Maybe you want to protect your hair or head from sun and dust or maybe you’re just channeling your inner pirate. Either way, a bandanna hat is an accessory that never goes out of style. A variety of fabrics can be used, whether it’s a simple, functional cotton for housework or a shiny decorative silk for a Bohemian-chic look on more formal occasions. With just a little practice and these simple steps, you’ll be sporting a cool, inexpensive hat in no time.

Use a soft fabric that is comfortable and not itchy against your forehead. Fabrics that are slightly stretchy will stay on better and you won’t need to re-tie the bandanna as often.

Match up two opposite corners of the square and smooth the fold diagonally to form a triangle.

Place the triangle on your head with the folded edge on your forehead along your hairline.

Tie the two outside corners in a knot at the back of your head. The knot must be tight enough to stay tied but loose enough that it’s easy to untie if you need to tie the bandana hat again later.

Push the loose middle corner under the knot. If you have long hair tied back in a ponytail, ignore this last step, but tie the knot under the ponytail.