The bandana is the ultimate accessory for summer 2025

The bandana hair trend has suddenly become this summer's 'It-accessory', reports Harper's Bazaar India.

Editors first spotted the wave at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, with Elle Fanning and Simone Ashley using scarves as accents to Côte d'Azur looks - from T-shirt-and-jeans duos to playful print sets. Then bandanas were popping up everywhere: Sofia Richie Grainge opted for a checked Hunza G while on holiday at the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, while Hailey Bieber kept the "lemontini girl" mood alive by pairing a polka dot scarf with a colourful Pucci swimsuit in Mallorca.

At Paris Couture Week in early July, the trend was confirmed by the guests of the shows: Dianna Agron wore a laconic black bandana to Maison Margiela and Diane Kruger chose a striped version for the Patou show. Finally, Gucci's fresh campaign with Emily Ratakowski in a vintage-inspired scarf finally confirmed the bandana as a must-have for summer 2025.

The accessory's comeback is no accident at all. The bandana is a long-standing summer classic that is regularly reimagined. Jackie Kennedy Onassis wore it on yachts in the Mediterranean, supermodel Naomi Campbell, R&B icon Aaliyah and minimalist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy offered their own versions in the 1990s. Today's wave relies on the same effortless aesthetic: the scarf works as a quick stylistic device and a practical defence against sun and wind.

How to wear it now? Versatile and casual. The bandana works equally well with a swim set by the pool and with urban casual - a white T-shirt and denim. Two poles work: pure basic models (black, monochrome) and bright retro prints - stripes, peas, gingham, archival motifs. There is also freedom in the way of tying: a classic headscarf on the hair growth line, a knot on the back of the head with released strands, a bandage-tape on a ponytail or a bundle. For holidays and travelling, the bandana is also convenient because it doesn't require styling and takes up almost no space in your suitcase.

The Summer 2025 phenomenon is centred around a "light retro" look that is easy to adapt to personal style. The bandana adds graphics to minimalist silhouettes and supports the play with colour in holiday looks. Nothing complicated: one shawl and the look becomes more cinematic, whether it's the Riviera, a city walk or an evening on the terrace.

Judging by the appearance of the accessory on key red carpets and in advertising campaigns, the bandana will become a fixture not only in the holiday wardrobe, but also in the everyday wardrobe for the rest of the season. If you've been looking for a compact accessory that "makes" a look and brings the mood of the 90s to the current agenda, this is it.