Durag

Rapper Slim Thug wearing a do-rag.

A do-rag, also spelled doo-rag, du-rag, durag is a piece of cloth used to cover the head. The term do-rag is itself an acronym derived from Drive-On rag, a term that first came into usage among U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. The original Drive On Rag or DO Rag was the compressed muslin bandage that comes in most military First-Aid Kits.

History

Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia wearing something similar to a do-rag

The do-rag was popular throughout many different eras. A popular misconception is that the do-rag is a recent African-American phenomenon, but, in actuality, for centuries, men and women of African descent from around the world have used various fabrics and scarves to cover their hair.

As well, large silk handkerchiefs (or bandanas) are frequently found in Latin America, though they are typically worn under a Panama hat. They are very commonly seen in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, & Peru (this custom may very well have come from the African slaves brought to this part of the Spanish world). These handkerchiefs were in much wider use at one time, being worn by the Spanish in what is now the American Southwest. It was common to see a black or white silk bandana worn under a matching black or white bolero hat by the Spanish horsemen or vaqueros. The most notable example is the one worn by the fictional character Zorro. It was this silk bandana that spawned the trend among Anglo-American cowboys to start sporting cotton bandanas.

In the 1930s women wore bandanna-like fabric to fasten their hairstyles in place while they set. In the 1940s the style among women shifted into the workplace where they were taking over factory jobs and needed a safe way to keep their hair out of the machinery. Rosie the Riveter is famously featured wearing the blue-collar woman's do-rag.

From the 1930s to the 1960s, they were used by African-American men to hold chemically processed hair-dos in place while they slept. Originally they were made from pieces of handkerchief, bandannas, or women's stockings; now they are made from polyester. Do-rags resurged as a fashion trend among urban youth in the 1970s and 2000s. Do-rags are worn in a variety of colors, with black being the most common. Do-rags are regularly used to create and maintain waves. They are also used for cornrowed hairstyles. They usually have long ties on either side that are wrapped around the head to secure the do-rag and tied at the back.

Uses

Do-rags are popular among motorcycle riders. The do-rag is worn by a rider as a way to keep hair from blowing into the face and eyes while riding (a benefit to both the rider and to any passenger they may have riding on their bike behind them), as a way of keeping bugs out of the hair, and as a way to absorb sweat. Generally, riders who use a do-rag for these purposes do not also wear a motorcycle helmet. Nevertheless, majority of motorcyclists prefer the original bandanna. They are also worn by cyclists who wear helmets to keep the helmet from making their head sore.

Do-rags in popular culture

Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and also hip hop artists such as J 'Preme, Chamillionaire, LL Cool J, Sheek Louch, Mike Jones, Memphis Bleek, Petey Pablo, 50 Cent, B-Weezy, and Cam'ron have helped popularize do-rags among mainstream audiences by incorporating them in their dress. It is also popular for breakdancers to wear do-rags as a fashion.

Other

Some gang members may wear do-rags representing their gang colors.

In April 2001, the National Football League banned its players from wearing do-rags and bandanas underneath their helmets. The ban did not apply to players who wore them for medical reasons