What was once worn as a sign of movement or identity, bandanas now have become more of a fashion statement. All credit goes to celebrities, including rockstars, hip-hop artists, etc., for popularizing this trend.
I am not complaining either but wonder in amazement about how time changes everything. Youngsters today might not be aware, but this square-shaped cloth piece has a strong lineage of history.
Some of you might be surprised to know that different colored bandanas are affiliated with gangs.
Blue bandana is associated with the Crips, one of the largest street gangs in the United States. Likewise, a brown bandana is affiliated with La Gran mafia members.
Want to know more about this bandana color and its association? Continue reading the post below!
Brown Bandana Meaning And Gang Affiliations
I am sure that most of you probably prefer blue or black bandanas to brown ones. They are more attractive and give an edgy look.
However, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a brown bandana as well. Because of its subtle shade, it blends with any of your outfits.
A bandana is a versatile piece of cloth, allowing you to opt for any look. Whether headband or a neckpiece, there are ample options!
As mentioned earlier, bandanas have long been associated with gangs; the brown bandana is often related to the La gran mafia. It’s also affiliated with the Bloods gang, which is one of the largest street gangs in Los Angeles.
Besides brown bandanas, these gangs also wear red, pink, and black bandanas. They share a common philosophy, extremely aggressive and violent.
| Bandana Type | What It Stands For |
|---|---|
| Black | It represents neutrality |
| Brown | It was worn by La gran mafia |
| Blue | It’s associated with the Crips gang |
| Purple | It’s related to Grapes Street Crips gang |
| Green | Bay area gang members wear it |
| Yellow | It’s related to Latin kings gang |
| Red | The Bloods gang member wears it |
| Grey | It’s affiliated with Asian gang members |
Is It Safe To Wear A Brown Bandana Or Should You Avoid It?
It is safe to wear a brown bandana as it has become less prevalent because of stringent law enforcement. The relevance of bandana colors and gang affiliations has been fading.
So, you can wear any shades of a bandana. However, it would be better to wear it based on the location, especially in a rougher neighborhood.
Brown Bandana Hanky Code: The LGBT Connections
Besides gang affiliations, bandanas played a significant role in the LGBT movement. And thus, leading to the creation of hanky code.
A hanky code is a non-verbal way of one’s sexual preferences to its partner. Various bandana colors denote different fetishes. For instance, the brown bandana color on the left pocket is a code for scat top, while the right pocket means scat bottom.
With the advent of technology, the usage of the handkerchief code has become less relevant. Various online apps and forums are available to connect and express their preferences.
Different Ways Of Wearing Brown Bandanas & What It Means
A certain way of wearing bandanas conveys messages or meanings attached to it. But is it relevant today? That’s hard to say as times have changed and evolved.
Famous musicians like Tupac and Axl Rose wore bandanas as a headband, thus, leading to a whole generation following their style.
Nonetheless, let’s look into some ways of wearing bandanas and what they mean. Perhaps this might answer if it still has relevancy or not.
Brown Bandana Around Neck Or Back Pocket
Wearing a brown bandana on your back pocket means showing your sexual preferences. The same goes for wearing a bandana around the neck, meaning one’s affiliation to homosexuality.
Today, everyone wears it as a fashion statement. Create your style and wear it as you like.
Brown Bandana As A Headband
Celebrities have made wearing a bandana as a headband popular. But do you know that this style earlier was affiliated with gangs?
Now, you don’t have to worry and wear it as you wish. This style became popular among rappers and rockstars. So, what are you waiting for? Take your brown bandana and infuse your style!
Our Readers Asked
Do Black And Brown Bandanas Have The Same Meanings?
Yes, both bandana colors stand for neutrality and are safe to wear despite sharing association with the Blood gangs.
What Does A Brown Bandana On The Left Leg Mean?
The Brown bandana on the left leg is a style statement that was quite popular in the 90s.
Recap
Never in the wildest dream would one imagine the significance of a bandana and its association with gangs, the LGBT movement, etc.
Brown bandana is safe to wear despite its association with gangs. Currently, there is no relevance, and you can wear it as you want. It’s fascinating to learn how a simple cloth piece has a strong lineage of history and culture. Nevertheless, it’s worth knowing and being educated about it.
References
Photo by Robin Gislain Gessy on Unsplash