“The Imperfect Bandana”
One of the primary considerations when planning out your bandana design is to fully understand that a 22″ x 22″ bandana is not a perfect square. I realize that the statement that I just made, is contrary to 2nd grade math that teaches that 22″ x 22″ is a perfect square. However, custom bandana printing involves math on fabric, not math on paper.
Bandanas are manufactured by hand. As with any product not mass produced by machines, there will be slight imperfections in the final product when they are made by a person.
As a result of the manufacturing by hand process, what we call a 22″ x 22″ bandana may mean that the bandana is actually 22″ x 21.9″ or it may mean that it’s 22.2″ x 21.9″ regardless, it’s close to a square but it’s not perfect. Fabric itself stretches and has imperfections, when layering the process with people hand cutting fabric, the end result is what we call “The Imperfect Bandana”
Below, please find a infographic and a video that further illustrates this point.
The infographic below can help illustrate the trick that your eye will play when straight lines of design are used on an imperfect bandana. Keep in mind that we are OVER illustrating the issues here to show you what we mean. The top row represents different inconsistencies and how a print with blank border could appear. The bottom row shows the same exact inconsistencies with a full bleed or spill over, messy art border.
The top row of bandanas and the bottom row of bandanas show a centered image and the flaws in the shape of the bandanas are identical. The reason why the bottom row looks better, is because the messy art border is tricking your eye.
**NOTE** These issues with imperfect bandanas are not an issue that is unique to our company, every bandana printer has these issues. We are simply telling you in advance so that you can make the best design choices possible to have a fantastic looking result.
Design Properly From The Start
The solution to making your design look amazing on “The Imperfect Bandana” is to design around the flaws.
If your design spills off the edge of the bandana, 9.5 out of 10 eyes will never catch the imperfections in the bandana. Submit designs that have “messy” patterns that run off the edge.
If your design stays within the confines of the bandana, provide a minimum of a 2 inch border and try to not have straight lines on the edges of the print area. The eye will compare your straight edge art to the imperfect edge of the bandana if you design too closely to the edges of your bandanas.
If you implement both of these methods in your design efforts, your custom bandanas will always look great!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of your bandanas from overseas ?
Most of the bandanas that we offer are from China. We have however worked with a trusted manufacturer to import the best quality bandanas for a reasonable price. We do offer some domestically manufactured bandanas in limited colors.
Where are the bandanas printed ?
While the video shows pre-printed bandanas being cut, our printing process is done differently. The bandanas that we import are blank. We then print on the blank bandanas, either within the confines i.e. having a margin, or off the edge, i.e. full bleed printing. All of the design and printing work is done in Flemington, NJ. Only the bandana itself is imported.
Do you print on both sides of the bandana ?
We do not offer printing on both sides of the bandana. The bandanas are 3.8 ounce fabric, which means that they are semi-translucent. If we print on the back, you will see thru on the front which makes for a less than desirable bandana.
How long does it take to get custom printed bandanas made ?
This varies depending on what we have in the production line when you place your order. Generally, it takes between 10 and 12 days to complete your custom order.
What is your minimum order ?
We will manufacture as few as 24 bandanas. Everything in our factory is done in dozens. That means that within the 24 you could have 2 differnt colors of bandana, 12 of one color and 12 of another. Your color choices have to stay within dozens. The quantities of your order also need to be within dozens. For example, you can’t order 37 bandanas, you can order 36 or you can order 48 just not 37 etc.
What type of ink is used on my custom bandana print ?
We use one of two different types of ink. Depending on the design, we will either use discharge inks or acrylic inks. Both are water-based inks and offer little to now feeling. i.e. you won’t feel a heavy print on your bandanas.
What are my design limitations on the bandana ?
For custom bandanas we offer up to 3 colors of print on a single side. Your design dimensions can either stay within the confines of the bandana 22″ x 22″ or you can print off the edge, full bleed.
What can I do if I want a USA made bandana ?
We offer 80/20 bandanas made by us here in Flemington, NJ. The blank price of the bandana is $2.75 per bandana with a minimum order of 144 bandanas when ordering (Black, White, Navy, Yellow, Kelly Green, Royal or Orange) Custom colors are available with a minimum order of 42 dozen (504 bandanas)
This is overwhelming and confusing can you help me ?
Of course. We’re experts at manufacturing and printing bandanas, we have our own in-house art staff and you can talk to us via phone. We are happy to walk you through the entire custom bandana ordering process. Just give us a call (908) 806-8337 or fill out the form on this page and we’ll call you.
Still Have Questions ?
We want your custom bandana project to be amazing! If you still have questions or would like to place an order, please give us a call (908) 806-8337 or you can fill out the form below and we’ll give you a call.