How to Style Bandana Tees for Standout Streetwear Looks

What is a Bandana Tee?

A bandana tee, sometimes called a paisley tee, refers to a t-shirt with a bandana or paisley pattern printed on it. These tees often feature vibrant colors and graphic prints, like a traditional bandana folded into a triangle. Bandana tees emerged from 1990s West Coast hip hop and skateboarding culture. Their loose silhouette and eye-catching patterns made them a staple in early streetwear style.

Today, bandana tees remain an urban streetwear staple. Their graphic appeal allows you to make a visual statement effortlessly. And as a key piece in one of the biggest fashion movements, they never truly go out of style. Read on to learn how to style a bandana t-shirt to create killer streetwear looks.

Choosing the Right Bandana Tee

Bandana tees come in diverse colors, prints, and fits. When selecting one for a streetwear outfit, consider the following:

• Graphic colors that complement your complexion
• Bandana patterns like traditional paisley or abstract graphics
• An oversized, boxy fit that looks relaxed
• Soft, distressed fabrics like jersey cotton blends

The right bandana tee can inject vibrant style into any urban outfit. Keep reading for ways to wear them.

Wear With Baggy Jeans or Joggers

A key streetwear move is pairing a graphic tee with bottoms like joggers, cargo pants, or loose fit jeans. This creates a casual, urban look. Some stylish options include:

Baggy or Relaxed Fit Jeans

Go for light or medium wash baggy denim. This classic combo balances the graphic tee with neutral blue jeans. For edgier style, try jeans with distressed details or a faded black wash.

Cotton Joggers or Sweatpants

Joggers and sweats in materials like cotton or jersey will complement the softness of your tees. Opt for a matching neutral or go bold with red, white, or gray color pairing.

Cargo or Utility Pants

Urban cargo pants with utility pockets or side stripe details add a rugged edge. Pair army green, black, or brown cargos with vibrant graphic tees to create dimension.

Layer With Streetwear Staples

The oversized silhouette of bandana tees make them ideal for layering. Mix and match with these urban wardrobe essentials:

Oversized Flannel or Button Down

Go for an oversized flannel or chambray button-down shirt in coordinating colors. Wear it open over your tee or tied casually around your waist.

Bomber or Biker Jacket

Leather, suede, or sherpa bomber jackets infuse attitude into any outfit. Choose one that complements your bandana tee’s graphic colors.

Hoodies and Sweaters

For relaxed cool, layer tees with minimalist hoodies, pullovers, or knit sweaters. Stick to urban streetwear brands with a focus on quality distressed fabrics and materials like heavyweight terry or loopback cotton.

Accessorize for Standout Style

The right accessories can transform a basic bandana tee into a standout streetwear look. Consider adding:

statement Sneakers

Let your footwear make a visual impact with chunky high-top sneakers or minimalist low-tops featuring bold colors and prints.

Gold Jewelry

Heavy gold chains, pendants and earrings add eye-catching contrast against vibrant tees. Stack multiple chains or rings for an edgy urban look.

Bandanas

Fold a paisley silk or cotton bandana into a head wrap, wrist tie or face mask. This coordinates beautifully with printed bandana tees.

Backpacks or Messenger Bags

On-trend mochilas and shoulder bags covered in patches or pins make an awesome accessories for guys and girls alike.

Keep Styling Minimal and Edgy

The key to acing urban style is keeping looks minimal yet impactful. Avoid over-accessorizing graphic tees. Stick to one or two eye-catching elements paired with basics like joggers and clean high-tops.

Bandana tees have streetwear credibility that spans over two decades. With endless styling potential, they should stand the test of time. Use these tips and ideas to help your graphic tee serve major attitude every time you wear it!

FAQs

What colors and patterns should I look for in a bandana tee?

Opt for vibrant, eye-catching colors and bold graphic prints like traditional paisley or abstract patterns. Go for colors that complement your complexion.

What is the best way to layer a bandana tee?

Bandana tees look great layered under oversized button downs, flannels, hoodies or jackets. Keep silhouettes loose and fabrics soft and distressed for maximum streetwear appeal.

What type of bottoms work best with graphic tees?

Baggy, relaxed fit jeans, joggers, cargo pants and utility pants balance the oversize graphic tee shape. Neutral blues, greens and browns allow the vibrant tee to stand out.

How can I accessorize a bandana tee outfit?

Make your footwear, jewelry, bags and other accessories bold to complement a graphic tee. Opt for chunky sneakers, heavy gold jewelry, messenger bags and paisley bandanas or face masks.