Kerchief
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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. For example, a red kerchief is associated with Bloods and a blue one is associated with Crips. In certain cities such as Richmond, Virginia, non-violent bicycle clubs such as The Loners may wear black and white bandannas to show their association.
Bandannas are also worn around the neck by cowboys, farmers, bakers, and railroad engineers to wipe the sweat off their faces, and keep dust out of their collars.