Where can I buy bandannas that are nice and soft?

September 23, 2013 9:57 AM

I always carry a bandanna that I use as a handkerchief. Mine were received as gifts or found randomly here and there, so I don't have a good source for buying new ones. I'm looking for nice soft cotton bandannas, ideally USA-made, that make good handkerchiefs. I looked at Amazon and eBay, but Amazon reviews vary from person to person, and I was hoping someone here had a good recommendation. As far as pattern/color go, a standard paisley or whatever is fine.
posted by Slinga to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

They aren't US made, but Mr. Saurus swears by the Brooks Brothers cotton handkerchiefs - they take 3-4 wash-and-dries to get soft, but once they are, they're like buttah.

I haven't tried this method on the handkerchiefs, but for things I've knitted/crocheted, coating them in hair conditioner and letting it set for an hour, then rinsing thoroughly, then doing a full wash/dry cycle gets them nice and soft.
posted by melissasaurus at 10:13 AM on September 23, 2013

May or may not be your thing but bandannas and everything like them are often found in excellent condition at thrift stores, usually in a section where everything is fifty cents. They'd be unpackaged, so you could see feel softness for yourself. Fill a bag, take them home and wash with a bit of bleach and fabric softener and you're good. If you don't like them, donate them back.
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 11:10 AM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

I recently bought these in navy paisley. I use them for handkerchiefs as you do. They're quite stiff at first, but after about three washings they're just fine. Consider them recommended.
posted by bricoleur at 11:48 AM on September 23, 2013

My boyfriend uses bandanas as handkerchiefs and has gotten several at Hobby Lobby. They last forever and I know at least some of the bandanas sold there are made in the USA (and they're all in the $1-2 range).
posted by jabes at 1:03 PM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

Army surplus stores usually have them.
posted by BoscosMom at 5:10 PM on September 23, 2013

I second the thrift store suggestion. That's how we buy ours.
posted by R343L at 11:53 PM on September 23, 2013