The word bandana is derived from the Hindi word "bandhana," meaning "to tie." Its origins trace back to South Asia, where colorful printed handkerchiefs were used for practical and ornamental purposes. European traders brought these vibrant accessories to the West during the 18th century.
By the 1800s, the bandana had become a staple in American life. Cowboys used them to shield their faces from dust, and laborers wore them for sweat absorption. During WWII, Rosie the Riveter made the red polka-dotted bandana a feminist symbol. In the decades since, it’s been adopted by bikers, rockstars, hip-hop artists, and high fashion brands alike.