Are there any specific things I need to know to make a period correct bandana/wild rag? Size or material or anything like that...
Kevin,
Regarding bargain shopping:
I buy a large chunk of my cowboy attire on eBay. Lots of folks don't liket to to business with them, but I look at the place like a big garage sale. I've found hats, bandanas, shirts, pants, boots, spurs, pocket watch . . . you name it, for a WHOLE lot less than you find at the big retailers. Last fall I bought two gently used Wah shirts for $21 shipped. The same two shirts would've cost me $50 each new.
Do a few searches for "SASS shirt" or NCOWS hat" and you'll find used stuff that is usually being sold by a fellow CAS pard.
Also, check the "bargain bin" at some of the big retailers. Tonto Rim and Wild West Mercantile both have "bargain bins" where they sell "last years style" at a discount. (I'm not sure how "last years style" is an issue when we are dressing in 130 year old styles.)
Pancho