For the last several years, gingham has been summer fashion’s golden child. It’s classic, chic, and ready to complement any and all outfits regardless of personal style. From fashion-forward, city-approved looks to coquettish cottagecore ensembles, we’ve all been quick to welcome this timeless print into our closets.
And while gingham will never truly be out of style, this summer it has a contender. Fashion girls are tucking their gingham boxers into drawers and moving micro-checked dresses to the back of their closets. This summer, they’re reaching for bandana print instead.
Breaking Down the Bandana Print Trend
Long gone are the days of clean girl minimalism. This past year, fashion folks have been seeking more color, more texture, and, generally, more personality. As a classic, match-with-everything, unassuming print, gingham was a dressing segue for many of us to start dabbling with pattern. As was our other classic friend, polka dots. We didn’t want to dress in all neutrals anymore, but we weren’t looking to revive psychedelic patterns of eras past, either.
Now that we’re collectively accustomed to incorporating patterns into our OOTDs, we’re seeking something fresh without totally running off the rails. Considering how popular Western fashion has become, it’s no surprise bandana print has become the new motif of choice (horse-girl fashion lives on!). Seen on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, the pattern has become a recurring design theme across popular retailers such as Madewell, DÔEN, and Hill House Home.
Used as an umbrella term, “bandana print” encompasses any pattern that relies heavily on paisley, contrasting colors, and geometric borders. While bandanas and silk scarves have become a popular go-to for accessorizing bags, hair, and even acting as a stand-in for belts, we’re now seeing the print itself making its way onto bottoms, dresses, tops, and bags.
If you see a pattern and can easily imagine it adorning a bandana, you can safely assume it falls within the confines of this trend.
How Fashion People Are Wearing Bandana Print
Whether you’re a loud dresser or a minimalist pushing yourself to add more flavor to your outfits, bandana print is highly accessible. Use these styling ideas to start incorporating it into your summer looks.
Layered Together
Printed pants are fun on their own. But even more captivating is a layered look. Don a pair of bandana-printed pants and add further visual interest by tying a bandana or printed scarf across your hips. Opt for varying prints so the two pieces don’t blend together, and finish the look with a neutral top.
As a Pop of Color
If bandana-printed clothing isn’t your vibe, you can of course opt for a literal bandana. Fall back on classic pop-of-red styling for a chic effect. Sandwich the ensemble with shoes in a matching hue to make the outfit feel intentional.
Via a Fun Little Accessory
If you were once a die-hard Vera Bradley fan, then you know nothing compares to the joy of carrying a quilted, printed bag. Embrace nostalgia and revive that version of yourself by slinging a bandana-printed bag over your shoulder.
To Contrast a Neutral Top
If you’re headed into the office on a sweltering summer day, airy bandana-printed pants can add some whimsy to your typical white blouse ‘fit. Play up the outfit’s character with shoes or a bag in a corresponding color.
With a Statement Piece
Summer is the season for one-and-done outfitting. Dive into bandana-print styling with a statement dress. Pieces in muted colors offer a soft, feminine side to the trend.
In Lieu of Boxer Shorts
Striped and gingham boxer shorts are all well and good, but a bandana-printed soft short shakes up the routine. Wear to the beach, out to lunch, or while bopping around the farmers market.
Bandana Print Clothing Pieces to Shop Now
Bandana Print Accessories to Shop Now
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Fashion Writer
Emilee is a communications strategist and lifestyle journalist with an M.S. in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies and their executives. Beyond The Everygirl, Emilee’s work has been featured on POPSUGAR, MSN, and Yahoo.
The post Move Over, Gingham: Bandana Print Is Summer’s Biggest Trend appeared first on The Everygirl.
