Cover photo credit: A Piece of Chic
The bandana is an accessory that we appreciate in the BonneGueule team.
With a shirt or sweater, it discreetly dresses the neck.
Nicolò and Jordan wear them regularly, for example:
And you have to believe that you like him too. In fact, we are regularly asked where to get them:
Before giving you the list of brands, let's define this accessory together.
Anatomy of a bandana
The form
A bandana can come in two different shapes: either an elongated diamond or a square.
From what I've noticed, most bandanas are square in shape.
Does the shape change anything?
A diamond bandana, once rolled up and placed around the neck, is less bulky than a square bandana.
The material
Bandanas are found 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
We also find bandanas in artificial materials such as lyocell or viscose. In this case, the goal is to imitate the properties of silk (smooth, soft, a little shiny) at a more affordable price.
As you will see below, there are also models with linen or wool.
We do not recommend those made of synthetic material such as polyester, which may 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, this should not be a problem: it will have enough length to be comfortably wrapped around the neck.
If the bandana is square, I notice that most have dimensions of 50*50cm, which seems to me to be the minimum. You won't have a very long tip after making your knot, but it will work. If you have a bandana cincher, 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 for a little larger, around 60cm . You will have more margin for the knot.
Cinnabar agrees with us
Can a pocket square work?
I asked myself the question.
As a suit jacket pocket is often made of silk and square in size, can we consider wearing it around the neck?
It all depends on the dimensions of the pouch.
A standard pouch, 30 or 40cm long, will be too short. If you have one, give it a try and see for yourself.
For example, the largest pocket size at Granqvist is 45*45cm. Too small.
On the other hand, if you come across larger format covers, yes, it might work.
Now for the selection, sorted by increasing price (roughly).
1. Thrift stores and second hand
The bandana is an accessory that is easily found in all types of thrift stores for rather modest amounts.
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 items of all kinds.
There are lots of small accessories, creations made by individuals, wholesale but also vintage pieces.
Either way, you'll find a plethora of bandanas there.
3. Brut Clothing
Brut Clothing offers vintage bandanas from the Wrangler brand, in cotton and made in the USA, for €25.
Available in red and navy blue
A little more expensive, there are also larger models, this time in rayon, an artificial material, with map prints.
Rather original. Available here
4. Bunker Clothes
Bunker Clothes, an Italian vintage boutique, offers a selection of bandanas made in the United States, in cotton.
Bandana ties are sold individually.
Available here
5. (The Egoist) Paris
(L'Egoïste) is a brand from Biarritz that Jordan introduced to you two years ago .
I was able to see the selection of bandanas offered in the store which are nice.
The manufacturing is Italian.
To note :
- The bandanas are shown in the photo with a leather bandana strap but are sold without
- You can buy a bandana bandana 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, the printing is made in France.
To note :
- Products marked with bandanas are sold with a bandana strap. Silk squares and cotton scarves
- The brand offers bandana ties in packs of four for separate purchase.
A beautiful Japanese cotton
7. Portia1924
This time, it was me who discovered this brand, quite recently in fact.
The Swedish brand has a nice 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 tailor accessories.
So, these are the large format pocket squares from them that I recommend .
So not the standard 40*40cm pockets but the 60*60cm ones.
I count around a dozen in the collection.
English or Italian manufacture.
It's beautiful . 70% wool, 30% silk
9. RRL
RRL
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.
The printing is carried out in Italy, the rolling in France.
I like this shade of yellow. The double-sided printing is interesting too. Available here
