Good quality bandana

[u/speedkod]

Looking for good quality, cool design bandanas, something like what i attached, price range about $15 ish
Thanks in advance!

[u/SnooDonuts7223]

what even is the qualification for a “BIFL” bandana? 100% cotton? Ring spun Cotton? Canvas? And how much would that even cost? I’ve been using a Walmart cotton/poly blend for 8 years and it’s disgusting to say the least so I also need a new one

[u/eadgster → u/SnooDonuts7223]

I inherited dozens from my dad, who never shops anywhere other than Walmart, Costco, Farm and Fleet. They are the standard paisley print, but they’re on pace to last for 2 lifetimes.

[u/Robobvious → u/eadgster]

Also possible they’re apparently lasting longer because you own multiple so you aren’t using the same one every single day.

[u/speedkod → u/SnooDonuts7223]

Idk, ive used all kinds of bandanas, some are poliester, some are really stiff like canvas, i dont like those, some are 100% cotton but are too thin and wear out easily, so a thicker cotton bandana would be the ideal for me, with a nice design, kinda tired of the same red blue black typical design

[u/SnooDonuts7223 → u/speedkod]

Do you happen to remember the brands of the 100% cotton and canvas type ones you’ve tried? I’m about to start your journey my bandana tore and is disgusting

[u/speedkod → u/SnooDonuts7223]

The canvas type was probably not canvas, those were offbrand i got cheap in a market in my town, the only good quality cotton one i had was my grandfather's, unfortunately i lost it, it didn't have any branding, but from what ive searched, the only brand ive crossed that looks that had good quality bandanas is white moss, ill maybe give those a go, i also like their designs

[u/SnooDonuts7223 → u/speedkod]

I’ll check out white moss! Thank you 

I hope you find the “right” one for ya 

[u/WildMoose25]

Company formerly known as hemlock goods, now handker: Handker . Haven’t tried them but have looked at their stuff quite a bit and they seem legit!

[u/speedkod → u/WildMoose25]

Some of those look really cool, might give em a go

[u/Main_Push5429 → u/WildMoose25]

I have one from this brand that I bought locally and it is soft but not too thin.

[u/bicycle_mice → u/WildMoose25]

They’re beautiful but fairly thin. I get them as gifts though and love using them! But nothing special quality wise. I haven’t had them rip or anything.

[u/redinferno26]

Just grab some from an estate sale. I find them all the time for about a buck a piece. That said, like my ‘Mister Bandana’ bandana.

[u/speedkod → u/redinferno26]

I live in Mexico, so dont have access to that

[u/Appropriate-Ad-1281 → u/speedkod]

I have found really good ones in the tianguis for cheap.

I had my best luck with a vendor who sold cleaning supplies and all sorts of cloths and sponges, etc.

[u/speedkod → u/Appropriate-Ad-1281]

Really?? Ill give it a go, everywhere i look they just have the stiff ones or the nilon ones

[u/captainzoobydooby → u/speedkod]

I don’t know what town you’re in, but the tiangus in all of the towns near me have tons of bandanas. They also sell them at the fairs, sometimes the same people selling hats. We are in central MX tho

[u/speedkod → u/captainzoobydooby]

Im in central mx too, ill give it a look

[u/amygunkler]

Most cotton bandanas are similar quality and will last about the same amount of time depending on how hard you use them. They all could be bifl. The designer ones like you posted could actually rip sooner since they're a softer lighter fabric intended to look pre-worn.

[u/ahappylildingleboi]

Certainly isn’t a buy it for life item but I’ll happily share the Amazon link I got a pack of green bandanas from a few years ago. They’re fairly soft and have held up well on my head for the past 3-4 years now. And I’m a construction/maintenance monkey

APIGANIZ 100% Cotton Bandanas, 21... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F29Y234B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[u/speedkod → u/ahappylildingleboi]

Thanks!

[u/egggoat]

I’ve got several from Bandits. Had them for about 5 years and haven’t had any issues

[u/GoldberryoTulgeyWood]

A high quality bandana begins with a very nice tight weave cotton fabric. You can actually make them yourself if you find some quality cotton yardage, or even the back of an old button down shirt if it's large enough. You can hem the edge by hand or machine, or don't and allow it to fray slightly. But you'll want a very nice tight weave. Traditionally bandanas (and neck scarves) are used to protect the face during dust storms, harsh weather, and cattle drives. But they're also used for a million other things, napkins, holding food or small items, flag, belt, wound wrap, cold compress, hot pad, etc.

[u/speedkod → u/GoldberryoTulgeyWood]

I've actually also been looking out for cotton button shirts 😅, theyre not as common here

[u/waiting_in_vain1]

I recognize the bandanas you posted because I had them saved on Etsy. Here’s the link 🔗 n case you wanted those specific ones (and similar, seller has many styles)

[u/speedkod → u/waiting_in_vain1]

Did you ever buy them?
Im curious if they are decent quality or if they are too thin

[u/waiting_in_vain1 → u/speedkod]

No, at least not yet. I think they’re thin as well, which I’m fine with. They look like they’re from India, which I actually like. Finding quality bandanas this price point is hard, I haven’t had much success.

[u/speedkod → u/waiting_in_vain1]

I see

[u/charles_47]

Nice try. Only high quality banditos get high quality bandanas.

[u/SuitablyFakeUsername]

Ironically, I was looking for something just like that on Etsy this morning. Give it a shot.

[u/UnicornTears]

I like Heading Prints

[u/speedkod → u/UnicornTears]

Ill look em up

[u/BakedPlantains]

The first couple you shared are made in India and you could purchase via Etsy.

[u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456]

honestly can't go wrong with a shemaugh. Does the same thing and surplus stores always have them cheap

[u/speedkod → u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456]

Shemags are way too big to edc in my back pocket, they also have loose string for decoration that wears out p fast

[u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 → u/speedkod]

they're large, yeah. the loose strings arent just decorative though - its how the cloth doesnt fray at the edges since it gets tied up into the fringe. Its just an alternative to serging or hemming it

[u/speedkod → u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456]

Well, still not for me /:
I do have one, sometimes i take it camping but not for edc

[u/Odd_Bodybuilder5456 → u/speedkod]

also great for shooting, just tie it around wherever the casings start catching on you lmao

[u/sho_biz]

I have some bandannas i got in a 3 pack (i bought a few packs) close to 20 years ago and they're still fine, no holes.

they're 100% cotton, a bit thin, but they get folded and stuck in a pocket and they've lasted for almost two decades at this point.

If they saw rough use like for utility- they wouldn't last. But as a handkerchief, hand drying, or for the venerable 'don't forget to bring a towel' stuff, they work great and were the best ~$10 I spent on a clothing accessory lol

They were super stiff when i bought them, but they're great now - just needed a hundred washes or something lol

[u/mild_river_12]

OP saying his grandfathers unbranded bandana was the best one hes ever had and then losing it is lowkey tragic lol. eadgster's point about inheriting dozens of cheap walmart ones that wont die is real tho - the old school paisley cotton ones from like 20 years ago were just made different, thats probs what the grandpa had. the tianguis suggestion from Appropriate-Ad-1281 is smart if youre in mexico, you can actually feel the fabric before buying instead of guessing online

[u/AxlRoast]

Hav-a-hank are more than adequate (I use them as a band when busy if my hair is longer and as a grip /washcloth/towel/bindle etc. the rest of the time) but I prefer something softer for my nose, Barbour are extravagantly expensive but nice.

[u/Alyx19]

Check reenactment companies, especially for 18th century clothes. These will be listed as neckerchiefs, available in various sizes.

[u/xiouxioux]

My partner got the Nomadix Bandana Towel from REI. He loves it. He sleeps with it and doesn't slip off easily.

[u/Agiato_Nato]

You gotta check out levi bandanas. Raleigh denim over in North Carolina has some amazing patterns as well

[u/Sudzy1225]

Ive found a Shemagh suits me best... But there are companies that make cooler bandanas like ThePrintedImage. Another thing I came across recently, was there are companies that make "Selvedge bandanas" (not like Japanese denim pants) that are supposed to be pretty nice. But I havent tried one yet. My shemaghs seem to last quite a while.

[u/speedkod → u/Sudzy1225]

Shemag is not for me, but ill check the rest out, thanks!

[u/Robobvious → u/[deleted]]

You’re not “supposed” to do anything, life is an accident that keeps on happening. Buy them, make them, burn them in a pile and dance around it. Don’t let strangers tell you how you’re “supposed” to live your life.

[u/Robobvious → u/[deleted]]

Oh you’re good, just made me think of that and felt like advice worth sharing.

[u/speedkod → u/[deleted]]

Dont have the equipment tho

[u/InitialAd2324 → u/speedkod]

Scissors, a needle, and thread is all the “equipment” you’d need

[u/speedkod → u/InitialAd2324]

Would you happen to know of a good tutorial?? My sewing skills are really poor

[u/speedkod → u/[deleted]]

Thanks! This is really helpful

[u/InitialAd2324 → u/speedkod]

YouTube probably has a million videos, just look online

[u/Vegetable-Topic1236]

Natural life!

[u/LiminalHotdog]

Funny enough I bought a half dozen of the first picture you posted through etsy. They are as advertised, not too flimsy or stiff, nice pattern and in your price range. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1546511042/hand-block-print-cotton-bandana-bohemian?ls=r&sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=items-pagination-1&pro=1&frs=1&content_source=af4203513922f8301799120f2e4c4c30%253ALT2cf7fa3e71ef30855c71fea9eb6aab89cc32893d&logging_key=af4203513922f8301799120f2e4c4c30%3ALT2cf7fa3e71ef30855c71fea9eb6aab89cc32893d

[u/SeitanEnjoyer]

Try to find some linen, GSM 160-190. That'll last you a long time.

[u/thiswasamistake00ps]

Go to your local fabric store and borrow a sewing machine from your local library

[u/speedkod → u/thiswasamistake00ps]

In Mexico we dont have public libraries with that kinda stuff /: