Handkerchiefs might be the big trend this summer—partly thanks to glowing endorsements from style icons like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Gigi Hadid. But if we had to trace where this trend really started in its current form, we’d say it took off during the spring 2026 ready-to-wear shows. Not on the runways, though—on the stylish heads of the people watching.
Yes, we spotted Rosalía walking into the Calvin Klein show wearing a classic navy blue printed bandana on top of her hair. But beyond that, we also noticed plenty of others outside the shows finishing off their outfits with a delicate little scarf covering their heads. In Copenhagen, the trend continued, with fashionable showgoers embracing the scarf-as-hat in both solid colors and fun prints. To show how this trend is growing, we’ve gathered our favorite handkerchief headwear spotted on the streets of Fashion Week.
Below are our top handkerchief looks captured on the street.
Copenhagen, spring 2027 ready-to-wear
Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde
New York, spring 2026 ready-to-wear
Photographed by Phil Oh
Copenhagen, spring 2027 ready-to-wear
Photo: Courtesy of Acielle/Style Du Monde
Copenhagen, spring 2027 ready-to-wear
Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde
New York, spring 2026 ready-to-wear
Photographed by Phil Oh
Copenhagen, spring 2026 ready-to-wear
Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about wearing a handkerchief like a street style star covering everything from the basics to advanced styling tricks
Beginner Questions
1 Is a handkerchief just for blowing my nose
No not in fashion In street style a handkerchief is a purely decorative accessory Its used to add a pop of color texture or pattern to an outfit You dont use it for its original practical purpose
2 Whats the difference between a handkerchief and a bandana
They are very similar but the key differences are size and material A bandana is usually a larger square piece of cotton with a classic paisley or geometric print A fashion handkerchief is typically smaller made of silk linen or cotton and comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns Both can be worn in the same ways
3 Where can I wear a handkerchief
The most common places are
The Neck Tied like a necklace choker or western bolo tie
The Head Worn as a headband a hair wrap or tied around a ponytail
The Wrist Tied around your wrist like a bracelet
The Bag Tied onto the handle or strap of a handbag or tote
The Pocket Folded and placed in the chest pocket of a blazer or jacket
4 What is the easiest way to wear one for a beginner
The easiest and most foolproof method is the Neck Knot Simply fold the handkerchief in half to make a triangle roll or fold it into a long strip and tie it loosely around your neck with a single knot Leave the ends hanging down Its an instant outfit upgrade
5 What kind of handkerchief should I buy first
Start with a mediumsized silk or satin one Silk has a beautiful drape and looks highend Choose a versatile color like a solid black navy or a neutral print that you can pair with multiple outfits
Styling Practical Questions
6 How do I tie a handkerchief around my neck without it looking like an old mans ascot
The key