Why You Should Wear a Bandana, Headband or Sweatbands Under Your Helmet

Last Updated on 21 June 2024 by Cycloscope

Why do bikers wear bandanas under their helmets? The top 5 reasons + How to wear a biker bandana

Wearing bandanas or bike masks underneath your helmet when you’re out on the road has become something of a pop culture icon for bikers.

But with the use of bandanas shifting from functional to fashionable, the exact reasons that they’re worn are now often overlooked.

Today, we take a look at the many reasons why bikers choose to wear bandanas under their helmets, while also wrapping up with a handy how-to guide to comfortably wearing a bandana before you take your ride on the streets.

Why do bikers wear bandanas under their helmets?

As we touched upon above, motorcycle bandanas are both functional as well as fashionable, identity building pieces.

Here is a list of the top 5 reasons why bikers wear bandanas under their helmets:

1. Keep the sweat out of your eyes: Bandanas soak up any sweat that forms on your brow.  If you’re out riding on a hot day, the last thing you want is for sweat to be dripping in your eyes, stinging them and affecting your vision.

2. Warms your head: If you’re out riding in icy conditions, on the other hand, bandanas work as an extra layer of insulation against the harsh elements.  They act as a liner and add that extra level between you and the elements you’re exposed to.

3. Tames your hair: Biker culture is so much more than just the bike.  It’s rebellion against societal norms and not caring what you’re expected to do.  If you’ve let your hair grow, then tying it up in a bandana keeps it from flowing back in the wind and whipping you in the face when taking corners.

4. Protects your scalp: Not everyone is blessed with the ability to grow long flowing locks of hair. A bandana helps protect your bald scalp from rubbing against the helmet.  After all, scalp irritation is the last thing you want on a long ride.

5. Adds personality to your look: As bandanas have shifted toward fashion icons, their designs have become just as important as their functionality. Bananas allow you to express yourself and your affiliation. When you stop for a break and take off your helmet, the right bandana means there’s no mistaking who you are and what you stand for.

How to wear a biker bandana

We now finally come to our handy how-to guide to wearing a biker bandana.

1. Hold the bandana flat and fold into a diamond shape with one corner facing down.

2. Fold the top corner of the bandana down, with the point now touching the centre – If you have a bigger head, then don’t bring the point all the way to the centre.

3. Place the bandana on your head by placing the straight folded side of the bandana low across your forehead.

4. Now tie the two ends behind your head, making the knot sit just above the nape of your neck. 

5. Tie a second secure knot to pick up any slack, allowing the tail of the bandana to flow over your neck for sun protection as desired.