Bandanas & Neckwear
Our shemagh and bandanas collection gives you a cloth for nearly every job: blocking sun and dust, soaking up sweat, warming your neck or keeping bugs off your face. Every item here is Rothco, and most cost little enough to stash one in every bag you own.
The range covers several kinds of neckwear:
- Shemagh tactical desert keffiyeh scarves in solid colors, digital camo, skulls, crossed rifles, Spartan, Gadsden snake and Stars and Stripes prints, plus lightweight versions for hot weather.
- Bandanas in solid colors, classic and digital camo, trainmen paisley, U.S. flag, subdued flag, Gadsden, Thin Blue Line and gun patterns, with large 27 x 27 inch sizes for more coverage.
- Headwraps that tie behind the head like a do-rag, in camo, flag, skull and Air Force designs.
- Neck gaiters and multi-use tactical wraps that work as a neck warmer, face cover or headband, including kids' sizes.
- Balaclavas and face masks, from fine knit one-hole and three-hole masks to an ECWCS Gen III Level 2 style balaclava and reusable 3-layer masks.
- Mosquito head nets, including a G.I.-type net and a long-length deluxe net.
A G.I. wool scarf rounds out the cold-weather side.
A note for service members: DA PAM 670-1 lists a neck gaiter as an optional accessory with the combat uniform and describes it as a plain dark brown knit tube. Shemaghs, printed bandanas and patterned wraps aren't on that list, so wear them in uniform only when your command allows it. More detail is in the guide below.
Choosing a Shemagh, Bandana or Neck Gaiter
These pieces overlap, but each does one thing best. Think about the weather and how much of your face and neck you need to cover.
Shemagh: Best for Sun, Wind and Sand
A shemagh is a large square of cloth that wraps around the head and neck and can be pulled over the nose and mouth. Fold it into a triangle, drape it over your head, and wrap the long ends around your neck. Off your head it works as a sling, a sweat rag, a pot holder or a ground cloth. Choose the standard weight for wind and cool nights; pick the lightweight version for heat, where you want shade without bulk.
Bandanas and Headwraps for Everyday Carry
A bandana is the simplest piece of kit you can own. Standard sizes fold small enough for a back pocket; the large and extra-large 27 x 27 inch bandanas cover more and tie more easily around the head. Headwraps have the ties sewn in, so they stay put under a helmet, hard hat or motorcycle helmet.
Neck Gaiters and Multi-Use Tactical Wraps
A gaiter is a stretch tube you pull over your head. Worn low it is a neck warmer; pulled up it is a face cover; folded it becomes a headband or beanie. It can't blow loose the way a scarf can, which makes it the go-to for motorcycles, ATVs and snow.
Balaclavas, Face Masks and Head Nets
For real cold, a balaclava covers the head, ears and neck in one layer. One-hole masks leave only the eyes open; three-hole masks add a mouth opening for easier breathing. In bug country, a mosquito head net over a brimmed hat keeps the netting off your skin.
Neckwear and Military Uniform Regulations
For Soldiers, paragraph 4-3 of DA PAM 670-1 lists the accessories normally worn with the combat uniform. Two items in this category come close:
- Neck gaiter (para 20-20): an optional-purchase or issued item for optional wear with combat uniforms and other cold weather uniforms. The regulation describes it as a dark brown, camouflage-compatible knit tube that can be worn as a neck warmer, hood, balaclava, ear band or hat in cold, windy or dusty conditions.
- Scarves (para 20-25): the olive green 208 scarf is an organizational issue item for cold weather utility coats and ECWCS, and an optional black scarf may also be worn with those coats.
Patterned gaiters, flag bandanas and shemaghs don't match those descriptions. They aren't on the combat uniform accessory list, so save them for training, off-duty and outdoor use unless your command says otherwise.
Other Services
The Air Force, Space Force, Navy and Marine Corps each publish their own rules on cold-weather accessories. Check your service manual and local policy before adding any neckwear to your uniform.
Caring for Your Neckwear
Wash cotton shemaghs and bandanas in cold water before first use, since some dyes run. Air-dry fleece and knit pieces to keep them from pilling or shrinking. Reusable 3-layer face masks can go in a mesh laundry bag. Keep a clean bandana sealed in a zip bag in your first aid kit or ruck; it doubles as a sling, a pressure wrap or a water pre-filter when you need one.