Wild Rag Style: Tying the Perfect Knot

Rein in the spirit of the Wild West with a wild rag. Known for its rich colors, wide range of patterns, and quality silk, a wild rag is a staple piece to add to your closet. The wild rag has re-emerged into the limelight of Western fashion within the past couple years. However, the wild rag is no new concept. This Western scarf dates back to the late 19th century, adorning the neck of none other than the American Cowboy. While cowboys and cowgirls today wear wild rags as a fashion accessory, its original purpose is mainly functionality. The wild rag, more widely known as the bandana, was used for warmth in the cold, cooling in the heat, dust protection, as a makeshift arm sling and to soothe a spooked horse by acting as a blindfold. The modern-day cowboys and cowgirls of today have embraced tradition by sporting their wild rags in every style imaginable. Let’s look at some popular wild rag styles, knots, and fashion innovations and how to achieve them.

How Do I Tie a Wild Rag?

There is no right or wrong way to tie your wild rag, and there is a style or knot for everyone. Some popular styles include the traditional style, the Stagecoach slide, and the purse wrap. Tying your wild rag is all about attention to detail and channeling your own creativity. Mix and match different styles and accessories to create your own wild rag look.

Tying Down the Styles

Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial for your favorite wild-rag styles and knots.

The Traditional

This wild rag style is the most widely known and has a rich history embedded in the western way of life. The traditional style gives a nod to the original wild rags of the old west, the bandana.

How to:

1. Start by laying your wild rag flat and folding the two corners opposite of each other, to create a triangle.
2. Next, take your two tail ends and wrap them around your neck, with the bulk of the wild rag facing forward.
3. Bring your tail ends to the front of your neck.
4. Create a basic square knot by taking the right piece in your right hand, go over the left piece, under, and back over.
5. With the left piece in your left hand, go over the right piece, under, and back over.
6. Adjust the knot to secure your wild rag in place.
7. Lastly, fixate your ends to ensure they are even.

Ways to Style

You can wear this style with the knot centered or to the side according to your preference. Compliment your wild rag with a collared shirt and a scarf slide for a more embellished design.

Accessorizing With Wild Rags

The wild rag isn’t just for your neck. There are a variety of different ways you can add a wild rag to your outfit without foregoing your favorite necklaces. Complement your handbag or hair style with a patterned wild rag to spice up your everyday get-up.

Handbags & Handkerchiefs

A wild rag is the perfect way to add some Western frills to any handbag. By using the wild rag wrap method, you can not only accessorize your handbag with an eye-catching silk fabric, but also protect the handle from occasional wear and tear.

How to:

1. Start by laying your wild rag flat and folding the two corners opposite of each other, to create a triangle.
2. Next, roll your wild rag from the apex of the triangle towards the opposite end.
3. Then take the middle of your wild rag and line it up with the middle of your purse handle.
4. From the middle you can begin wrapping the wild rag around either side of the handle.
5. Wrap your wild rag around the handle of your purse tightly, to ensure you don’t have any bare spots.
6. When you get to the base of the purse take your last wrap and create a loop by pulling the final wrap from the front and threading your end into it.
7. Pull the end taught.
8. Finally, repeat this process on the other side.

Ways to Style

For those of you who are cross-body bag gals, you too can adorn your bag with a wild rag by knotting the wild rag where the base meets the strap. Bring life to a not-so-statement piece bag with the vibrant colors and patterns of a wild rag.

The High Plains Headscarf

Wearing a wild rag as a headscarf is both conventional and fashionable. The silk fabric of a wild rag prevents your hair from breaking and stops the dreaded frizz, all while complimenting your outfit.

How to:

1. Start by laying your wild rag flat and folding the two corners opposite of each other, to create a triangle.
2. Next, roll your wild rag from the longest side of the triangle towards the apex or opposite end. Roll less or more depending on how much hair you want to cover.
3. Center the wild rag with the middle of your scalp, with the apex of the triangle facing the back. For a more stylized version center your wild rag upon your forehead.
4. Take the tail ends and knot them at the nape of your neck or the back of your head depending on your preference.
5. Finally, pull out some front pieces of hair to frame your face.

Ways to Style

This look can complement any hair style of your choosing: up, down, braided, curled, or to the side. If the full headscarf-wild rag is too much fabric for you, try rolling the wild rag into a long rectangular piece for a headband style. The hair styling possibilities with a wild rag are truly endless. Braid a wild rag through your hair or simply knot one to your ponytail.

Conclusion

The wild rag has proved to be an accessory you don’t want to leave the house without. With numerous different combinations of styles, knots, and patterns an outfit is not complete without a wild rag. By sporting the wild rag, you are not only showcasing your individuality, but also paying homage to the cowboys and cowgirls who paved the way for our Western way of life. Shop Cavender’s selection of wild rags online or in store today.

AUTHOR BIO: LUCILLE MOORE

Lucille Moore, a part-time writer and full-time Western fashion guru, prides herself on originality and authenticity. Growing up on her family’s farm with two former ranch managers as parents, Lucille ‘Lucy’ was practically born in the saddle. As a full-time marketing student at the University of Texas at Tyler, she’s committed to delivering greatness with every word while consistently bringing new ideas to the table. Tenacity and passion are just a few of the great qualities that make Lucy, well Lucy. With an extensive background in the Western industry, a love for fashion, and a God-given talent to write, Lucy is determined to craft her own legacy between the lines of literature. Learn more about Lucille Moore by visiting her online portfolio HERE.