When people think of a red bandana, they usually picture a costume. But red is one of the easiest colors to wear every day: it warms up neutrals, looks good against denim and adds a pop of color for almost no effort. Here are seven ways to wear one.

Red Fiery Flora batik bandana with white floral pattern

7 Ways to Wear a Red Bandana

  1. Hair wrap. Fold it into a band and tie it behind the head. Instant color with a plain tee. Step-by-step in our hair styles guide.
  2. Neck tie. Fold into a triangle or band and knot at the side for a casual scarf look.
  3. Bag accent. Tie it on a handle for a fast refresh. See how to tie a bandana on a bag.
  4. Belt loop. Knot it through a loop for a small flash of color. See the belt loop guide.
  5. Pocket square. A folded red bandana adds contrast to a navy or gray blazer.
  6. Wrist or ponytail tie. A small fold wrapped around a ponytail or wrist.
  7. Home accent. Frame one as wall art. See how to frame a bandana.

What to Wear a Red Bandana With

Red works well with denim, white, cream, black and camel. Try our Fiery Flora or Red Maroon Celebrations. More options in the bandana collection.

Red batik bandana in warm red tones

Red Dye and Your First Wash

Hand-dyed reds can release a little extra dye in the first washes. Wash a new one separately in cold water and keep it away from white or light fabrics until the water runs clear. Details in our first-wash guide.

Looking for a Costume?

A red bandana is a classic costume piece too. Find ideas in our Halloween costume post.


New: the 27" mid-size bandana. A bit more fabric for fuller head wraps and neck scarves. The 27" bandana is $35. Shop 27" bandanas.