After making a huge comeback in the last few years, bandanas have become one of the most reliable and versatile of all fashion accessories – for both men and women, in high fashion and casual attire.

Do you doubt it? Well, then, just consider that you can in fact (if you were so inclined) purchase a cashmere-and-silk version of the bandana from Saint Laurent for $645. That’s undeniable proof that the bandana has arrived as a fashion accessory and fashion statement. Bandanas are no longer just for cowboys and blue-collar workers.

No matter the occasion or what you’re wearing, you can depend on a bandana to provide some stylish flair. Truly, if you own a few bandanas, you have an extended wardrobe.

Here in this bandana style guide, we’ll tell you what you need to know about the popular bandana picks for every occasion.

Most Popular Bandana Styles for Every Occasion

So let’s get right into the best and most popular bandana styles for every occasion . . .

Headband

Today the classic headband style imparts a bold, rock-and-roll look. It is, after, all a favorite of rock and hip-hop artists, so is a great way to make a style statement. The headband is a great style for those with longer hair. Give it a try the next time you attend a festival or concert.

First, you need to choose the right bandana. If you don’t want to make too bold a statement, select a bandana in a neutral color. But if you really want to go for it, choose a vibrant hue or loud pattern. You can pair the headband with casual and cool streetwear.

Once you selected your bandana, lay it flat on a hard surface and fold it lengthways multiple times until you have a band of the desired width. Then place it around your head above the ears and tie in the back. Or for a more rakish look, tie it on the side or in front.

Around Your Neck

This is one of the easiest and most fashionably effective ways to wear a bandana. It’s a look that anyone can pull off and is suitable for both casual and smart casual occasions.

For this style, just roll the bandana up, place it around your neck, and knot it in the front. Or for a bolder look, tie the ends of the bandana at the back with a corner hanging loose in the front, or knot it at the side of your neck.

No matter how you choose to wear your bandana around your neck, be sure you choose the appropriate color. It’s best to use a bandana with softer tones when your outfit already shows color. But you’ll want to use bolder colors like a red bandana with a fairly neutral ensemble.

Around Your Wrist

And here’s another simple but stylish way to wear a bandana. And that is to just wrap it and tie it around your wrist. This style will add a subtle color accent with a little attitude to almost any outfit.

This bandana style typically works best with darker colors and striking prints. For example, a black bandana with skulls would work much better than, say, a traditional red paisley pattern. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want a bandana around your wrist to look too neat, that is, perfectly folded and tied. It just needs to be a little messy to achieve the right effect.

Hanging From Your Waist

Wearing a bandana hanging from your waist is an even subtler way to use a bandana with a casual outfit. Unlike wearing a bandana around your head or neck, which makes it a statement accessory, wearing one at your waist makes it more of a subtle accent that isn’t overly bold.

Wearing a bandana at the waist is also more comfortable for most people. You can tie the bandana to a belt loop, run it through your belt, or just let it hang from a pocket. It’s all good.

And here are a few bandana styles especially for the ladies . . .

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.

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.

For a helpful demonstration on how to fold and tie a bandana for these various styles, check out the video below . . .

How to Choose the Right Bandana Style for an Occasion

Of course, a bandana wouldn’t be suitable for a fully formal occasion, but it can do almost everything 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 a camo bandana. 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.

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.