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 bandana (from the Hindi bandhana, "to tie") is a type of large, usually colorful, kerchief, usually used as head gear.

See also: handkerchief, neckerchief, veil.