Which bandannas are best?
Bandannas are some of the most versatile accessories around. You can wear them as neck scarves, headscarves, pocket squares, face coverings, or around the wrist. What’s more, you can use them as handkerchiefs or dust rags, sew them together to make garments or for craft projects, or even put them on your dog as a cute neckerchief.
Keep reading to learn more about bandannas and how to choose the right option for you. We’ve included some recommendations, such as our top pick,OH SAY USA Bandanna, which contains a trio of well-made bandannas.
What to know before you buy a bandanna
Size
The standard size of a bandanna is 22 x 22 inches, which makes it large enough to tie around your head and neck when folded on the diagonal. You can also buy oversized bandannas, which measure 27 x 27 inches — if you find a regular bandanna a little too small, an oversized option might suit you better. The standard sizes of child bandannas and handkerchief-size bandannas are 18 x 18 inches and 14 x 14 inches, respectively. These sizes are easier to fold into a neat pocket square.
Print and color
Traditionally, bandannas have a particular paisley print, consisting of one type of paisley in the center of the bandanna and another type of paisley in the square border around the edge of the bandanna. However, a bandanna can have alternative prints with modern offers featuring American flags, skulls, floral prints, and more. Whatever the print, you can also choose from a range of background colors. You may choose to match the color of your bandanna to another element of your outfit, such as your shoes, pants, or bag.
What to look for in a quality bandanna
Material
The majority of bandannas are made from 100% cotton, which is breathable and soft, plus it gets even softer with each wash. The trouble is, cotton bandannas can fade or shrink in the wash. Polyester is an alternative material for bandannas, which some people favor because it doesn’t fade or shrink when you wash it. The downside is that polyester isn’t breathable in the same way natural materials are, so it can feel hot to wear for long periods.
Ease of cleaning
Ideally, you should be able to throw your bandanna in the washer with all your other garments. Some bandannas, however, are only suitable for hand washing, which can be inconvenient. If you intend to use your bandanna as a makeshift face mask, it must be suitable for washing at a high temperature to sanitize it.
How much you can expect to spend on a bandanna
Bandannas can cost anywhere from $1-$10 apiece. You tend to pay less per bandanna when you buy in bulk.
Bandannas FAQ
Q. Will my bandanna shrink in the wash?
A. Bandannas can shrink somewhat in the wash, especially low-quality cotton bandannas. You can minimize shrinkage by washing your bandannas in cold water and line-drying them. Some high-end cotton bandannas are preshrunk, so they’ll remain the same size as they were when you bought them, even after a hot wash.
Q. Are bandannas good for wrapping gifts?
A. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly approach to wrapping gifts that’s stylish, too, consider wrapping small presents in 100% cotton bandannas. The recipient can use the bandanna, so it won’t go to waste, and you won’t be sending more gift bags, gift wrap, and tape to the landfill. If you buy a large pack of bandannas, you can expect to pay about $1 each, which is less than you’d pay for a high-quality gift bag.
What are the best bandannas to buy?
Top bandanna
What you need to know: Quality cotton bandannas that are made in the USA by veterans.
What you’ll love: Available in a range of colors and prints. Rolled, sewn hem on all four sides. Colorfast and wash well.
What you should consider: A little stiff at first, but the material softens after a few washes.
Top bandanna for the money
What you need to know: Not the highest quality of bandannas, but extremely affordable. The 12-pack is great if you need lots of bandannas, though they’re too large for many buyers.
What you’ll love: Classic paisley print with a range of color variations. Large 22 x 22-inch size.
What you should consider: Can fade and shrink if they aren’t washed by hand.
Worth checking out
Bandana.com All-Over Paisley Bandannas
What you need to know: The all-over paisley print is a nice variation on classic bandanna paisley.
What you’ll love: Option of buying a single bandanna or a pack of 12, which works out significantly less money per bandanna. 100% cotton. Thick and heavy.
What you should consider: Some complaints of these bandannas shrinking in the wash.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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