Worn around the wrist, neck, and head or tied to handbags or placed in back pockets, bandanas make a difference to your appearance. These colorful kerchiefs are unisex and can be worn during any season of the year. A bandana can add a touch to your looks. The Paisley pattern is the most common print of this accessory.

The brightly colored piece of clothing made of cotton and silk originated in India. They have white spots on mainly blue and red colored backgrounds. The silk bandanas were common and produced from top-quality yarns. Currently, bandanas are of silk, cotton, or silk and cotton fabric printed in styles and vibrant colors.

Though originated from India, early rebranding of bandanas occurred in America. The light square-shaped fabric had become a part of the modern western wardrobe. Bandanas have been in use for ages. Cowboys, seafarers, sailors, miners, farmers, and bikers have worn these scarves. Besides, they have been used to show patriotism and for political campaigns.

Often, people use bandanas to hold back their hair as a stylish head accessory. You can also tie the bandana around the head for other purposes. These colorful scarves can help prevent sunburn when you tie them around the neck. Besides, you can use a bandana as a mask to shield yourself from the inhalation of dust or to hide your identity.

What is Paisley Pattern?

Created based on the Indian pine cone design, buta, the lopsided teardrop pattern found its way in textiles for generations. The motif originated from the Indian Kashmir region. India exported women’s shawls made from buta printed woven cashmere. Due to the increase in the demand for this item of clothing, some Scottish textile companies started to produce shawls too.

They replicated buta print (boteh in Persia) on imported Indian textiles, especially the Kashmir shawls. Following the replication, the curved upper-end teardrop pattern became popular. While it is known as “Persian Pickles” in America, the design has many names in Western culture. In Wales and France, It is referred to as “Welsh Pears” and “Tadpoles” respectively.

Fortunately, the name “Paisley” sticks to the pattern as it spreads across borders. It derived the name from a Western Scotland town, Paisley, where the pattern was first replicated. Besides bandanas, the Paisley design remained popular in other textiles and pieces of clothing such as waistcoats and men’s ties. The Persians also used it for their carpets.

However, the Paisley pattern is mostly used for bandanas. The paisley bandanas were popular among cowboys who wore them to protect themselves against dust inhalation and sunburn. They also used them to hide their identities when convenient. The bandana trend has found its way into modern fashion. You can wear it in style to suit any look. Besides, they are available in attractive designs and colors. You can find more information about the bandana here.

More Than a Piece of Clothing

Besides its use as a clothing accessory, there are other uses of the bandana. Its use during the American Revolution contributed to the popularity of bandanas. A bandana designed with the image of George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief, on horseback served as a souvenir for the revolution. It inspired the use of bandanas for political campaigns. Supporters of politicians use bandanas with printed campaign slogans for political promotion.

Bandanas also led to the development of new advertising styles. People designed bandanas to promote movie stars, sports teams, and musicians and show their affinity for them.  Many brands incorporated bandanas in their marketing strategy. The designed colorful scarves were used as promotional items and collector’s pieces to achieve more sales.

Bandanas have been used as a symbol of solidarity during protests for workers’ rights. Employees or members of unions wear the same design or color of bandanas as they demand better conditions for workers. Also, women used bandanas to hold back their hair while working in the American factories during the Second World War.

People also used bandanas to wipe their noses. The snuff-takers of the 18th century opted for the colorful kerchiefs for blowing their noses. Unlike the white handkerchiefs, the bandanas hide the dark stains of the tobacco. They made this habit of snuff-takers more discreet. In addition to the vibrant colors, the lively designs on the bandanas help to masks stains.

Though the colored kerchiefs became a common clothing accessory, some people used the various colors of the bandanas for different purposes. Gangs and the gay community wear specific colors of bandanas to identify their members. Gay men also use them to express their sexual preferences to their potential partners.

A Bandana for Your Dog

You can use a bandana to stylishly spice up your appearance. Your pet dog can also wear one to achieve the same result. Fold a bandana, preferably a washable fabric, in half to form a triangle. Roll the bandana starting from the peak of the triangle. Then tie it loosely around your pet’s neck and make a beautiful double knot. You can leave the knotted end at the front or place it to the side.

Improvised Uses of Bandanas

Never regard bandanas as only a clothing accessory, political or advertising tool, or identifier. The colored fabric might come in handy when you are outdoors. Here are other ways of using bandanas.

• Sling

You can use a bandana as a sling if there is any incident of a sprained wrist or injured ankle.

• Tote bag

You can carry loose items with your bandana. Tie the edges of the fabric together and you will have your tote bag.

• Marker

You can use bandanas with vibrant colors to mark your trail during outdoor adventures. The markers will help you to find your way back. And if you get lost, the markers will help rescuers to find you.

• Bandage

Bandanas can serve as a makeshift bandage.

• Tourniquet

You can use a bandana to control blood flow if when injuries like laceration occur.

• Towel

You can use your bandana as a towel or washcloth if there is a need for these items when you are outdoors.

• Twine

You can tear off strips of your bandana and use them as rope. Braid the strips together to increase the strength of the twine.

Bandanas have different uses. If you don’t need them to improve your look, they might become handy when you are outdoors.