Bandannas are an item of clothing that I most associate with Rosie the Riveter, and the amazing work that is done for the Cancer Council for Bandanna Day, but you might be surprised to learn that the history of this simple piece of printed cloth goes back for a few hundred years at the least!

 

  1. Bandannas: defiance and advertisement in one.
  2. Get creative with custom bandannas.
  3. Promote your brand in style.

 

Customised Bandanna printed

Old School Personalised Bandannas Meant Defiance

In 1776 Martha Washington (the creator of the original American Flag, and the wife of the great George Washington) met with a printmaker who - despite a ban on printing by the English government- printed some militia flags and drawings for Martha as a Christmas gift for her husband. These pieces of cloth were the first bandannas ever made as these prints had to be small and easily concealable, so, therefore, were printed on handkerchief sized pieces of cloth for ease of concealment. These were referred to as "little banners" and were an act of political defiance due to their size, and ability to be used in a multitude of different ways.

Personalised bright fabric bandanna

Custom Printed Bandannas Throughout History

Eventually, these were used by the newly invented film industry to advertise movies such as "Gone With The Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz".  Using these simple pieces of printed cloth was and continues to be an incredibly effective advertising medium, as it is not only a call back to the past, but they are cheap and easy to make in bulk. If you are looking to advertise in a way that feels innovative, but in fact has a long history of defiance and self-expression, have a look at our stunning event bandannas and bring that retro feel into your next campaign.

Promotional Wizard of Oz Bandanna

 

As these pieces of printed cloth proved to be successful, they were eventually picked up by souvenir makers across the globe and especially started being used for advertising comics and radio shows, and even to advertise the "Greatest Show on Earth" by the infamous P.T. Barnum (the real-life Barnum that tortured and often killed animals, and was an awful human being for countless reasons, not the gorgeous fictional version played by Hugh Jackman).

Logo Printed self expression bandanna

The Versatility of Bandannas

Promotional bandannas might seem like a relatively simple item of clothing, but they have numerous uses and applications. Here are some ways in which you can make use of the versatility of a bandanna in your promotional campaign:

  • Wearable promotional item: Custom bandannas make a great wearable accessory that can be used by customers or employees to identify with your brand.
  • Headwear: Customised bandannas can be worn as headbands, sweatbands, or even as an improvised mask in certain conditions.
  • Promotional giveaways: You can use custom-branded bandannas as giveaways at events, trade shows or community gatherings.
  • Sports merchandise: Bandannas offer a practical accessory for sports teams and fans, and you can customise them with team logos or event details.
  • Fashion accessory: With a range of colours and designs available, bandanas can make a stylish addition to any outfit.

Summary

So now you know all about the history and versatility of promotional bandannas! From their origins as small prints of defiance to their use in advertising and various applications, bandannas have a long and interesting story. Whether you want to promote your brand, add a stylish accessory, or show some defiance, bandannas are a great choice. So why not incorporate these versatile pieces of clothing into your next promotional campaign? They're affordable, practical, and have a rich history to boot! Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a statement with custom-branded bandannas.

 

So if you want to bring back that old-school cool, if you want to show your defiance to an oppressive system, or if you want to prove to the world that you're a better business than one run by a man who ran a circus by exploiting animals, children and people with disabilities, look no further than Cubic Promote's Event Bandannas.

 

Source: http://www.bandanashop.com/bandanahistory.html