People used to wear bandanas even in Asia and the Middle East in the late 17th century, and it was worn for a variety of reasons. Fast forward to the modern world, it has been accumulated in different cultures and represents meaning.
From the 1980s to 2000, wearing a bandana was associated with gang members, rock music, outlaws, and other communities. In addition, there was a specific color bandana, which is assigned to a subculture.
Bandana comes in different colors and styles, and every color represents its meaning. It has so much history, starting from being popular among criminals and gang members, then it was adopted by Rockstars, or in rock music culture, and now it is popular among the Streetwear fashion community.
In this article, we’ll discuss the meaning of bandana colors, and what they signify. We’ll also discuss what color bandana a person should avoid, and which color bandana is safe to wear. In addition, how to wear a bandana for men and women.
Color Bandana Meaning
| Bandana Color | Meaning |
| Brown | Worn By La Gran Mafia Members |
| Grey | Popular Among Asian gangs in New York |
| Black | Is Generally a neutral color. |
| Green | Associated With Bay Area Crips gang. |
| Purple | Choice Of Grape Street Crips gang. |
| White | Symbol Of Peace And Unity. |
| Yellow | Worn By Latin Kings gang. |
| Red | Worn by members of the Bloods gang. |
| Pink With A Symbol | Breast cancer awareness Symbol |
| Blue With Added White Dots OR Pattern | Worn by members of the Crisps gang. |
Color Bandana Meaning
Despite looking far-fetched, every gang in history has associated themselves with a bandana Color and design. This was mainly to unify the people, and also it was easy to detect which community a person belongs to.
However, this is not the case today, as there is a rapid decline in the gangs, due to law enforcement, which has allowed living with people in harmony and peace and also permitted to wear a bandana of any color or style.
However, the bandana is not always associated with gangs communities also adopt it to cause awareness, like breast cancer treatment, LGBTQ, etc.
However, these communities have opted for color, and also a special design on the bandana, like a symbol, which showcases that you are a proud member of the community.
Bandanas are often worn by healthcare facilities, during a pandemic or rescue mission.
Black Bandanas Meaning
A Black bandana is considered a neutral color. However, a black color bandana with white stripes or a white dot design is usually worn by biker gang members. Also, now this black and white bandana is worn by several artists, celebrities, and commoners. Thus, it is considered a neutral or fashionable bandana color and is not associated with any gang.
White Bandanas Meaning
A white bandana is a symbol of Peace and Unity, which showcases humanity regardless of race, sexuality, gender, or religion.
Red Bandanas Meaning
A red bandana is a symbol that relates to members of the Bloods gang. The members traditionally wear bandanas or other red clothing such as shirts, pants, and tracksuits to show their affiliation.
Blue Bandanas Meaning
A blue bandana is a representation of the famous Los Angeles-based street gang the Crips. It is worn by members of the gang, including Snoop Dogg, the rapper who was seen on several occasions wearing the blue pattern bandana or any clothing accessories of the same pattern, which shows that he was a member of the gang, back when he was a teenager.
Is There a Gangster Bandana Color?
No, there is no significant gangster bandana color, but biker gangs usually wear different types of bandana styles, and the most popular is the black color bandana with a white dot pattern.
However, if you wear this type of bandana, nobody will consider you a part of any crew. Bandana is a versatile fashion accessory that is worn by fashion models, men, and women of all age groups.
On top of that, bandanas which are worn by a gang or specific community, have special places where they are worn, including the style.
The most popular location and style of wearing a bandana are on the head or the arm. Thus, if you want to stand out from the group, you can wear a bandana of different styles, and colors and also at different locations.
What Colored Bandana is Safe to Wear?
Generally, every bandana color is safe to wear in the United States, it’s not the color but the style that makes you different. Like when you wear a bandana on your head, or your arm, it can give a thug or dangerous look to your attire. So, to give a fashionable vibe to your outfit, make sure to style a bandana perfectly.
Most popular Bandana colors are safe and not associated with any gang or any particular group or community.
- Purple
- Green
- Black
- Gray
- Brown
- Yellow
- White
- Pink
As mentioned in the previous section, there is some correlation between bandana colors and groups, and also health care, awareness programs, etc, use these types of colors to inspire and create awareness in the world. For instance, a pink bandana with a white symbol is used to create breast cancer awareness.
Bandana Colors to Avoid
Although it is perfectly safe to wear all the bandana colors, before wearing it, you should check out whether there is any community in the area which has a specific bandana color. For instance, a person should avoid wearing blue, or red bandana colors in Los Angeles and Green, on the streets of New York.
The reason behind, there are still communities, which have a certain bandana color associated with, them to express their views, and show what group they belong to.
Is it Safe to Wear Bandanas on Your Head?
Yes, the bandana can be worn on the head, in the United States. Earlier, wearing a bandana on the head is linked to gangs, but after it is adopted in the Rap culture, by popular rappers, and rock stars, this is now becoming one of the fashion accessories and can be worn on the head, without any correlation to any gangs, or musical.
In the new fashion show, Tommy Hilfiger also promoted the use of bandanas, where the models were wearing a white bandana, during the ramp walk.
Bandana In Back Pocket Meaning?
Earlier, a bandana on the back pockets was used by the g*y community, were used to indicate, their se**ual preference, by wearing it in the back pockets. Also, wearing on the neck represents the same concept.
But, this concept is not followed in this era, and every person despite their gender, can wear a bandana color or at any location, as a fashion accessory and not correlate with any movement, groups, etc.
Bandana Fabric To Choose
Although bandana color is your personal choice, choosing a bandana fabric is important. As every occasion requires a different type of bandana fabric. Also, choose the appropriate fabric for your occasion, while depicting your overall attire.
For instance, for a more professional and smart look, you can choose a silk fabric bandana, as it gives an artistic vibe to your outfit, and also doesn’t look cheap.
We do not recommend wearing a bandana at your office, or any formal clothing, like a tuxedo, etc.
Bandana Fabric and Size Occasion
Silk or Satin: Casual occasions such as a date or chilling with friends
Cotton: For music festivals or Parties
These are some of the fabrics which look best on a certain type of occasion. To put it simply, for a more professional, or smart look, it’s better to choose a rich fabric like silk or sat in, while to add a bandana to your casual day outfit, you can use a more easily available bandana fabric – cotton. Also, you can choose different types of pattern styles on a cotton bandana.
How to Wear a Bandana
Bandanas can be worn in different styles and on different parts of the body. Turn these simple accessories into a fashion statement.
How To Wear A Bandana In Your Hair
This is a DIY fashion trick when you have long hair and want to keep the hair back, then the only thing to style your hair is a bandana. This is an easy way to tie up your messy hair in an instant.
There are three types of bandana styles to wear on the head for men:
1. Simple Knot
If you are a big fan of Tupac, then you are going to love this bandana style. This is a simple procedure that needs 1-2 minutes. If you don’t have long hair, this type will work.
- Remove the tangles from the hair, by brushing, if you don’t do that it can also work.
- Fold the bandana into a rectangular shape, or similar to how a belt looks.
- Then, tie the bandana around the head, the end should be at the front.
- Add a simple double knot to the bandana, and that’s it.
- Your bandana style is finished, and it looks quite stunning with long and short hair.
2. Biker Style
The name of this bandana style is given, due to its popularity among long drive and professional bikers. Furthermore, it serves two purposes: looks dashing and protects your hair. It is worn by both men and women.
- For long hair remove tangles, or any accessories from the hair, and for short hair people should require any work.
- Fold the bandana into half, and wrap it around the head, covering the entire head.
- Tie the bandana ends at the back, and makes sure it fully covers the hairline.
3. Headband
Generally, if you have long hair, then this bandana style is suitable, but it works with mid-length hair.
- Roll your bandana into a rectangular shape.
- Wear it slightly above the eyebrows, which will cover the top head and the hairline.
- Also, the bandana should be above the ears, in this style.
- Now, tie the bandana with a simple knot, and you are good to go.
How To Wear A Bandana Around Your Neck
When you want to add an extra color, layer to your outfit, or want dandy men to look, then you can wear a bandana around the neck. There are several styles to wear a bandana around the neck.
1. Basic Knot
This is a simple bandana neck style, which will be very popular in 2019. This bandana style creates an additional later outfit, which gives a funky, and stylish look.
- Fold the bandana, into a rectangular shape.
- You can also roll instead of folding as both give different styles.
- Tie, the bandana around your neck, with the loose ends at the front of your neck.
- So no tie is close to your neck, keep it loose.
2. Cowboy Bandana
This style got its name from the ranchers, who used to wear bandanas while working in the field.
This type allows you to cover your face, in an instant and also look stunning.
To tie one to wear around your neck, simply follow these steps:
- Fold a bandana into a triangle shape, by joining two sides diagonally.
- Take the longest ends, and wrap them around the neck with a double knot.
- Make sure to keep the bandana in a snuggle fit, by keeping it 3. How To Wear Bandana As An Accessory.
There are other areas where you wear a bandana, like on your wrist which require the same procedure as a SIMPLE KNOT, mentioned above.
Final Words
Mostly every bandana color is safe to wear and can be worn in any style. But, some bandana colors represent meaning, in the world, and some bandana colors are a symbol of short minority communities and groups.
So, if you want to wear a bandana, it’s better to check if that color or its design is not affiliated with any communities.
Furthermore, even if you wear the same color bandana as any community bandana colors, you can still wear it in a different style and on other parts of the body.
If you want other styles or have any queries regarding a bandana, hit the Comment Section!
