

“Fashionistas can also wear bandanas during the day as a fashion statement. You can wear them with skirts, trousers, jumpsuits, and shorts that are cropped or knee-length. You can wear bandanas with polo shirts or t-shirts during warmer weather, especially in the evening when you are going out on a date.”

Versatility of Bandanas

Bandanas, then, are eminently versatile as a fashion accessory. Although they may not be suitable for for-blown formal occasions, they work well for anything else, for example . . .

Casual Occasions

Bandanas make fantastic accessories for almost all casual events and settings. They are suitable for any season and can be used to complement a wide variety of outfits and styles.

If, for example, you’re going for a laid-back look, you can wear a light cotton bandana in any of the more traditional patterns such as classic solid colors or paisley, or you can even try camo. For these relaxed, informal occasions, you can choose from among several ways to wear your bandana (which we’ll show you below). And a bandana will work with just about any kind of casual wear, from jeans to sneakers to T-shirts, allowing you to keep it casual and confident.

Smart Casual Occasions

Bandanas also make great accessories for smart casual occasions and settings. “Smart casual” simply means snappy and tidy but not overly dressy – sort of a step up from purely casual but still far from dressy and more formal.

So don’t neglect to add a bandana as an accessory/complement for your smart casual occasions. A bandana will work well with, say, a white shirt or chinos, helping you achieve a playful yet slightly polished look.

Keep in mind here that you don’t want to look underdressed. A good choice, then, is a bold-colored bandana combined with neutral colors in the rest of your outfit for a stylish look that exudes a sense of balance.

Bandanas in Today’s Fashion

Today, unisex fashion accessories are exploding in popularity. And that’s on reason why bandanas are so hot right now.

Gender boundaries are becoming more and more blurred (if not erased entirely). So bandanas are emerging as a hot trend. They are being “snapped up by fashion followers of all genders to lift their looks with a rock ‘n’ roll touch or a country twist that makes all the difference.”

But there’s more to the bandana’s fashion resurgence . . .

“If the first rule of fashion is that all trends are cyclical,  the second is that no classic is too classic to be turned on its ear now and again – assigned to a different body part, given new meaning, deconstructed, embellished with all kinds of whatsits. The humble cotton [bandana] is the latest Americana artifact to undergo such a renaissance.”

Personalizing Your Style With Bandanas

Here, then, are some truly great bandana-fashion options for the ladies . . .

Classic Headband

Bandanas are eminently suited for wearing as stylish headbands. It’s and easy look to pull off and a great way to keep your hair away from your face while avoiding the discomfort that other kinds of headbands often present.

To rock the classic headband look, begin by folding your bandana in half, and then fold it in half again and again until you have a thin band. This band can be anywhere from one to three inches wide – it’s totally up to you, though thinner is typically more popular. Then place the middle of the bandana band in the middle of your forehead just below the hairline and tie the ends at the back of your head. This is a versatile bandana style that lends itself to almost any casual occasion and complements any outfit non-formal outfit.

Tied-in-Front Headband

 A quirky twist on the classic headband, the tied-in-front headband style adds extra spunk and sassiness to the standard headband look. Just fold your bandana repeatedly until you have a band (as with the classic headband) and then place it around your head and tie it in the front instead of the back.

If you don’t like the ends sticking up in the middle of your forehead, you can tuck them into the band to create a larger-looking knot. This is a great style for informal outings and casual occasions.

Ponytail

The ponytail is a classic hair-do, but adding a bandana gives it extra spice and attractiveness. And it’s very easy to pull off. After you’ve got your ponytail ready, just tie a bandana around it in whatever way best suits your personal preference and style. Then you’re ready to go to dinner, a movie, or even on a date.

Kerchief

Wearing your bandana kerchief style offers a quaint housewife look, something like Cinderella doing housework. It’s a great look for lazy weekends or a backyard cookout.

For this look, fold your bandana so as to form a triangle. Then fold a small strip of the base of the triangle over itself a couple of times and tie the ends. Place it toward the back of your head and tie the ends together under your hair.

Bandana Bun

The bandana bun is a great option when you’re running short on time or just don’t want to bother with an elaborate hairstyle. You can just put your hair in a bun and secure it with your bandana – and people will never know that it was so easy and effortless.

To achieve this look, begin by folding your bandana in half several times until you have a band (as you did with the headband). Then simply tie the band thus formed around the bun to hold it in place. It’s an attractive look you can achieve with little time and effort.

Cowgirl Look

For a little Western flair, try the bandana cowgirl look. This too is a classic look you can see in movies and still on cowgirls and cowboys today, one that guides the eyes of anyone looking at you to your face.

For the cowgirl look, just fold your bandana in half to form a triangle. Place it around your neck and then tie the ends at the back of your neck. Besides giving you that Western vibe, this style is also the perfect complement to a low-cut dress or shirt.

Parisian Look

If you’re a little more adventurous and want something with a European flavor, this is the bandana style for you. Tying a bandana around your neck is a great way to add some flair to any outfit.

Begin by folding your bandana in half a few times as you did for the headband and/or the bun. Then place it around your neck and tie the ends, either in the back to hide them or in front for more boldness. Tying the bandana tighter for a choker effect gives the appearance of a statement necklace.

And on Your Bag

But maybe you don’t want to wear your bandana on your person. You still have a bandana fashion option in this case – tying it to your backpack, purse, or bag. Doing so adds some spice and an accent to your ensemble, and it’s a very popular look.

Your Source for Quality, Affordable Bandanas

So if you want to elevate your style with one of the hottest fashion accessories, get yourself some bandanas.

If you have an assortment you can experiment with colors and patterns and more styles. With all that’s available today, you’ll be limited only by your imagination.

And when you’re ready to purchase your bandanas, why not go to the bandana source known for quality products and great prices coupled with superior customer service – Bandana.com?

That’s a winning combination.