How to Tie a Bandana Like a Pirate

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Put the finishing touches on your swashbuckling costume
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A pirate bandana is a great way to complete your pirate costume. Choose between the traditional pirate bandana where your hair is covered or the thinner look where the bandana is used as a headband. Both methods are quick and easy and will leave you looking like a pirate!

Things You Should Know

  • Fold the bandana in half to create a triangle. Drape the triangle over your head with the tip facing backward, and tie the other 2 corners at the base of your neck.
  • Roll the bandana into a headband for a thinner style. Wrap the bandana around your forehead and tie the ends at the back of your head.
  • Tie a second bandana around the knot of the thin bandana for a stylish, draped look.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making the Traditional Pirate Fold

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Tie a Pirate Bandana
    On a flat surface, pull 1 tip of the bandana to the opposite tip to form a triangle. If your bandana is already a triangle shape, skip this step. [1] [2]
    • This technique works best with a bandana that is 90 centimetres (35 in) wide and 90 centimetres (35 in) long. A shorter bandana will work but it won’t hang down as far.
    • Purchase bandanas online, from a dollar store, or a dress-up store.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Tie a Pirate Bandana
    Pick up the bandana by the 2 opposite ends and bring the middle of the long edge up to your forehead, just above your eyebrows, and let the triangle shape cover your head. Swivel the bandana about 4 cm (1.6 in) to the right. This will give you a pirate look. [3]
    • Tie your hair up first if you want to hang your ponytail through the bandana.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Tie a Pirate Bandana
    Tie the long ends of the bandana into a knot at the back of your head. Pull the ends of the bandana tight and once you are happy with the placement of the first knot, tie a second knot over the top. This will keep the bandana in place while you complete your pirate activities. Tuck the overhanging corner behind the knot that you created. [4]
    • If you’re going to wear a pirate hat over your bandana, just knot the bandana once. This will make it easier for the hat to fit on your head.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Folding a Thin Pirate Bandana

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  1. Place the bandana onto a flat surface and pull 1 point of the bandana to the opposite point to create a triangle shape. Fold the long edge of the bandana over in 5 cm (2.0 in) increments until it looks like 1 long strip. [5]
    • If you want a thinner bandana, fold it in 3 cm (1.2 in) increments. If you want a thicker bandana, fold it in 7 cm (2.8 in) increments.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Tie a Pirate Bandana
    Position the middle of the folded bandana on your forehead, near your hairline. Hold one end of the bandana in each hand and tie them at the back of your head.
    • If you find that the bandana is slipping off your head, undo the knot and tie it further down toward your neck.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Tie a Pirate Bandana
    Take the bandana off your head and lie it on a flat surface. Drape the second bandana over the first bandana. Position it so that the middle of the second bandana is over the knot in the first bandana and the material drapes either side.
    • Use a bandana that is the same colour if you want to create a traditional pirate look. If you are wanting to create a unique look, use bandanas with different colours and patterns.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Tie a Pirate Bandana
    Hold the ends of the second bandana and knot them around the first knot. This will create extra volume at the back of the bandana and make the knot look more prominent.
    • Use a mirror or ask a friend to help you see the back of your head.
    • Skip this step if you have decided to use only 1 bandana.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I get the bandana to stay on and not slip?
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby
    Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France.
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby
    Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You could do hairpins on each side. That would work. You could also put on a workout headband and put the bandana around it so it doesn't slip.
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  • Question
    Does my bandana have to have a specific colour for me to wear it?
    Community Answer
    No.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/OJq9r15N8CA?t=22
      2. ↑ https://stylecaster.com/beauty/bandana-headband/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/OJq9r15N8CA?t=38
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/OJq9r15N8CA?t=68
      5. ↑ http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/hairstyles/holiday/july-4th-hairstyles/bandana-hairstyles/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tie a pirate bandana, start by folding a bandana in half diagonally. Then, place the bandana on top of your head, with the longest edge on your forehead. Pull the 2 opposite corners of the bandana to the nape of your neck and tie them in a tight knot. Finally, tuck the overhanging corner behind the knot you created to finish the look. To learn how to tie a pirate bandana with 2 thin bandanas, read on!

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