(Cover photo credit: Clint Eastwood in the series “Rawhide,” photo CBS/Getty Images)
You know the bandana. Jordan and David have been touting its stylistic merits for a long time now. Recently, we presented two at BonneGueule: one in indigo cotton , the other in pink linen . And you gave them a warm welcome!
For my part, I admit: I had my turn on these pieces. Not out of indifference, but simply because I already have a bandana in my drawers and I haven't yet managed to take the plunge.
Before thinking about collecting them, you must already be able to wear at least one .
This is still my goal today.
Of course, I was interested in the subject. Firstly because this accessory is visually familiar to me : I watch a lot of westerns and I quite like rummaging through history books. Oddly enough, it is mainly the American adventures of the bandana that we remember here. But you should know that this accessory comes from India and it has traveled the world .
Then, because among other things, I scoured all the brands listed in this article by David, out of curiosity, to go further:
The one I own is from the Japanese brand 45r. It's a gift, it still has the label, and it is very soft, very light and ultimately very beautiful. I had fun with it, I folded it all over the place, but it's still stored in a corner of my wardrobe.
The more I think about it, the less sure I'll find a place for it in my outdoor outfits. But like most stories, there is always a little hope. I explain to you.
1. THE EXPERIENCE OF NEWNESS
This is one of the formulas that I've been trying to apply to myself for months now: trying as much as possible what is still stylistically unknown to me . When you have spent years in a style register close to uniform , it is a process that requires a certain form of discipline.
So I tried pell-mell
All these experiences do not mean Excel sheets, lists and comparisons. This can help you if you need guidance. But in my opinion the trick is more psychological: knowing how to say yes, accepting new things , taking the experience even if it's something you don't see yourself wearing at the moment.
The bandana for example, I've been thinking about it for a long time. They are found at all prices, in all materials and in all colors . A good option to try: the inexpensive models from Brut Clothing . But as I told you above, fate ultimately wanted it otherwise for me.
Of course, we all have things in our locker room that we indulge in and don't wear at all. But remaining in a state of permanent discovery gives you the opportunity to be surprised.
45R BANDANAS
The bandana I own may appear one day, in a look or in another subject. In the meantime, I have never hidden my affection for the products of this Japanese brand. She was already here . It goes without saying that we are not heading towards 45r for the quality/price ratio : it is very expensive.
On the other hand, if like us you love beautiful materials from Japan, special know-how, work on textures and creativity , I still invite you to take a look at the brand's pieces - and not only on bandanas.
You will say to me: “That’s all great, but new things are expensive!” ". Yes, if you buy a lot and everything in new condition. No, if you take your time, reserve new items for real favorites and second-hand items for pieces furthest from your style universe.
It's a balance to find, according to your desires and your budget. It's not about trying EVERYTHING but letting yourself go with something new . So today I have a pretty indigo bandana made in Japan. And now ?!
2. TURTLENECK SYNDROME
You have to try to wear it. You may remember your first try. Or you'll see it for yourself on your first time. Wearing a bandana can be a bit destabilizing for purely physical reasons.
I have already been able to discuss the phenomenon with some of you on the site regarding another type of clothing: as strange as it may seem, you can in fact feel a sense of oppression when putting on a turtleneck for the day. first time. This is especially true if you are not very used to covering your neck.
No wonder the bandana can provoke the same type of reaction. This is actually where I am today: how do I get used to this piece of fabric around my neck? Perhaps the simplest option is to start wearing it at home. Or to find another space of expression than the neck, like here:
Important point to make at this point: I've never been big on accessories. Style for style’s sake, no thanks! On the other hand, I appreciate things that are aesthetic AND functional . And it is perhaps on this point that I can dig deeper: originally, the bandana did not just have a decorative use .
My hope here is that after years of refusing the turtleneck, I now almost only wear it in the winter. You won't find many round necks in my wardrobe. Cardigans and sleeveless sweaters yes. But almost no round necks.
Based on this experience, we can therefore imagine that the bandana and I may not be completely folded . By the way, for inspiration and turtlenecks:
3. BUT ACTUALLY, HOW IS IT GOING?
Just as there are many ways to tie a scarf or tie , there are many ways to wear a bandana. As I pointed out above: the bandana can have several functions, and not just to hang on your neck . That's for theory.
Because in practice, I still see myself doing multiple tests in front of my mirror without finding the technique that suits me best. But then again: there is hope.
Because at the same time, Nawal shared a little tutorial on how to wear the bandana on Instagram. The video is still available and of course, I invite you to take inspiration from it:
Obviously, I have tried absolutely all of these configurations, even when they apply more specifically to women. I haven't been able to find what suits me best yet. But I'm not definitely throwing in the towel. Unless...
4. WHAT IF IT’S NOT MY STYLE, FINALLY?
It's a possibility. And to be completely honest: even if you're in a chameleon mood, there are many pieces that don't make it past the try-on stage . Or with difficulty. An example ? The sweatshirt or hoodie, which I wear exclusively at home, and very occasionally.
Will the bandana follow the same path? It's still too early to tell. No matter how much we try different types of clothes, there is always a moment when our style will crystallize on one or two outfits that we find really suitable and successful for us. Until the next wave, the next crush, etc.
To this day, the bandana is not part of my daily outfits, for all the reasons mentioned above. Is it serious ? No. Is it permanent? Maybe not. There is, however , a little tip to get used to the idea of having fabric around your neck : you can see it in the photograph above.
5. MY ALTERNATIVE, WHILE WAITING
I find it quite easy to wear another type of accessory around my neck: light scarves or stoles. For my part, I am quite a fan of the hemp models from the Couleur Chanvre brand. If this option interests you, we talk to you in more detail in this article:
This is also an accessory that is placed around the neck and from my point of view it is a good workout. In a way, the bandana is the more intimate version of neck accessories . And maybe that's what makes it a little more complicated for me to wear. And you, what are your most difficult pieces to adopt?
