Bandana Fana Fo Fandana

I recently made good use of my decades-old bandana while walking the rim trail at the Grand Canyon. This little piece of fabric can be used as a furoshiki (to transport items), headband, pocket square, and even a handkerchief. With additional uses from everything from a head or neck covering (as I have used it), to a face mask (while riding your motorcycle), a napkin, adornment for luggage or a purse, a pet neckerchief, a makeshift potholder or tourniquet (while hiking or camping), to a baby bib. They can range from classic paisley to fancy designs, from cheap to more pricey, and are great for both men and women. I found over 20 great options but have whittled it down to my favorite 13 choices for American-made bandanas.

These are in order, generally, from lowest to highest in cost.

1. Cotton Bandana in Classic Paisley -- the classic Hav-A-Hank paisley design from Carolina manufacturing (similar to mine pictured above), available in a rainbow of colors, 100% cotton, overlock stitch sewn edge, 21" x 21".

2. Camouflage Bandana -- the camouflage-print spin on the classic; 100% cotton; overlock stitch sewn edge; 21" x 21"; available in woodland camo, sky blue camo, and pink camo.

3. Best Made Company Bandana -- I love the star-and-cross pattern on this red bandana, dye and discarge print process, pearl stitch edge seams, 100% washed cotton, packaged in a letterpress envelope. My friend, Jim, has one.

4. Pendleton Chief Joseph Bandana* -- in an iconic Pendleton pattern, 100% cotton; 21" x 21"; available in red/white, black/white, and black/multi colors.

5. Washed Aztec Print Bandana -- Aztec-inspired print from Hav-A-Hank via Lodge Goods, 100% vintage washed cotton, 22" x 22".

6. New York City Bandana -- another great print from NYC-based Maptote; 100% cotton (except for chambray which is 50/50 cotton blend); available in natural, chambray, navy, and red.

7. Signature Hot Pink Bandana -- from Runyon Canyon Apparel in their signature coyote print, 100% cotton, screen-printed, available in this great hot pink as well as a bunch of other color combinations.

8. Fisherman's Knot Bandana -- from Squid Whale Designs (now Honest Alchemy) via Citizen Native, hand printed and indigo dyed, 100% cotton, sewn edge, 20" x 21", available in light or dark indigo wash.

9. IGWT Pizza Bandana -- tongue-in-cheek pizza design from Brooklyn-based In God We Trust, 100% cotton, sewn edge, 21" x 21".

10. Palms Handkerchief -- from BPMC x Rogue Territory as part of their Keep the Trade Alive: Artist Series, silk-screened, 100% cotton dyed poplin, natural thread marrow sewn edge, size not listed.

11. Dot Kerchief, Red -- from Archival Clothing, sewn edge, 60% linen & 40% cotton blend, 21" x 21".

12. White Katazome Bandana -- from Kiriko in Portland, OR; handsewn edge; 100% cotton; 18" x 18", available in white, red, and navy.

13.  Pineapples Discharge Print Bandana -- from the Hill-side via Hickoree's, indigo and white, USA-sourced natural twill tape label, sewn edge, 100% washed Japanese cotton, 21" x 21".

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(Photos from respective links above. Please email me if you feel I have inappropriately used your photo.)