A large bandana is one of the most useful squares of fabric you can own. Fold it, knot it, drape it, and it becomes a neck scarf that works with a T-shirt, a blazer or a winter coat. Here are eight ways to wear a large cotton bandana around your neck, and which size gives you the best result.
Which Size for a Neck Scarf?
Any bandana size works around the neck, but the look changes with the fabric:
- ~21" regular: a close, neat neckerchief. Folded into a triangle, the long edge is about 15".
- 27" mid-size: more drape and a fuller knot. The long edge of a folded triangle is about 19". Shop 27" bandanas ($35).
- 39" large: a loose, dramatic scarf with long tails. The long edge is about 27". Shop 39" bandanas ($46).
Want a classic scarf with long tails instead? Our 71" x 21" batik scarves are made for that. Not sure which is right? Read bandana vs. scarf.
8 Ways to Wear a Large Bandana Around Your Neck
1. The Classic Triangle Knot
Fold the bandana in half diagonally into a triangle. Place the long edge at the back of your neck, bring the two ends to the front and tie a simple knot under your chin, with the point hanging down your chest. This is the quickest look and works with any size.
2. The Side Knot
Make the same triangle, but tie the knot at the side of your neck, just off center. It reads more fashion than workwear and sits well with a collared shirt.
3. The Rolled Band (Choker Style)
Roll the bandana from one corner into a narrow band, wrap it once around your neck and tie it at the front or side with a small knot. Best with the 21" or 27" for a neat, close finish.
4. The Wild Rag
Fold into a triangle, drape the point in front, cross the ends behind your neck, bring them forward and tie a square knot under the point. The 39" gives the longest drape. See our large bandana collection for a how-to.
5. The Tucked Ascot
Fold into a band, wrap it loosely around your neck and tuck the ends into an open collar or a button-up shirt. It adds a pop of color without adding bulk.
6. The Loose Drape
Fold a 39" bandana into a triangle and let it hang loose over your shoulders, with the ends crossed or knotted lightly in front. It doubles as a light shawl on cool evenings.
7. The Double Loop
Fold into a long band and loop it twice around your neck for a fuller, cowl-like scarf. The 39" is best because it has enough length to loop.
8. Over the Coat
Tie a 27" or 39" bandana over the collar of a coat for a bright layer in colder weather. Fold the bandana into a triangle, tie it in front and tuck the point inside your coat.
Tips for a Better Neck Scarf
- Choose 100% cotton. It's breathable in summer and soft against the skin. Compare fabrics in cotton vs. silk vs. polyester bandanas.
- Pick a pattern that shows when folded. A bold border or all-over print reads well even when folded into a band.
- Mind the dye. As with all hand-dyed batik, a little extra dye may release in early washes, especially in reds and blacks, so avoid wearing a new red bandana against a pale collar in the rain. See our first-wash guide.
Not sure which size to pick? Our bandana size chart compares all four sizes.
New: the 27" mid-size bandana. If a 21" feels too small for a scarf and a 39" feels like too much, the 27" is the in-between size. It's $35, hand-dyed 100% cotton batik. Shop 27" bandanas or read the 27" bandana guide.
