The Most Stylish Bandanas For Everyday Use

Bandanas are a dime-a-dozen these days, with imitators popping up left and right. It might seem impossible for one to go wrong when buying a humble piece of square cloth, but there are some options that manage to bring a bit more to the table. In an effort to find the best and narrow it down, we came across a variety of picks that all look good in their own way. So have a read and see what we’ve picked for our best bandanas.

Bandana history

The bandana is believed to have mixed beginnings — the garment itself being popularized in South Asia and the Middle East and its name having origins in the Sanskrit word ‘badhnati,’ which means “binds” or “to tie”. But no matter where you stand on the etymology of these iconic kerchiefs, their social influence is undeniable. From cowboy culture to handkerchief code to gang identification, the bandana has been adopted as a visual badge for all manner of groups. They were worn by Americans in the early 20th century to signal blue-collar solidarity, and then became a symbol of counterculture with a variety of groups like bikers. These days, they come in a variety of styles, with classic Western options clad in paisley, and more modern takes with bolder designs.

why should you wear a bandana?

Apart from their symbolic inclinations, bandanas are also incredibly versatile for being such a lo-fi piece of gear. They can be used for anything from handkerchiefs to masks to headbands — and that’s hardly doing them their due diligence. Typically made from a square piece of cotton cloth measuring 20 inches by 20 inches, there’s little else that defines a bandana. But that’s part of their beauty — out of such simplicity comes a seemingly endless amount of applications.  

how to style your bandana

There are truly an endless number of ways to style your bandana, but if you’re interested in some tried and true looks, then we’ve got you covered. You can tie it around your neck (either in a tight loop for a more modern look, or with the pattern showing similar to a cowboy look), or toss it in your back pocket for a more blue-collar look. You can also wear it on your head, or as a sweatband, which not only changes up your style but can be practical if it’s sunny and you’re sweating.

What to look for

Material: You can break the main materials used to make bandanas into roughly three categories: cotton, polyester, and silk. Cotton is the most classic choice, offering solid durability and breathability. Polyester is better for getting active, as it’s lightweight and wicks moisture. And silk is one of the most premium picks of the bunch, usually built for fashion over function.

Size: The length and width will usually be the same size (around 20-28 inches), and the size you go with should be determined by how you plan to wear it most. For face coverings or headbands, you may want something a little bigger. But if you’re mainly using it as an accessory, a smaller size may be better.

Origin: Styles and designs have a home country, and that home country usually knows how to do it best. If you want a Western-style bandana, one that’s made in the US (or at least by a US company) is best. Similarly, a bandana showcasing a certain country’s patterns or fabric (like a Japanese bandana) will generally look best if it’s from there.

Kiriko Japanese Handkershief

Made from imported Japanese cotton cloth, Kiriko offers a beautiful alternative to the American heritage designs making their way onto most bandanas. This particular pattern depicts a map of Japan in Kyoto Blue. Each of Kiriko’s bandanas is sewn, pressed, and packaged in Oregon, meaning you get the best of Japanese heritage fabrics in an American-made application.

Topo Designs Bandana

Topo Designs was founded by Westerners Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen, who pride themselves on making products reminiscent of those they grew up using, employing a combination of timeless styling, incredible utility, and steadfast dependability. Coming from a brand so well-steeped in the field of stylish outdoor adventure, this print bandana is no different. It’s available in three distinctive grid prints (Landscape Green, Blue, and Mustard) and comes with a rolled-edge finish.

J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Organic Cotton Bandana

With three decades of perfecting the classics in the menswear space, it only makes sense that the preppy staple would also make a quality bandana. After all, these kerchiefs were popular with blue-collar workers for a reason — they’re damn useful, and have a classic Western look. Constructed with organic cotton, these bandanas come in either Red Western Floral or Ultramarine Propeller with a timeless paisley print.

Bandits Bandanas The Good Fight

Bandits Bandanas was founded by Nicole & Connor Humphreys, a couple who quit their jobs, hit the road on their bikes, and put their love for bandanas to work after a summer in Indonesia. The result? A sustainable approach to making bandanas, always made with 100% organic cotton. This bandana is no exception, with a design from Estudio Miopa, and profits going to charity.

Faherty Star Geo Bandana

Faherty’s love for surf culture is strong, but the label’s love for reliable basics may be even stronger. This means you can trust that this bandana will last, and features an equally timeless pattern that can go with anything. It comes in gold, navy, or red, and is made of 100% cotton.

L.L.Bean Signature Heritage Cotton Bandana

As an undisputed legend in both American apparel and outdoor gear, L.L.Bean always delivers when it comes to the classics. And they’ve done it again with this Signature Heritage Cotton Bandana, constructed entirely with cotton and a design inspired by the great outdoors. It comes in five different patterns, with a few heritage prints from the label’s archives.

Imogene + Willie Vintage Blue Bandana

The Nashville-based label Imogene + Willie is known for its boutique denim and high-quality jeans, making them more than qualified to nail a classic American bandana. And they’ve done just that with the USA-made Vintage Blue Bandana, featuring a cotton construction and the option to add your own custom chain-stitch embroidery.

&Sons Prospector Bandana

If you want to channel your inner pioneer, there are a few labels like &Sons that are capturing that vintage style with a modern twist. And this bandana does it perfectly, with a beautiful screen print of a prospector panning for gold in a stream with mountains towering behind him.

Todd Snyder Italian Bandana

It’s no surprise that Todd Snyder looked to Italy (and made this bandana in Italy) for inspiration, as the label is known for combining styles and fabrics from all over the world in its output. This bandana from Todd Snyder is made from Italian cotton, but keep in mind that it’s a pocket square, so the size will reflect that.

Billy Reid Heirloom Stripe Bandana

Billy Reid has mastered modern Southern style, and continues to find inspiration in the region when cooking up new apparel. You can see that in the Heirloom Stripe Bandana, made entirely of soft cotton and featuring one of the label’s classic, Alabama-inspired designs.

Filson Sportsman Bandana 2-Pack

When it comes to hunting and outdoor apparel, Filson is one of those heritage brands that’s in a league of its own. The label’s 2-pack of cotton bandanas come with screen-printed graphics depicting some vintage hunting scenes, and make for the perfect addition to your outdoor wardrobe.

RRL Logo Cotton Bandana

RRL, a sublabel of Ralph Lauren inspired by Americana and Western wear, combines Japanese craftsmanship with classic Western design on this bandana. It’s made with lightweight cotton, and comes in this striking black-and-white colorway you see above.

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