The Common Bandana

Ahhh…the trusty bandana. Is there a more versatile item of clothing? Probably not.

 

Size and shape will determine functionality. Designs are almost unlimited and include plain colors, paisleys, nelty prints, flags, patriotic themes, camouflage, holiday themes, retro designs, western styles, cowboy designs, Indian designs, tie dye, flowers, military designs, toile, and denim. Bandanas are great advertising tools, too, and include companies like Budweiser, Corona, Coors, Coca Cola, John Deer Tractors, Betty Boop, Geico, and motorcycle brands to name a few. Chances are you have a few in your collection.

 

The simple design of the bandana provides numerable uses. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of ways to utilize your bandana, but perhaps it will provide additional ideas. The original intent is still applicable – use it to blow your nose. Of course you will probably want to wash the bandana before you consider these other options. 

 

Bandanas are all weather fashion statements tied around your neck. In cool weather, it keeps your neck warm and reduces the wind flow down the neck of your jacket. Need cooling off in the heat? Wet it with cold water and tie it around your neck. You can even put ice in the center of the bandana, roll it up on the diagonal, and tie it around your neck for a real cool down. A trick I discovered this summer in the 115 degree heat. Tied around your face, it minimizes the effects of wind, dirt, blowing sand, and rain. Those of us who ride without face protection know how much the rain hurts. 

 

Additional uses include tying a bandana on your head as a durag, a headband, or to dress up a ponytail. Use it to wash your face, your bike, or dry your sunglasses. It won’t scratch sunglasses like Kleenex or paper towels. If you stop along the road for a picnic; presto, it is a napkin. And, if your first aid kit isn’t handy, it can also be used as a compress or bandage. Finally, as a woman who finds it necessary to use pit toilets occasionally and hates it, a bandana around my face makes the visit more tolerable.

 

100% cotton is preferred for softness and ease of care. A 24” x 24” square bandana is optimal; not too large, not too small, and allows for some shrinkage. 

 

Inexpensive.

 

Bandanas are easy to locate in lots of designs and colors. They take up very little room when traveling, are easy to clean, and dry quickly. Versatile and inexpensive, bandanas are a excellent value.

 

There are numerous uses for a bandana. The bottom line: Never be on the road without a bandana. 

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