The big comeback of a fashion detail our grandmothers wore. Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid… are rocking it today

The bandana, a versatile scarf with origins tracing back to India, is experiencing a major fashion revival this summer, becoming a key accessory for 2026. Celebrities such as Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Elle Fanning, and Amelia Gray have been seen sporting the trend, while Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber have also embraced scarves worn over their hair.

The most popular styling method involves folding a square scarf into a triangle, placing it over the head, and tying it at the nape of the neck. Variations include positioning the scarf lower towards the eyebrows, leaving a portion of the forehead exposed, or tying it around a bun or the neck. While red bandanas with classic paisley patterns are particularly sought after, minimalist white, blue, and silk versions are also in vogue.

Far from being a new invention, the bandana's history is rich. Its name is linked to words signifying tying and traditional fabric dyeing techniques. These scarves arrived in Europe via trade routes, and the distinctive paisley pattern emerged from the influence of expensive Kashmiri shawls, becoming widely produced in Paisley, Scotland, during the 19th century.

Throughout history, the bandana has served multiple roles beyond fashion. It was used by laborers for protection from dust and sun, by cowboys, motorcyclists, musicians, and various subcultures as a symbol of rebellion, music, and street style. Figures like Axl Rose, Tupac Shakur, Aaliyah, and Beyoncé are closely associated with the bandana's cultural impact.

Interestingly, the scarf worn over the head, known simply as a 'marama' or 'rubac' in many Croatian regions, was a traditional and everyday element of women's attire for decades. Younger women often wore colorful, floral-patterned scarves, while older women preferred solid colors or black. While today's stars pair bandanas with sunglasses, bikinis, dresses, and denim, their grandmothers wore them for sun protection, wind, dust, fieldwork, or as part of traditional dress. The article suggests that checking a grandmother's wardrobe might be a fashionable move this season.