--- title: "Custom Bandanas: Sizes and Printing | Mr Balaclava" description: "Custom bandanas explained: 51, 56 and 69 cm sizes, bandana vs neckerchief, cotton vs polyester, and screen, discharge, digital or sublimation printing." url: https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/bandana-sizes-printing-guide/ language: en-US updated: 2026-10-20T10:26:31+00:00 alternates: fr: https://mrbalaclava.com/fr/journal/guide-bandanas-tailles-impression.md de: https://mrbalaclava.com/de/journal/ratgeber-bandanas.md es: https://mrbalaclava.com/es/journal/guia-bandanas-medidas-estampacion.md publisher: Mr Balaclava (https://mrbalaclava.com/) --- [Product Guides & Comparisons](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/category/product-guides-comparisons/) # Custom Bandanas: Sizes, Fabrics and Printing Methods Compared Sizes, fabrics, printing methods, logo placement and packaging for custom bandanas, neckerchiefs and triangle scarves. [Mr Balaclava Editorial Team](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/author/editorial-team/) Editorial desk, Mr Balaclava Published October 15, 2026 Updated October 20, 2026 5 min read ![Black, navy and red paisley bandanas beside a woman wearing a black bandana as a headband](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Manufacturing-of-Bandana-Scarves.jpg) *The intricate process of creating stylish bandana scarves — from fabric selection to finishing touches.* In short Standard bandanas are squares of 51 × 51 cm (20 in), 56 × 56 cm (22 in) or 69 × 69 cm (27 in), and any size can be made to specification. Cotton gives the classic soft bandana and takes screen and discharge prints; polyester twill is the choice for sublimated, full-colour designs. Orders start at 50 pieces per design, with a standard production lead time of approximately 14 days after sample approval. The bandana is one of the easiest products to brand: a square of fabric with a print, worn as a neckerchief or a headband, carried at festivals or added to a merchandise pack. Getting it right still takes a few decisions: the size, the fabric, the printing method, where the logo goes and how the bandanas are packed. This guide takes those decisions one at a time. You can see finished styles on our [bandanas](https://mrbalaclava.com/scarves/bandanas/) page. ## What sizes do custom bandanas come in? The standard bandana sizes are 51 × 51 cm (20 in), 56 × 56 cm (22 in) and 69 × 69 cm (27 in). Any other size can be made to your specification. | Size | Centimetres | Typical use | | --- | --- | --- | | 20 in | 51 × 51 cm | Smaller neck and head wear, merchandise packs | | 22 in | 56 × 56 cm | The classic adult bandana, folded as a neckerchief or headband | | 27 in | 69 × 69 cm | Oversized bandanas and larger neckerchiefs | *Standard bandana sizes; any size is made to specification.* A bandana is folded before it is worn, so the size you see on the table is not the size people see. Folded into a triangle, a 56 cm square ties comfortably around an adult neck; a 69 cm square leaves longer ends and more fabric at the front. ## Bandana, neckerchief or triangle scarf: what is the difference? A bandana is a printed square, usually 51–69 cm, worn folded. A neckerchief is a square of about 50 × 50 to 70 × 70 cm, often part of a uniform. A triangle scarf is cut as a triangle, up to about 180 × 90 cm, so it can be tied without folding. The difference lies mostly in use and fabric. Bandanas are traditionally cotton with a bold print. Uniform neckerchiefs are often polyester twill or satin in a plain colour or a simple corporate pattern, because they wash easily and keep their colour; see our [business and uniform scarves](https://mrbalaclava.com/scarves/business-uniform-scarves/). Triangle scarves range from small cotton kerchiefs to large printed head and neck scarves. ![Woman in an olive triangle hijab next to a woman wearing a colourful printed triangle scarf](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Triangle-Scarf-Production-1024x689.jpg) *Triangle scarves worn as a head scarf and as a printed neck scarf. Representative photo.* ## Cotton or polyester: which fabric is best for bandanas? Cotton is best for the classic bandana: it is soft and absorbent, gets softer with every wash and takes screen and discharge prints with the vintage look buyers expect. Polyester twill is best for full-colour designs, because it takes sublimation, survives frequent washing and keeps its colour. | Fabric | Feel | Printing | Best for | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Bandana cotton (poplin)](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/cotton-bandana-fabric/) | Soft, matte, absorbent; softens with washing | Screen, discharge, digital, embroidery | Classic paisley and logo bandanas, workwear, festivals | | [Polyester twill (silk-touch)](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/polyester-silk-touch-twill/) | Smooth and silk-like, holds a knot | Sublimation, screen, digital | Full-colour logo bandanas, uniform neckerchiefs, events | | [Cotton voile](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/cotton-voile-scarf-fabric/) | Light, slightly sheer, crisp and breathable | Digital, screen | Summer bandanas and light head scarves | *Typical behaviour of each type, compared with the others in this table; the exact fabric, weight and finish for your order are confirmed with the quote.* Cotton-polyester blends are an option for a lower cost. Sublimation does not work on cotton, so a full-colour photographic design on cotton is printed digitally instead. ## Which printing method should you use for custom bandanas? Screen printing is the classic method for cotton bandanas in a few solid colours. Discharge printing gives soft, light prints on dark cotton. Digital printing handles many colours and photographs on cotton or polyester, and sublimation gives edge-to-edge full colour, but only on polyester. | Method | Fabric | Look | Best for | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Screen printing (flat or rotary) | Cotton, polyester | Bold solid colours, one screen per colour | Classic paisley and logo bandanas, repeat orders | | Discharge printing | Dark cotton | Light design with a soft feel | White or light prints on black, navy or red bandanas | | Digital printing | Cotton, polyester | Many colours, photos and gradients | Detailed artwork in smaller runs | | Sublimation | Polyester only | Full colour edge to edge, no feel on the fabric | Team, event and full-colour logo bandanas | | Embroidery | Cotton, polyester twill | Raised stitched logo | A small logo in one corner | *Methods we use for bandanas; the method for your design is confirmed on the sample.* Heat transfer is a further option for a small logo on a plain bandana. If you are unsure, send the artwork and the fabric you prefer, and we suggest the method with the quote. ## Where should the logo go on a bandana? The most visible place is one corner, because a bandana folded into a triangle shows that corner at the front. All-over designs repeat the logo in the border or across the whole square. Think about how the bandana will be worn. Folded as a neckerchief, the front corner shows; folded into a headband, a band across the middle shows; tied at the back of the head, one side of the triangle shows. In a classic paisley layout, the logo can sit in the border or in the centre medallion. The placement is confirmed with you on the sample. ![Red printed bandana with a white border pattern and placeholder Your Logo text beside a navy bandana](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/custom-logo-bandana-1024x768.webp) *Printed logo bandanas with a border pattern. Mockup with placeholder lettering.* ## Can you make bandanas for kids and pets? Yes. Bandanas are made in any size to your specification, so kids’ and pet bandanas are simply cut smaller than the adult squares, or as triangles. For children, the smallest standard size, 51 × 51 cm (20 in), is a common starting point. Pet bandanas are often cut as triangles so that they tie around the neck without folding; give us the sizes you need, for example small, medium and large. Tell us the market you sell in, so the fabric, size and labelling can be confirmed with the quote. ## How are bandanas finished and packed? Bandanas are finished with narrow hems or overlocked edges and packed folded, with a printed or woven label, a hang tag, a polybag and a barcode if you sell them in shops. Mr Balaclava’s name never appears on your products. For gifts and merchandise packs, a belly band around the folded bandana carries your brand without a separate box. **What to send with your bandana request** - Size: 51, 56 or 69 cm, or your own measurements. - Fabric: cotton, polyester twill or cotton voile. - Artwork, colours and the printing method if you know it. - Logo placement and any label or tag. - Quantity per design, packing and the date you need the bandanas. ## What is the minimum order and lead time for custom bandanas? The minimum order is 50 pieces per design. Standard production lead time is approximately 14 days after sample approval, and the confirmed schedule is agreed for each order. Before production you can order a pre-paid physical sample, made in about 5–7 days, or approve a free pre-production sample by photos, videos or a video call after the order and the 30 % advance payment. Express shipping by DHL, FedEx or UPS takes 3–6 working days. ## Frequently asked questions ### What fabric is a classic bandana made from? Cotton, usually a light plain weave such as poplin or lawn. It is soft, absorbent and gets softer with washing. ### Can you sublimate cotton bandanas? No. Sublimation only works on polyester. For a full-colour design on cotton, choose digital printing; for a sublimated bandana, choose polyester twill. ### Can you print a light design on a dark bandana? Yes. Discharge printing removes the dye from dark cotton to print light designs with a soft feel; screen printing with light ink is the alternative. ### Are bandana fabrics certified? Fabrics from OEKO-TEX® certified mills are available on request; the certificate is the mill’s. Eco Jersey Limited, which powers Mr Balaclava, is ISO 9001 certified and a Sedex member. See all styles in our [bandanas catalog](https://mrbalaclava.com/product-category/scarves/bandanas/), compare [bandana cotton](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/cotton-bandana-fabric/) in the Material Library, or [send us your artwork](https://mrbalaclava.com/contact-us/) for a quote. Fabrics in this article - [Bandana Cotton (Poplin)](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/cotton-bandana-fabric/): The classic fabric of the printed bandana: a firm, light cotton plain weave such as poplin or lawn. - [Polyester Twill (Silk-Touch)](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/polyester-silk-touch-twill/): A fine polyester twill with a soft, silk-like hand, often sold as silk-touch or silky twill. - [Cotton Voile](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/cotton-voile-scarf-fabric/): A light, slightly sheer cotton plain weave made from fine, tightly twisted yarns. [Compare all fabrics in the Material Library](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/) Written by ## Mr Balaclava Editorial Team Editorial desk, Mr Balaclava Articles credited to the editorial team are written and reviewed in-house at Mr Balaclava, the custom headwear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. They draw on our own sampling, production and export work. - Manufacturing & Production - Product Guides & Comparisons - Materials & Fabrics - Private Label & OEM - Brand & Industry - Performance & Use Cases [All articles by Mr Balaclava Editorial Team](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/author/editorial-team/) Share ## Related articles - [One-Hole, Two-Hole, Three-Hole or Open Face? Balaclava Openings Explained 10 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/balaclava-face-openings/) - [Different Types of Balaclavas: Styles, Materials and Uses Explained 13 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/different-types-of-balaclavas/) - [Custom Football Scarves: Sizes, Knits, MOQ and Timing for Clubs 6 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/football-scarf-guide/) - [Beanie Pom-Poms: Yarn, Faux Fur or Detachable? 3 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/beanie-pom-pom-guide/) About the author [**Mr Balaclava Editorial Team**Editorial desk, Mr Balaclava](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/author/editorial-team/) ## Get new articles by email Production insights for buyers, sent occasionally. Subscribe ## Related articles [All in Product Guides & Comparisons](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/category/product-guides-comparisons/) [![Stack of three ribbed knit beanies in black, white and camel with turned-up cuffs](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Custom-Turn-Up-Beanie-Manufacturer-1-768x768.jpg) Product Guides & Comparisons Buyer’s guide ### Beanie Sizes and Measurements: How Beanies Fit, Style by Style How beanies are sized: head circumference, one size or graded sizes, and the standard measurements of cuffed, fisherman, slouchy, oversized, pom-pom and kids beanies. Mr Balaclava Editorial Team 2 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/beanie-size-measurements-guide/) [![Sage green cuffed beanie with an embroidered black logo on the cuff](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cuffed-Beanies-1-768x768.jpg) Product Guides & Comparisons Buyer’s guide ### Custom Logo Beanies: Woven Label, Embroidery, Patch or Knitted Jacquard? How to put your logo on a beanie: the main branding methods, where each one works best, what artwork to send and how the order is… Mr Balaclava Editorial Team 4 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/beanie-logo-options-guide/) [![Green kids beanie with plush bear ears and an embroidered bear face](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11-1-768x750.jpg) Product Guides & Comparisons Buyer’s guide ### Kids and Baby Beanie Sizes: Head Sizes, Yarns and Trims for Brands A guide for brands ordering custom kids and baby beanies: sizes by age group, head circumferences, yarns, trims, testing and how the fit is confirmed. Mr Balaclava Editorial Team 3 min](https://mrbalaclava.com/journal/kids-beanie-size-guide/) Newsletter ## Notes from the factory floor. New guides, fabric notes and production insights, sent occasionally. No spam — unsubscribe any time. From the team behind 222 articles.