Main Difference
The main difference between Handkerchief and Bandana is that the Handkerchief is a piece of cloth for personal use and Bandana is a large printed handkerchief or scarf, usually with a red or blue ground.
Handkerchief
A handkerchief (; also called a hankie or, historically, a handkercher) is a form of a kerchief or bandanna, typically a hemmed square of thin fabric or paper which can be carried in the pocket or handbag, and which is intended for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one’s hands or face, or blowing one’s nose. A handkerchief is also sometimes used as a purely decorative accessory in a suit pocket; it is then called a pocket square. It is also an important accessory in many folkdances in many regions like the Balkans and the Middle East; an example of a folkdance using handkerchiefs is Kalamatianos.
Bandana
A kerchief (from the French couvre-chef, “head cover”), also known as a bandana or bandanna, is a triangular or square piece of cloth tied around the head or neck for protective or decorative purposes. The popularity of head kerchiefs may vary by culture or religion, and may vary among Orthodox Jewish and Christian, Catholic, Amish, and Muslim people.
Kerchiefs are also worn as headdresses by Malay men in traditional occasions, such as weddings (worn by the groom) and the pesilat. Their headdresses are better known as tengkolok.
The neckerchief and handkerchief are related items.
Handkerchief (noun)
A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.
Handkerchief (noun)
A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief or neckcloth.
Bandana (noun)
A large kerchief, usually colourful and used either as headgear or as a handkerchief, neckerchief, bikini, or sweatband.
Bandana (noun)
A style of calico printing, in which white or bright spots are produced upon cloth previously dyed a uniform red or dark colour, by discharging portions of the color by chemical means, while the rest of the cloth is under pressure.
Handkerchief (noun)
a square of cotton or other finely woven material intended for wiping one’s nose.