Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
For some, bandanas are just another part of their everyday carry, while for others the idea of carrying a bandana seems rather old fashioned. In all honesty, when I first started carrying a bandana I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do now.
Not only can they help you complete many different outfits, but they’re dead useful too. Need to keep the sun out of your eyes on a long flight? Bandana. A public bathroom is out of paper towels? Bandana. Foot cut off after sleeping on the train tracks? Tourniquet bandana!
So whether your adding to your bandana collection or just want to know what it’s all about, I hope this list will be of use to you.
1) 45RPM: Ine no Minori Bandana
First up is an indigo dyed bandana from 45RPM, which is available both with a white and indigo base. For the uninitiated, there are two main whys to create an indigo pattern. The first is to put indigo dye on a white fabric, and the second is to dye a fabric white and then “remove” the color with some secondary agent such as bleach. The latter method is called “discharging,” and can have some beautiful results, such as those shown above.
Available for $80 from 45RPM.
2) The Hill-Side: Selvedge Chambray Bandana in Asagi Turquoise
For those who want something a bit more simple and robust, this chambray created by The Hill-Side might be right up your alley. Anyone who has handled any of TH-S’s products can attest to how wonderful their fabrics are, and I’m confident this bandana is no different. It’s perhaps a bit more utilitarian than many other offerings on this list, but is that really a bad thing?
Available for $27 from Unionmade.
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3) FOOD52: Sashiko Embroidered Bandana
Japanese sashiko embroidery can create some marvelous patterns, which makes it a perfect candidate for use on a bandana, at least in my opinion. And not only does sashiko produce nice designs, but it is actually a form of reinforcement as well. Historically, sashiko was done using white thread on indigo cloth, and it’s nice to see this tradition stay alive.
Available for $68 from Foot52.
4) Left Field NYC: Natural Indigo Hand Dyed Bandana
Bandanas and raw denim are often seen together, particularly in a Japan. But if there is one American jean company known for their embrace of the bandana, it’s Left Field NYC. In fact, the pocket bags on all of their jeans are all printed with bandana. Even if you are fortunate enough to have a full denim rotation, that doesn’t mean you have to skip-out on the Left Field bandana game — now, you can have your own LF branded bandana all its own.
Available for $60 from Left Field.
5) Tellason: Navy Silk Bandana
Bandanas don’t always have to look so workwear-ish, both in pattern and material, and Tellason embraces this with their elegant paisley patterned silk bandana. Produced for them in Italy, this hankerchief would make an excellent addition to any collection. And while it might be too delicate for much utilitarian usage, let’s be honest: sometimes we buy things just for show.
Available for $89 from Cultizm.
Plus One – Kapital: Jean Blueprint Bandana
If there is one company destined to be the Plus One in any article they’re mentioned in, it’s Kapital. Their stuff is a bit out there, but all of it is just so cool — it’s hard not to appreciate the products that they put out. This Japanese made bandana has a fairly unique design, featuring miniaturized cutting patterns fora basic pair of jeans. We might not be Rawr Denim anymore, but that doesn’t mean that anyone here at Heddels likes their jeans any less.
Available for $36 from Unionmade.
