Cover photo credit: A Piece of Chic
The bandana is an accessory that we appreciate in the BonneGueule team.
With a shirt or a sweater, it discreetly dresses the neck.
Nicolò and Jordan wear them regularly for example:
And I guess you like it too. In fact, we are regularly asked where to get some:
Before giving you the list of brands, let's define this accessory together.
Anatomy of a bandana
The shape
A bandana can come in two different shapes: either an elongated diamond or a square.
From what I've seen, most bandanas are square in shape.
Does the shape change anything?
A diamond bandana, when wrapped and placed around the neck, is less bulky than a square bandana.
The matter
Bandanas come in all types of materials.
Most are made of silk or cotton.
Cotton is suitable for a slightly more casual and sometimes raw, workwear look, while silk has a more chic side.
A beautiful Japanese cotton here, with texture. A Piece of Chic
Bandanas are also found in artificial materials such as lyocell or viscose. In this case, the aim is to imitate the properties of silk (smooth, soft, a little shiny) at a more affordable price.
As you will see below, we also find models with linen or wool.
We advise against synthetic materials such as polyester, which can quickly make your neck sweat.
The answer can be found in this article .
The dimension
What is the right size for a bandana?
If the bandana is diamond shaped, this should be no problem: it will be long enough to wrap comfortably around the neck.
If the bandana is square, I see that most have dimensions of 50*50cm, which seems to me to be the minimum. You will not have a very long tip after making your knot, but it will pass. If you have a bandana clamp, it will be better.
Remember to fold your bandana diagonally . You will have more length than if you fold it lengthwise.
If possible, I advise you to go a little bigger, around 60cm . You will have more room for the knot.
Cinabre agrees with us
Can a suit pocket be accepted?
I asked myself the question.
Since a suit jacket pocket square is often made of silk and is square in shape, can we consider wearing it around the neck?
It all depends on the dimensions of the cover.
A standard pouch, 30 or 40cm long, will be too short. If you have one, try it and see for yourself.
For example, the largest size of Granqvist pouches is 45*45cm. Too small.
On the other hand, if you come across larger format covers, that might work, yes.
Now for the selection, sorted by ascending price (roughly).
1. Thrift stores and second-hand shops
The bandana is an accessory that can be easily found in all types of thrift stores for relatively low prices.
Another solution of the same ilk will be to look at second-hand sites, Vinted for example.
This silk bandana made in France found on Vinted is very pretty
2. Etsy
Etsy is a platform for purchasing all kinds of objects.
There you will find many small accessories, creations made by individuals, wholesale sales and also vintage pieces.
Either way, you'll find plenty of bandanas there.
3. Brut Clothing
Brut Clothing offers vintage bandanas from the Wrangler brand, made of cotton and made in the USA, for €25.
Available in red and navy blue
A little more expensive, we also find larger models, this time in rayon, an artificial material, with map prints.
Quite original. Available here
4. Bunker Clothes
Bunker Clothes, an Italian vintage boutique, offers a selection of bandanas made in the United States, in cotton.
Bandanas are sold individually.
Available here
5. (The Egoist) Paris
(L'Egoïste) is a brand from Biarritz that Jordan presented to you two years ago .
I was able to see the selection of bandanas on offer in the store, which are nice.
The manufacturing is Italian.
Please note :
- The bandanas are shown in the photo with a leather bandana strap but are sold without.
- You can buy a bandana headband individually, in brown or blue.
A beautiful green. Available here
6. A Piece of Chic
A Piece of Chic is a Lyon brand that Nicolò introduced you to two years ago .
The offer is wide : you will find Japanese cotton bandanas, silk squares and cotton scarves.
There is a bit of French tailoring, and failing that, printing done in France.
Please note :
- Products stamped bandanas are sold with a bandana strap. Silk squares and cotton scarves are not
- The brand offers separately purchased bandana headbands in packs of four.
A beautiful Japanese cotton
7. Portia1924
This time, it was me who discovered this brand, quite recently in fact.
The Swedish brand has a beautiful selection of bandanas in beautiful colors, with beautiful materials, all with Italian manufacturing.
50% modal (artificial material), 42% linen, 8% silk. Original and interesting composition for the spring/summer season
8. Shibumi Florence
Shibumi is a brand offering tailoring accessories.
So, these are the large pocket squares from them that I recommend to you .
So not the standard 40*40cm pockets but the 60*60cm ones.
I count about a dozen in the collection.
English or Italian manufacturing.
It's beautiful . 70% wool, 30% silk
9. RRL
RRL , Ralph Lauren's high-end brand, regularly offers pretty bandanas.
Christophe had the opportunity to present one to you in nuggets .
Japanese manufacturing.
An indigo bandana available here
10. Cinnabar
The high-end French brand also offers its share of pretty silk bandanas.
Printing is done in Italy, rolling in France.
I like this shade of yellow. The double-sided print is interesting too. Available here
