The bandana is having a resurgence, and here at SG HQ, we’re hoping more guys jump onboard the trend.
The accessory’s last comeback came at the beginning of Covid, when we were all walking around like cowboys wearing them over our nose and mouth as rudimentary face coverings. In 2024, though, they serve fashion, not function. Thank god.
How to wear a bandana right now
In 2024, adding a bandana to your outfit is for vibes only.
Yes, you can always wear one as a head wrap or headband on outdoor adventures, but, well, Style Girlfriend is not an outdoor adventures blog, so that’s not what any of us are here for.
This also is not the year to wear it around your neck with one pointy end loose like you’re playing Cops and Robbers.
Instead, the style right now is to roll your bandana like you’re making a worm out of Play-Doh and tie it around your neck, centering the knot in the front.
Who looks good in a bandana?
Great news. Every single guy can pull off this look. Just try it! You might be surprised how the small act of tying a simple bandana around your neck elevates the rest of your outfit from a casual getup to something more sophisticated.
It’s also a great option if you’re not a necklace guy but want to add an accessory to your everyday style.
A straightforward, cotton paisley bandana is a great place to start. You could also wear a small neck scarf made from a silkier material.
Don’t worry, it’s not giving 15 pieces of flair, I promise.
If this is your first bandana, I would encourage you to invest in a good one, and not a cheap style you buy on Amazon, which will take too long to break in. We’ve linked some ones we love below.
Just know that if you go with cotton, you’ll need to soften it up by washing it (probably several times!) and repeatedly rolling it until it keeps its shape.
What to wear with a bandana
As for the kind of outfits you can wear with a scarf around your neck? A great place to start is a simple t-shirt and jeans. You’ll find more inspiration our team found on Instagram below.
See how this simple neck scarf adds visual interest to an otherwise neutral outfit? The lesson: don’t overthink it. Tie a bandana or neckerchief on the next time your outfit is missing a little something. It could just be the missing piece.
Pair your bandana with a denim jacket and your Adidas Sambas for a city slicker vibe.
RELATED: 5 Ways to Wear Sweatpants with Style
A neck scarf can work with hybrid shorts, another summer trend, too. In this outfit, the bandana is the star with its bright colors, but you could also go for a statement sneaker and a bandana in navy, grey or tan.
Shop men’s bandana styles for summer
Team SG’s favorite men’s bandana styles, neck scarves, and neckerchiefs for you to wear right now:
