The bandana is the most accessible western accessory out there. It’s inexpensive, fits anywhere, and adds a touch of character to any outfit. And yet, a lot of people who own one don’t know how to wear it any way other than around the neck.
Check out our complete guide: Western accessories: belt, buckle and cowboy jewelry.
(Find all our tips in our complete cowboy boots styling guide.)There are ten ways to wear a bandana, and each one transforms your outfit differently. Here’s the complete guide.
Way 1: neck scarf
This is the most classic, most photographed way, the one that instantly brings cowboys and the Wild West to mind. The bandana is folded into a triangle, then rolled into a tube and tied around the neck, with the knot in front or to the side.
How to fold it: fold the bandana in half diagonally to form a triangle. Then roll the band from the point until you get a tube about 3 cm wide. Tie it around your neck with a simple knot or a flat knot.
What it goes with: a western shirt, a t-shirt, a collared dress. A neck bandana works in any situation where a necklace would, except it also adds color and texture.
The detail: red, classic bandana blue, or black are the most common colors for a neck scarf. But floral or paisley prints work really well too.
Way 2: headband
Folded into a strip and tied around your head above the forehead, the bandana becomes a super effective boho headband. It keeps loose hair in place or finishes off a ponytail.
How to wear it: fold the bandana into a strip about 5 cm wide. Place it above your forehead like a headband and tie it at the nape of your neck or on top of your head depending on the look you want.
What it goes with: a maxi dress, a boho look, a festival outfit. With cowboy boots, it creates a head-to-toe western vibe without overdoing it.
Way 3: tied to a bag
Tied to a handle or zipper on a bag (handbag, tote, shopper), the bandana adds a touch of color and western flair to any accessory. It’s the most subtle way to wear a bandana.
How to wear it: make a triangle, fold into a strip, and tie it to the handle with a simple knot. Let both ends hang freely.
What it goes with: any neutral bag (black, brown, beige). The bandana color contrasts with the bag’s neutrality.
Way 4: as a belt
A long, slim bandana threaded through the belt loops of jeans or a skirt and tied at the front is a great alternative to a belt for a casual look.
How to wear it: fold the bandana into a thin strip, thread it through the belt loops, then tie it with a simple knot or a bow at the front.
What it goes with: skinny jeans or cuffed mom jeans, a short denim skirt, shorts. Perfect for festival looks and summer days.
The limit: this doesn’t work with wide-leg pants or formal outfits. It’s a casual accessory.
Way 5: as a bracelet
Tied several times around your wrist, the bandana becomes a colorful bracelet. It’s the easiest way to wear a bandana if you’re not quite comfortable with the other options yet.
How to wear it: fold the bandana into a very thin strip (1 to 2 cm). Wrap it around your wrist 3 to 4 times and tie it with a simple knot.
What it goes with: it blends naturally into a bracelet stack (silver bracelets, leather bracelets, leather bolo). The cotton texture contrasts nicely with the harder materials of other bracelets.
Way 6: as a scrunchie
Rolled and tied to hold your hair, the bandana becomes a western scrunchie. It’s the simplest and most practical option, and it instantly adds character to a bun or ponytail.
How to wear it: roll the bandana into a tube, tie the ends together, and use it like any scrunchie.
What it goes with: everything. It’s the most neutral accessory on the list. It won’t disrupt the overall look because it stays in your hair.
Way 7: as a top (crop)
Tied at the front to cover your chest, the bandana becomes a summer crop top. It’s the boldest and most festival-ready option.
How to wear it: fold the bandana into a triangle. Place the base of the triangle at the top (across the chest). Bring the two ends around to your back and tie. The triangle covers your torso.
What it goes with: high-waisted jeans, a maxi skirt, shorts. Only for relaxed summer settings (festival, beach, summer night out).
The limit: this style isn’t suitable for every situation. Consider the occasion before choosing this option.
Way 8: hair wrap (front)
Laid flat over the top of your head from front to back, the bandana holds your hair while decorating it. Unlike the headband (which goes all the way around your head), this style covers the top of your head more loosely.
How to wear it: fold into a triangle, place the band above your forehead with the points facing backward. Tie at the nape of your neck.
What it goes with: boho looks, festival outfits, and outfits where a cowboy hat would be too much.
Way 9: as a jacket pocket square
Tucked into the chest pocket of a blazer, a western jacket, or a denim jacket, the bandana replaces a classic pocket square with a western edge.
How to wear it: fold into a rectangle and place it in the pocket, leaving one or two points showing.
What it goes with: a neutral blazer or a denim jacket. It’s the most subtle way to bring western style into a classic look.
Way 10: as a bikini or swim top
In summer, a bandana tied as a bikini top with bikini bottoms creates a seriously good western beach look.
How to wear it: see way 7, but with bikini bottoms.
What it goes with: beach or pool looks. Swim shorts and a bandana tied across the chest with flip-flops makes a complete summer outfit.
The bandana and other western accessories
The bandana is the cheapest and most versatile western accessory. Its real value is how adaptable it is. It can be subtle (bracelet, jacket pocket square) or bold (neck scarf, headband). It’s up to you to choose your level of commitment depending on the outfit and the occasion.
Find the full advice on western accessories (belts, jewelry, bolo tie) in our guide: Western accessories: belt, buckle and jewelry.
Also worth reading
To go further on this topic, you can also read:
