| This article is part of the Headgear series: |
| Overview of headgear |
| Hats; Bonnets; Caps |
| Hoods; Helmets; Wigs |
| Masks; Veils; Scarves |
| Tiaras; Papal tiaras |
| Turbans |
| Crowns |
| List of hats and headgear |
A kerchief (from the French couvre-chef, "cover the head") is a triangular or square piece of Cloth tied around the head or around the Neck for protective or decorative purposes. In India, a "hand kerchief" primarily refers to a Napkin made of cloth, used to maintain personal hygiene. A bandanna (from the Hindi bandhana, "to tie") is a type of large, usually colourful, kerchief, usually used as head gear. Bandannas are frequently printed in a paisley pattern.
Certain colours of kerchiefs are associated with gangs making it potentially dangerous to wear different types of them in certain areas. In particular a red kerchief is associated with Bloods and a blue one is associated with Crips.
Bandannas are also worn around the neck by cowboys, farmers, bakers, and railroad engineers to wipe the sweat off their face.