Is it mandatory to use the google_product_category attribute?

It is optional, but providing it is highly recommended. If you omit it, Google will attempt to categorize the product automatically, which often leads to inaccurate classifications and poor performance.

Can I use the product_type attribute instead of the google_product_category?

No. The product_type attribute is for your internal organization and is free-form. Google requires the google_product_category to align with their specific taxonomy to understand your inventory correctly.

Does the category ID change based on the country?

The category ID 168 is universal and language-independent. You can use this ID in your feed regardless of the target country, which is often more reliable than using the full path strings.

Google product category

Bandanas & Headties

Category ID168

Full path for the feedApparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Bandanas & Headties

All deeper subcategories

Bandanas543586
Hair Care Wraps543587

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Lil Luv Dog Slogan-Print Cotton Dog bandana
Handker Matilda Bandana
Arc'teryx Sinsola Bandana
Seaweed Bandana
Lacey Bandana
Insectarium Bandana
Elsie Bandana
Sammie Bandana
Desert Bandana

Understanding the Bandanas & Headties Category

The Bandanas & Headties category (ID 168) is a specific classification within the Apparel & Accessories branch of the Google product taxonomy. It is designed for headwear and fabric accessories worn around the head or neck that do not fall under broader categories like general headwear or specific hair accessories.

What belongs here: This category includes items such as patterned cotton bandanas, casual neck bandanas, and specialized hair care wraps. Based on examples from the US market, this includes items like dog-specific print bandanas, decorative textile headties, and versatile fabric squares used for fashion or functional hair styling.
What does not belong here: Do not include items that fall into neighbouring categories. For example, traditional hats or balaclavas belong in the Headwear category. Items meant strictly for hair decoration, like headbands or clips, belong in Hair Accessories. If you sell functional winter items like earmuffs or neck gaiters, those have their own dedicated categories within the Clothing Accessories branch.
Subcategories: You should use the specific subcategories of Bandanas or Hair Care Wraps whenever the product fits these exact definitions, as Google prefers the most granular classification available.
Feed implementation: Use either the ID 168 or the full path Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Bandanas & Headties in your google_product_category attribute. Since this is an apparel category, remember that Google expects you to provide color, size, gender, and age_group attributes to ensure your product data meets all policy requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to use the google_product_category attribute?: It is optional, but providing it is highly recommended. If you omit it, Google will attempt to categorize the product automatically, which often leads to inaccurate classifications and poor performance.
Can I use the product_type attribute instead of the google_product_category?: No. The product_type attribute is for your internal organization and is free-form. Google requires the google_product_category to align with their specific taxonomy to understand your inventory correctly.
Does the category ID change based on the country?: The category ID 168 is universal and language-independent. You can use this ID in your feed regardless of the target country, which is often more reliable than using the full path strings.

This category in other languages

ru: Предметы одежды и принадлежности > Принадлежности для одежды > Банданы и косынки
uk: Одяг та аксесуари > Приладдя для одягу > Бандани та косинки