Okay, so we probably won’t admit it or even acknowledge it . . . but it’s true nonetheless. And just what is “it”?

Well, it’s the fact that guys (most of us anyway) really are concerned about fashion, about looking good, about being (or at least appearing) cool. We usually deny it, but it remains a fact.

Not you, you say?

Well, consider that most of us guys always check ourselves out when we pass a mirror. We really do care about the way we look.

With that in mind, we offer these 5 ways cool ways how to style a bandana. Check them out – you just may find something you’d like to try.

When to Wear a Bandana

First, though, let’s consider when you can and should wear bandanas as cool fashion accessories. Basically, it’s any time it’s not a fully formal occasion or gathering. But here’s where bandanas really shine.

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 cool ways to wear bandanas (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.

5 Ways to Wear a Bandana

Now, we come to actual ways how to style a bandana, particularly for guys who want to look covertly fashionable . . .

1. Around Your Neck

This is a favorite way to wear a bandana with a long history that goes back to the cattle drives of the nineteenth century. And it can work well for all bandana-suitable occasions and outfits. Here are a couple of your options for around-the-neck bandanas . . .

Twist or roll your bandana into a tube. Then place it around your neck and knot it in the front. Or you can fold your bandana into a triangle, place the point of the triangle at the front of your neck, and then knot it in the back.

And, as, we mentioned above, pay attention to color, making sure your bandana’s color accents or complements the rest of your outfit. For example, bold colors like a bright red work well with neutral ensembles and soft tones to add a touch of vibrancy and excitement.

2. Around Your Wrist

This is a simple and easy way to wear a bandana that adds a touch of edgy attitude. It may not be for everyone, but it can indeed serve to make the wearer appear just a tad rebellious and casually fashionable.

Just keep in mind that for this look, you should choose a darker-colored bandana or one with a bold, striking pattern/print, rather than subdued colors or more traditional designs like paisley.

Also, to achieve just the right effect with a bandana around your wrist, you don’t want it to look too calculated or too neat. So for that just-right, slightly messy look, don’t fold or tie the bandana too neatly.

3. Around Your Head

This is a style that has been a favorite in the music industry for quite a while, especially among rappers and hip-hop artists and, of course, with the venerable Keith Richards. It works particularly well for guys with longer hair who want to make a bold statement.

Again, make sure the color and pattern serve accent/complement the rest of what you wear. Then start by laying the bandana on a flat and fold it multiple times until you have a long band maybe two inches wide. Place the middle of the band in the center of your forehead and tie it behind your head. After that . . . you’ll be ready to rock.

4. Hanging From Your Waist

Obviously, when you wear a bandana around your neck or head, it’s the most visible, so that style is for rmaking a bold brash statement. But is you want to be more subtle, you can wear the bandana attached to your waist for a gentler accent and more casual look.

This way of wearing a bandana is also much easier. For all you have to do is tuck part of it into your waistband or into a pocket, or you can simply tie it to a belt loop. And there you go: easy and subtle.

5. As a Pocket Square

Wearing your bandana as a pocket square is a little less casual (owing to the long tradition of pocket squares in formal attire) and so is aptly fitting for smart casual occasions. It also illustrates the incredible fashion versatility of the humble bandana.

You should begin in this case by a bandana that matches and goes well with the rest of your outfit, keeping in mind that bold colors and designs with stand out while more subtle ones will blend in. It all depends in the effect you’re trying to achieve.

In addition, you should give some consideration to the bandana’s size and fabric weight. It should be thick enough to stylishly stand up out of your pocket, but not so thick or large that it adds too much bulk. And be sure to iron your bandana for the correct amount of neatness in this look.

Wrapping Up

Bandanas, then, are the perfect accessory for guys who want to be fashionable, but who also don’t want to seem overly concerned about it.

And because the bandana is so versatile, you have several unique ways in how you can wear a bandana.

Bandanas aren’t just for cowboys and bikers and rockers anymore.

Your Source for Quality, Affordable Bandanas

Want to enjoy the covert fashion possibilities of bandanas?

Then you should go to the bandana source that offers both quality bandanas and great prices coupled with superior customer service – Bandana.com?

Here at Bandana.com, we offer a wide selection of all kinds of headwear, including bucket hats, bandanas, and doo rags. You can get more information about us here.