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What would you consider to be the best way to pay tribute to your favorite musical artists? Perhaps you may think it is by sticking a poster to your bedroom wall, rocking a t-shirt, or purchasing their favorite instrument. These are all great ways to express your love for a musician, but some people prefer to buy similar clothes to the stars that they admire!
I’ve always enjoyed wearing an item of clothing or two that my favorite rappers wear, a prime example of this being bandanas in name of Tupac. He was one of my favorite rappers of all time (R.I.P.), and this dude loved a subtly stylish bandana. They suit me well, so I have several in my wardrobe that I like to bust out for party time.
If this sounds like an accessory that you’d like to add to your look in tribute to one of the greatest rappers of all time, read on as I’ve prepared the following best Tupac bandanas guide – enjoy!
Bottom Line Up Front: The best Tupac bandanas should feature subtle colors and psychedelic patterns, should be made from comfortable cotton, and be large enough to comfortably fit around your head and hairstyle! There are tons of single, multipack, and even ice-cooled bandanas that fit this bill, but my top recommendation would have to be the Audbos 100% Combed Cotton Bandanas 3 Pack.
How to Wear a Bandana Like Tupac
Before we take a closer look at what you should look for in the best Tupac-style bandanas, it’s going to be important that we cover how you should wear a bandana like Tupac. It’s undeniable that this dude had a highly unique style and self-confidence that was through the roof, and therefore he seemed to rock just about any item of clothing that he wore. Despite this, he still had certain ways that he liked to wear his bandanas, and if you’re going to rock it too, then you’ll need to follow suit! There are three key ways that Tupac rocked his bandanas – let’s take a look at each one.
Method 1: Reverse Head Knot
The first way that Tupac loved to wear his bandana is what I like to call the reverse head knot. This method allowed the rapper to have complete head coverage, like a baseball cap or a durag, while still pulling off his signature forehead bow. If you want to pull off this style just like Tupac, you’ll need to follow these seven steps:
- Step 1: Lay your bandana of choice on a flat surface
- Step 2: Fold it diagonally in half, creating a triangle
- Step 3: Take both ends of the triangle
- Step 4: Place the bandana on the back of your head with the tip placed over your forehead
- Step 5: Take both ends and bring them to the front
- Step 6: Tie them over the forehead tip with a knot of your choice
- Step 7: Either tuck the tip of the knot into the bandana or leave it hanging over your head – Tupac did both
Method 2: Inverted Headband
This next bandana tying method was arguably Tupac’s favorite style – the inverted headband. As opposed to the previous method that covers the head, this classic style only covers the sides, much like a headband. It’s also a much simpler method than the previously mentioned one, so if you struggled with that, this might be more your cup of tea. If you want to pull off this style just like Tupac, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Place the bandana flat on a surface
- Step 2: Roll it up until you essentially create a headband
- Step 3: Take each end of the bandana and position it on the back of your head
- Step 4: Tie both ends at the front of your head with a knot of your choice
Method 3: Classic Bandana
The final method that you should consider when tying up your bandana is none other than the classic bandana technique. There’s no denying that Tupac loved this method, as he was pictured wearing it on many occasions, but he certainly used the other methods more commonly. It’s a much more conventional approach to wearing a bandana, though, so if you felt like the last two methods were a bit “out there,” then this method might be best. Simply follow these steps:
- Step 1: Place the bandana flat on a surface
- Step 2: Fold the bandana in half triangularly
- Step 3: Grasp both ends and place them across your forehead to cover your whole head
- Step 4: Bring both ends to the back of your head and tie them with a knot of your choice
What to Look Out for in the Best Tupac Bandanas
Now that you have a few options as to how to wear your Tupac bandana appropriately, you’re probably keen to learn more about how to find the best bandanas. There are tons of bandanas out there, and it can feel like a bit of a minefield, but luckily for you, I’ve been there and done that, doing tons of research on the way. I’m happy to share it with you!
Don’t Worry About Brand
The first thing that I would always consider when purchasing a Tupac bandana may surprise you – don’t worry about the brand. This might sound strange as brands matter to a lot of people and often represent quality and style. However, you’ll have to trust me on this one – the brand simply does not matter when you’re buying a Tupac bandana.
There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, there are no officially branded Tupac bandanas. I spent years looking for bandanas that were licensed by Tupac’s management but to no avail. I’m not sure why this is, as I’m sure fans would love to see it, but it is what it is. For this reason, I would watch out for any brands that claim to sell an “official Tupac bandana” because they are probably exploiting you and the musician while charging extra for it!
Another thing to consider is that Tupac did not give a darn about brands. Tons of rappers at the time were obsessed with superfluous things such as money, jewelry, designer clothes, cars, and women. One of the reasons that Tupac gained so much popularity was that he was different from these guys. He brought deeper meaning to his music and touched on the poverty, culture, and lifestyles of young black Americans at the time. Due to the environment he was brought up in, Tupac did not have the money for fancy branded clothing. As a result, he wore any old bandana that he liked the look of. It didn’t matter if it gave him the status of being cool!
Be more like Tupac – there is no need to fork out a ton of money on fancy bandana brands. Just grab something that is high-quality and that you like the look of; that’s what counts.
Choose the Right Color
The next thing to consider when searching for the best Tupac bandanas is color. After all, bandanas are visual accessories that are sported proudly on our heads, so the color is an important aspect to consider! Bandanas come in every color of the rainbow; ultimately, you should wear whichever color tickles your fancy. However, it’s undeniable that some colors are more appropriate for imitating Tupac’s style.
Unlike the showy and material-obsessed trap stars of today’s hip-hop scene, Tupac was subtle and humble in his style. Search through a few pics of Tupac wearing bandanas online, and you’ll quickly notice that he avoided bright and over-the-top bandanas that made him stand out too much. Sure, the way he wore his bandanas was fairly extravagant, but the colors he chose were subtle. We’re talking brown, dark blue, white, and black. Sure, he occasionally was pictured wearing a bright red one, but he certainly wasn’t wearing neon green, pink or yellow bandanas!
As I already mentioned, you should apply your individuality to your bandana and wear whatever color you want. Heck, you could even get one with a custom tie-die gradient color or even one that looks like a rainbow! However, if you’re looking to purchase a bandana that Tupac would wear, I think your best bet is to grab a classic brown one.
Consider the Pattern
This next point kind of blends in with the previously mentioned criteria of color – you need to think carefully about the pattern of the bandana and if you even want one! Take one more look at pictures of Tupac wearing a bandana online, and you’ll see that the rapper’s bandanas not only feature a variety of colors but also a variety of patterns. Some classics include paisley, mandala, fractals, or even plain textiles!
Tupac never spoke out on his bandana pattern preferences, and I would imagine that he simply chose any bandana that he liked the look of. Paisley is a classic hippy textile from the ‘60s, with mandala and fractal patterns coming a little later as a result of the same era, so it’s no denying that he tended to choose bandanas of a somewhat psychedelic fashion. However, there are several photos of the rapper wearing plain bandanas or ones with simpler textiles such as polka dots.
In this instance, I would focus less on what Tupac thought and find a bandana that you think suits your style. Much like the color, this will allow you to express your individuality while still paying homage to your favorite rapper. Don’t overthink it – just be!
Size & Comfort
The final thing that I would recommend that you always consider when it comes to finding the best Tupac bandanas is something a little more practical – sizing and comfort. The previously mentioned criteria were all to do with quality and aesthetics, but finding something that is sized correctly and feels comfortable to wear is more important, as if they aren’t, you might not want to wear the bandana at all. What a waste of money that would be!
Most bandanas are made from similar fabric, so I wouldn’t worry too much about the material here – it’s going to feel fine on your head. It is worth noting that cotton generally feels better than polyester, though. However, finding a bandana that is sized suitably for your head and hair is much more important. Now, it’s important to note that Tupac was bald and, while it sounds like a strange thing to say, had a standard-sized head. I’m not trying to be rude here; it’s just important to remember that everyone has different-sized heads – simple!
In addition to head sizes, people have different hairstyles that can interfere with how a bandana fits. I’m a prime example of this, rocking 12 years’ worth of dreadlocks that are hefty in size. As a result of this, the classic bandana sizes that Tupac would wear simply do not fit my head. Sometimes they may, but then I won’t have enough length left to tie a knot, so what’s the point of that?
The best thing you can do is measure your head and then investigate the dimensions of the bandanas you find online – the dimensions should usually be listed on the product page. It’s undeniable that if you have a pretty standard head size with short hair, this whole section likely won’t affect you. However, if you’re a child, have a larger head size, or have wacky hair like me, it’s worth considering! After all, what’s the point in buying a Tupac-style bandana if you can’t even wear it comfortably?!
My Best Tupac Bandana Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered everything from how to wear a bandana like Tupac to the criteria that you should be looking out for when purchasing them, I’ve decided to put together the following list of my best Tupac bandana recommendations. There is an endless supply of different bandanas online, which can get seriously overwhelming, so hopefully, my recommendations will help provide you with some inspiration.
#01 Motique Accessories’ Extra Large Paisley Bandana 27×27 Inch
The first product on my best Tupac bandana recommendation list has to be this Motique Accessories’ Extra Large Paisley Bandana, which comes in a huge size of 27 by 27 inches. This sizing property easily makes this bandana one of my favorites on this list because it provides plenty of extra room to go around my large set of dreadlocks! I always think that you can tie up a bandana that is too big, but if it’s too small to fit on your head, then that’s a big problem!
It’s made with a beautiful paisley textile much like Tupac would frequently wear, and best of all, it’s available in a whopping 18 different colors! This includes red, white, and black, just like Tupac would wear, but I think the best color here is the brown option. It’s the color that Tupac was most commonly seen wearing, and brown bandanas can sometimes be difficult to come by.
Pros
- Available in 18 different colors, including brown
- Beautiful paisley design
- Extra large in size at 27 x 27 inches
Cons
- Only available as a single item, not in a multi-pack
#02 Blulu’s 6 Pieces Paisley Bandanas Assorted Cowboy Bandanas
The next bandana recommendation that I have for you is undeniably a better bargain than the last one – it’s Blulu’s 6 Pieces Paisley Bandanas Assorted Cowboy Bandanas. While the material is made from polyester instead of cotton and is therefore of slightly lower quality, the selling point here is that it comes in packs of six. Best of all, it’s not just six bandanas of the same color – they come in color-coordinated sets! There’s a green set, a red set, a rainbow set, and many more color combinations!
It must be said that some of the colors listed here aren’t exactly what Tupac would typically wear on his head. However, as I mentioned earlier in this guide, you should focus more on finding a color that suits your style and personality, not Tupac’s!
Pros
- The six-pack makes these bandanas an excellent bargain
- Available in many different color combination kits
- Great if you’re looking to get color coordinated
Cons
- Made from polyester instead of cotton
- A lot of the colors are different from what Tupac would wear
#03 Bycc Bynn 3 Pack 100% Cotton Paisley Pattern Bandanas
The next bandana recommendation I have is another multipack (in fact, that’s going to become a trend from now on!) – it’s the Bycc Bynn 3 Pack 100% Cotton Paisley Pattern Bandana set. I tried these 100% cotton bandanas a while ago, and I was blown away by how much comfier they are than polyester bandanas. They’re durable, unisex, and can be worn in all three of Tupac’s main bandana styles in addition to as a scarf, necktie, riding mask, and more!
My favorite part about these bandanas, however, is the color schemes – much like the last recommendation, these come in packs of coordinated colors, but I think they are much more appropriate to Tupac’s style. My favorite would have to be the Black, Burgundy, and Dark Yellow color set as this is a combo that Tupac would appreciate, but don’t worry, because there are tons of alternatives that cover every color of the rainbow!
Pros
- Made from 100% cotton, making these bandanas very comfortable
- Comes as a pack of three bandanas
- The color schemes are excellent, especially the Black, Burgundy, and Dark Yellow set
Cons
- While the quality is undeniably better, they’re not as good value as the six-pack!
#04 Ergodyne Chill Its 6700 Cooling Bandana
This next bandana is a bit of a wild card, but I simply had to mention it. Bandanas are great for picking up sweat on a hot summer’s day, but it’s undeniable that the extra fabric on your head is going to make you sweat in itself. If this sounds like a problem to you, you should consider checking out this Ergodyne Chill Its 6700 Cooling Bandana. Believe it or not, it’s made to be frozen and then applied to your head to cool you on a hot day!
Simply soak it in water, put it in the freezer, and get it out when you’re ready to stay cool in the sun! It’s available in loads of unique color styles, but I think the Red Western version is most similar to a style that Tupac would wear. Watch out, though, because this bandana only really works as an inverted headband once it’s frozen!
Pros
- Ideal for keeping cool on a sunny day
- Available in tons of unique colors and patterns
Cons
- Once frozen, you’re limited to only wearing this bandana as an inverted headband
- The iced bandana will inevitably melt in the sun, leaving you with a soggy bandana around your head!
#05 Audbos 100% Combed Cotton Bandanas 3 Packs
This final recommendation of Audbos 100% Combed Cotton Bandanas 3 Packs has got to be my favorite – these bandanas are just perfect for representing Tupac’s cool style. The patterns are unique, varied, and psychedelic, the colors are subtle and tasteful, and the combed cotton material makes them a delight to wear. Best of all, the textiles that are included in the three packs vary depending on which one you choose, and trust me – you’re going to be spoiled for choice. I think that if Tupac knew about these bandanas back in the day, he’d own all seven sets!
Sure, they may not feel as good value as other multipack options on this list, but when it comes to the quality and patterns, it stands up tallest, in my opinion!
Pros
- Comes as a three-pack
- Made from 100% combed cotton for ultimate comfort
- The pattern selection will leave you spoiled for choice
Cons
- A little more expensive, but still excellent value for money
- Not much choice in terms of colors – they’re mainly blue, red and white
FAQ
We’ve covered a ton of information throughout this guide, so let’s summarize some of the most important details before we move on to the conclusion!
Answer: Tupac wore several colors frequently when it came to bandanas, but his favorites were subtle colors such as brown, dark blue, white, black, and red.
Answer: There are three different ways to wear a bandana like Tupac – the Reverse Head Knot, the Classic Bandana, or Tupac’s favorite method, the Inverted Headband.
Answer: The best Tupac bandanas should be made from 100% cotton (preferably combed), colors and patterns that you like, and most importantly, of a size that is going to fit your head and hairstyle!
Final Thoughts
I hope that this guide to the best Tupac bandanas has helped provide you with the research and inspiration you need! Tupac was one of the greatest rappers of all time, and wearing a bandana like him is a fantastic way to pay tribute to the dude. Whether you choose to wear it as an inverted headband, a reverse head knot, or a classic bandana, be sure to choose a color and pattern that you enjoy! If you like them, though, I’d highly recommend the Audbos 100% Combed Cotton Bandanas 3 Pack – they’re just next level in terms of comfort, and the colors and styles scream “TUPAC!” Good luck!
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