We typically see people belonging to the hip-hop and motorcycle gang cultures wearing bandanas. But was that always the case?
Believe it or not, the bandana actually comes from way back. We can see images of women wearing square pieces of clothing on their heads in Ancient Greek art. In more modern times, bandanas have been by sailors, farmers, cowboys, and miners.
Today, anyone can wear a bandana without worrying about affiliating themselves with a particular ideology. As you’re probably already aware, bandanas come in all kinds of sizes. Adults wear larger bandanas than children, though they’re typically worn in the same manner.
If you’d like to learn about bandana dimensions without going through the entire article, let me sum it up for you.
Bandanas for adults are typically 22 inches (56 centimeters) on each side but can be as large as 27 inches (68.5 centimeters) wide. As for kids, an 18-inch-wide (46-centimeter) bandana should fit them just right.
Common Bandana Dimensions & Shapes
The first thing you need to know about bandanas is that they are square. While they look oblong or triangular in shape, that’s simply due to the fact that people fold the bandanas into those shapes before wearing them.
The good news is that because of their square shape, bandanas are easy to make using simple tools and any type of fabric you have on hand. Yes, this includes plush fabric.
Whether you purchase a bandana with a motif or are making one on your own, you should familiarize yourself with the bandana’s dimensions.
Adult bandana sizes range from 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68.5 centimeters). So, if you’re preparing your own bandana materials, simply take a ruler and make a square that is at least 22 inches on all sides. To make the corners perfectly square, consider using a T-square, which looks like a T-shaped ruler.
Alternatively, you can make a near-perfect square out of a large piece of fabric by measuring one side of the bandana and cutting out a rectangle. Now, take one of the corners of the bandana and fold it over. It’s not as accurate as a T-square, but you can always cover the rough edges when sewing the hem.
But what if you want to prepare a bandana for your child? That’s simple enough. All you need to do is cut an 18-inch square out of your fabric of choice.
While making a bandana from scratch, make sure you put it on before you hem the edges. That way, you can have a good idea of whether or not the bandana is too baggy for your liking. But please note that hemming the edges of the bandana will reduce its size by up to 2 inches (5 centimeters).
Here is a great wikiHow guide on how to make a bandana on your own.
Bandana Fabrics and Colors
So, if you’re going to make a bandana using your bare hands, what sort of fabric should you use? Again, you’re free to use whatever fabric you want, but the most commonly used fabrics for bandana are lightweight and breathable.
The fabric should fold, roll, and scrunch easily without tearing or leaving permanent creases. Most bandanas are made of cotton or natural fibers, which is great for catching sweat while not causing you to sweat. This is especially important if you’re going to wear the bandana around your neck.
Traditional bandanas are cut out of paisley fabrics with ornate decorations and patterns. However, you should be aware that some bandana colors may be associated with certain gangs. Be mindful of this when picking out a bandana color or pattern you like.
FAQ About Bandanas
1. Is it okay to wear a bandana?
It can be, but you should pay attention to what certain colors can mean in your town. The last thing anyone wants is to put on a bandana of the wrong color, which can trigger gang members to become hostile toward you.
2. What is the purpose of a bandana?
Back in the day, cowboys would wear bandanas with maps printed on them. In this day and age, working-class people wear bandanas to keep sweat and dust off their faces and neck. Then there are groups of people who wear bandanas simply because they like them.
You don’t have to have a specific reason to put on a bandana. If you like them, and if the color doesn’t spark controversy in your town, by all means, put it on!
3. Where can I wear a bandana?
We’ve seen people tie bandanas on their heads, around their foreheads, and around their necks. Others may tie bandanas around their forearms or even on their motorcycles.
4. What do bandana colors mean?
Bandana colors can represent a number of different things, from gang affiliation to being a fan of a particular sports team. Bandana wearers don’t have to have a particular reason for choosing a certain color, though some colors may mean something the wearer is unaware of.
For instance, many people mistake white bandanas for gang affiliation. In reality, a white-colored bandana represents unity. It symbolizes that the wearer is a firm believer in the common bonds of mankind, regardless of religion, race, or other aspects that divide people into different groups.
5. What is the Handkerchief Code?
The Handkerchief Code is a way of non-verbally informing others about your preferences in the bedroom. If a person belonging to the LGBTQ+ community places a bandana in their back pocket, other members can distinguish their preferences by the bandana’s color.
Conclusion
A bandana is a square piece of fabric that typically measures 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68.5 centimeters) on each side. Child-sized bandanas have shorter sides that are usually 18 inches (46 centimeters) wide. When choosing a certain color for your bandana, make sure you know what the color can represent in your city.
If you learned something about bandanas in this guide, please let your friends and family know by sharing it with them. Also, we’d love to hear about what sort of bandanas you wear. Drop us a comment down below and tell us about it!
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