Cotton Jamaican Flag Bandana

Product Information

One of the best choices in men’s formal attire is the so-called Kariba suit, a two-piece suit adapted for Jamaica’s tropical climate. History reveals that the design has been introduced in the early 70s by fashion designers who grew weary of having had to follow the European standards in style suits. 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.

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. Over many years we have come to associate Madras cloth, or bandana as it is more commonly known, with Jamaican festival celebrations. 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.

Bandana Today In Jamaica

In the past, they rolled up their trousers to the calf or knee while working (in the plantation, fishing, etc.). Festive trousers are white. According to Senior, the characteristic plaid cotton material (with principal colours of red, yellow and white), known as ‘native woman plaid’ and ‘Madras handkerchief’, has traditionally been used to make the head-dress (‘head-tie’) and aprons of Jamaican peasant women. The original bandana, the material said to have been imported from India in the 18th century, was made from silk but was later copied by British manufacturers and put into mass production using cotton instead of silk.

In Jamaica, it is commonly referred to as bandana and has evolved into an iconic symbol of the island's rich cultural heritage. A man’s traditional attire consists of loose white pants that are rolled up to the knees in the way they were worn while working in the fields. The word is derived from bandhma which means ‘tying’ in Sanskrit. The ‘bandana’ handkerchief was originally made for home use and later exported. 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.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. The word "bandhani" in Urdu and Sanskrit roughly translates to "tied," which reflects the traditional method of creating these distinctive patterns. Leather and fabric belts are used to keep the pants in place. In the past, just a piece of rope could be used in a day-to-day life instead of a belt.

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. 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.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.