Rothco Military-Style Camo Bandana

A bandana is a highly versatile fashion accessory that is used in many parts of the world, by people both young and old. Typically, it’s a small square of cloth measuring around 20 inches by 20 inches. The material is usually a soft cotton, which is easy to wash and dry. Often bandanas come in a solid color with a paisley or abstract print in black and white on top of the color. Many of the motifs on bandanas are in a teardrop shape and also include curved lines, dots and leaf shapes.

The printing on the bandana is often done in one of three different ways. Discharge printing is a process where a bandana is dyed one color, and then chlorine or bleach is used to imprint a pattern in white onto the cloth. Screen printing is done using a mesh stencil that transfers black or colored ink onto the cloth. Another method, resist dyeing, is where a blank bandana is treated with a chemical solution in specific areas forming a pattern. Then the cloth is dyed a block color. The areas that had the chemical solution resist the dye, creating a unique look.

• Bandanas are versatile, functional and fashionable. You can use one to wrap around your head or neck, or you can use it as a handkerchief to blow your nose or cover your mouth when you cough.
• When selecting a bandana, consider how you want to use it. This will help you choose the right material for you. If your bandana is purely functional, ensure it can be cleaned in the washing machine and dryer. If your goal is more fashionable, opt for a material that is easy to tie and flows nicely.
• Bandanas are a nice way to add a pop of color to your look. They typically come in one solid color and have a pattern in either white or black. Some patterned bandanas use other colors for their imprint, such as yellow or orange.
• Most bandanas are made in a standard size of around 20 inches square. However, you can find slightly smaller or larger ones as well.
•  Depending on how you’re going to use them, it may be handy to buy more than one. A set will give you a few different options for adding to your outfit. Even if they are purely for blowing your nose, having multiples is convenient because it means you don’t have to wash them all the time.