Cotton Jamaican Flag Bandana

Product Information

I learned recently that the bandana pattern and colour which we now use was largely cemented in the 1940s before Jamaica became independent some 20 years later. However, in our 60th year as a sovereign nation, we still see Bandana. Jamaican clothes are gauzy but well-tailored. Most of the fabrics used to create colourful outfits, such as the quadrille dress, the Kariba suit, or the so-called Yucatan shirt, allow the skin to breathe during hot weather without compromising style.

As you move about the island you will see Bandana in places such as craft markets where it may be used to make the dress of dolls or accentuate a straw hat or throw pillow. You cannot miss it. Even some of the vendors in the craft markets may wear pieces which incorporate bandana as well. National women’s costume of Jamaica consists of a long dress (or a skirt and a blouse), a headband or hat, and shoes. The garments are light, usually made from calico fabric. They cover most of the body, especially the bottom part. The authentic Jamaican women’s costume was calf- or ankle-length, the sleeves could be either long or short, the collar was modest. Locals from some of the islands wore trousers underneath the skirt for extra protection from insects. Although some will conjure up a handkerchief in their minds upon hearing the term Bandana, this fabric so carefully intertwined with Jamaican culture is much more than a mere piece of cloth to dab at facial moisture of whatever origin. It is a symbol of where we are coming from as a people. Hotels which feature Jamaican Cuisine or have a Jamaican eatery, as well as local eateries will also likely have bandana featuring in the decorations such as the table cloth or drapes. When we celebrate events such as Jamaica Day you will also see Bandana as a part of the decorative touch that private businesses and government offices adopt. When the material became available by the yard, its usage extended from head ties to aprons and other pieces of dress.

References & Sources For Jamaican National Dress

The fabric is sold at local fabric stores such as Pablos and Pings or you can buy the full outfit from vendors at any of the popular shopping villages and craft marketsin Jamaica. And, if you ever need a trustworthy, friendly and knowledgeablelocal guide, consider booking a private tour with us! Do you know how Bandana got here? Well over in then Madras, India it was made from silk and used to make shawls. However in the 19th century when India was conquered by the British, the colonizers began using cotton to make the Bandhani cloth.

In the 1940s, the plaid pattern and vibrant colors now associated with the bandana became a part of Jamaican heritage and traditions. If you are still wondering what do Jamaicans wear, the colonial era’s influence is still visible, as you can see if you follow the link. Although Jamaicans have a strong bond with their past, they didn’t mind incorporating elements belonging to other cultures. Called fusion, an artistic style popularised by music and theatre has also inspired fashion designers to create unique pieces.When many people around the world hear the term bandana, they automatically think of the modern kerchief. The term bandana is somewhat misleading. Bandhani cloth originated in Madras in Eastern India. The city was renamed as Chennai in 1996. The fabric has a special place in Jamaica’s history, is simply known as bandana, and has since become a symbol of the island’s culture. It is at ceremonial events such as Heroes Day, and cultural events such as Jamaica Day along with periods such as our recent Independence Celebrations. On these occasions, you will see a lot of bandanas utilized in various ways. You may see it in the decorations, dresses or accent pieces on garments.

As you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Jamaica, you'll likely encounter a striking fabric known as "bandana," a source of pride for many locals. We have made Bandhani, Bandana and it is now a premier symbol of Jamaica’s Culture. This fascinating piece of fabric though, I guess you notice, is an essential part of us. However, Jamaicans have reclaimed the fabric from its slave connotations and it’s now a symbol of pride and distinction. It’s particularly popular among market vendors, singers and storytellers. Bandana cloth is in high evidence during ceremonial, cultural and independence holidays in Jamaica. Now that we’ve talked about traditional clothing for men and women have a look at these Jamaican styled baby onesiesfor your little one or some Jamaican flag coloured outfits for your toddler. Jamaican Style Accessories So, when you see Jamaicans proudly sporting their bandana attire, remember that you're witnessing an important part of the island's history and culture.Bandana fabric in India started as square pieces of silk or cotton, large enough to be used as shawls. The shirt is plain and made from natural fabrics, usually cotton. It can be long-sleeved (in this case, men rolled up the sleeves while working) or short-sleeved. Festive shirts are usually white; though, everyday Jamaican shirts are also plain-colored and not too colorful. The red&white plaid pattern is sometimes used for male shirts as well; they are traditionally worn with white trousers. Jamaican Revivalists often use bandana plaid to make their turbans, and it is incorporated in a ‘Jamaican costume’ when such is required, e.g. for participants in the ‘Miss World’, ‘Miss Universe’ or other beauty contests. In modern times, Rastafarian-influenced clothing has become a part of the Jamaican culture. But we won’t write about it because such garments are not really authentic. Shoes were called wompers and made of grass and leaves. They were later made of materials that washed up on the beach. This type of foot covering was worn by men and women.