The Best Bandanas
The classic, bright red bandana is one of history's most recognizable accessories. From cultural icons like Rosie the Riveter during World War II to music icons like Tupac Shakur to fashionista Jane Birkin, the distinctive paisley print has been worn many different ways throughout history. If you're ready to get in on the trend, don't fret — there are countless different colors and styles to choose from, so you can find one that effortlessly blends with your personal style. Explore our favorite bandanas to find your perfect design.
What to Look For
When shopping for new bandanas, we suggest focusing on three important elements: the size of the bandana, the quality of the material, and whether it’s easy to care for. These criteria helped us round up a few of our own favorites. For example, Ergodyne’s cooling bandana is fantastic for outdoor and warm-weather activities like hiking or hunting. Made to lock in moisture to keep you comfortable, it can help you beat the heat better than classic bandana styles. Doobo’s satin bandanas, on the other hand, are an amazing way to accessorize. Whether they’re worn in your hair or tied around your handbag, these satin bandanas can give any outfit a chic and sophisticated accent. Read on to discover these bandanas and our other favorites.
Ergodyne Chill Its 6700 Cooling Bandana
Made from 100% cotton, this bandana is an excellent all-purpose accessory. The slim style can be warm across your forehead alone or under hats and helmets depending on your needs. Before wearing, soak the bandana in cool water for a few minutes and the specially designed cooling technology will give you relief from hot temperatures for up to four hours. And thanks to the adjustable tie, you can customize the fit around your head or neck, making this a practical option for anyone.
Pros:
- You can wear this bandana while camping, running, rock climbing, and even doing yard work to make hot-weather activities more enjoyable.
- Once the bandana dries, you’ll need to re-wet it to continue experiencing the cooling effects.
Cons:
- Because of the gel-cooling beads sewn into the bandana, it shouldn’t be washed in the washing machine.
Levi’s Men’s Bandanas
The number of ways that this traditional bandana can be worn are nearly endless. The cotton style can be worn on your head, around your neck, to cover your mouth, or even tied around your belt or purse as a statement-making accessory. Available in dozens of different shades, the bandana can effortlessly complement any color in your wardrobe, so you should get tons of wear out of it.
Pros:
- The material is thicker than many other cotton bandanas, so they hold up well even with frequent wear.
- Even though the bandanas are a good size, they can fold up small enough to fit into a pocket for easy transportation.
Cons:
- They’re hand-wash only, so caring for the bandanas is a bit of a high-maintenance task.
Tough Headwear Large Bandanas
Count the ways
This durable bandana is made with 100% polyester to deliver the best blend of softness and absorption. Silkier than cotton styles, the bandanas are easy to tie and less rough on your skin. Measuring nearly two feet square, the bandana also has plenty of fabric, so you can style it in many ways. From tying back your hair to wearing it over your nose and mouth to keep out dust or dirt, you’ll have plenty of length to work with.
Pros:
- Unlike cotton styles, these bandanas won’t shrink if you put them in the dryer.
- They’re long enough that you can double-knot the bandanas when worn around your head, offering added security.
Cons:
- The design is only printed on one side, so the bandana isn’t reversible.
E-accexpert Bandana Set, 16-Pack
Rainbow bright
If you have a colorful wardrobe, this bandana set could be the perfect pairing. The 16-pack of bandanas ranges in color from classics like black and red to eye-catching alternatives like pastel yellow and burnt orange. Whether you prefer to wear them as a scarf, headband, or face covering, these bandanas are an excellent all-purpose option. And thanks to the large quantity, you can even buy these for group events like birthday parties or camps, making them even more versatile.
Pros:
- The edges are finished with a durable and secure seam to keep the bandanas from fraying.
- Each bandana is more vivid in person, so it packs a colorful punch.
Cons:
- Because the bandanas are made of synthetic material instead of cotton, they’re less absorbent.
Doobo Satin Bandanas, 3-Pack
This satin bandana set is perfect for accessorizing. The slinky fabric can be rolled, folded, or twisted to create a wide range of looks, allowing you to accent almost any outfit. Whether tying back your hair in a bun or tying it onto the handle of your favorite purse, the options are endless. They even come in complementary, earth-toned hues that are neutral enough to pair with countless other shades. Wear one with other neutrals for a monochromatic look, or pair it with a brightly colored outfit for added contrast.
Pros:
- If you prefer more colorful bandanas, you’ll be pleased to know that this set is available in other shades, so you can find your favorite.
- Because they’re silky, they’re less likely to damage or tug your hair. This makes them a more comfortable alternative to cotton bandanas.
Cons:
- The bandanas are hand-wash only, so maintenance can be a pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will wearing a bandana keep me cool?
Bandanas can help keep you cool in hot and humid conditions. You can wear the bandanas as a head or neck covering to minimize exposure to the sun, or use them to soak up sweat and keep you dry. You can even soak bandanas in water before wearing them, which will help you to stay comfortable and help prevent overheating.
Are bandanas in style?
Bandanas were very popular in the ’90s and have recently had a resurgence. They are often worn as a headscarf or neck scarf, acting as an accessory that can tie together an ensemble. You can also tie them to your bag or backpack for an unexpected pop of color.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.