The Big Bandana Debate
The Best Dog Accessories
When it comes to accessorizing your furry little loved ones, what is the one go-to dog fashion statement that you immediately think of? Are you thinking bandanas, because I totally am too! Bandanas for dogs (and humans, if we’re being honest) have been around for ages and it doesn’t seem like they will be going out of style anytime soon. They are great because there are tons of different patterns. They can be customized or embroidered, and it’s super simple to change them up depending on the season, an upcoming holiday, or just whatever your style is that day!
The OG
I think of the tie-on dog bandana as the “original” bandana, largely because it has been the most popular style for some time now, but I recently started seeing different styles that had me wondering if I should stray from the original to try them out. Ideally, there would be one style that encompasses everything I value in an accessory for my pup, from the level of cuteness (obviously), to ease of use (because I don’t want to work too hard for it). After doing some investigating, here’s what I came up with. I hope this will help you narrow down your search for the perfect dog accessory!
The “Original” Tie-On Bandana
This style is the oldest and simplest of them all. The versatility of the original bandana is extremely appealing as it is the most adjustable bandana out there (although you should still choose a size that would best fit your pup or size up if between sizes). The ability to make the bandana smaller or larger just by adjusting where you tie the knot is a huge perk for owners of puppies who haven’t quite finished growing yet. I personally also love the look of a small knot or bow where the bandana is tied as it adds a little more flare to an already adorable piece! The only downfall to this style is that it requires the owner to be able to tie/untie a knot which can be a difficult thing to do for some people, especially if the knot is too tight.
Pros
Versatile
Secure
Size is forgiving
Cute knot when tied
Cons
Requires the ability to tie a knot
Over-the-Collar Bandana
The collar bandana seems like a good idea off the bat since it’s just one piece that functions as both a collar and a cute bandana. It’s minimalistic, easy on/off, and secure, which can be huge perks for some dog owners. After doing some research, I discovered that there are 2 different types of collar bandanas: one where the bandana is sewn onto the collar, the other where the collar feeds through the bandana so that the bandana is removable from the collar. There are unfortunately some downfalls to each of these types.
For both, it’s much more difficult, and potentially costly, to change up the style of the bandana because you either have to get an entirely new collar (and switch over your pup’s tags - a total nuisance if you ask me), or you have to ensure that the bandana you buy will feed onto your existing collar correctly, limiting the brands and types of bandanas you can purchase. This version of the bandana is still cute, but it will definitely not be my go-to.
Pros
All-in-one accessory
Very secure
Cons
Difficult to change designs
Limited brands to choose from
Important to size correctly
Scrunches up easily
The Snap-On Bandana
Compared to the other styles of bandanas out there, this one has the least to offer. The designs are still very cute, but the lack of security (as in, it would likely fall off if your pet scratched at his or her neck, ears, etc.) makes it less than appealing, especially if you have young children in the home as they can undo the snap quite easily. With this style of a bandana, you also have to ensure that you get the correct size. From what I have researched, it looks like there are only 2-3 options for the snapping mechanisms to attach, each spaced a certain length apart. Incorrect sizing could leave your pup’s bandana much too large or dangerously tight.
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Not secure
Important to size correctly
Not an appealing design
The Velcro Bandana
The concept of this style makes sense as it’s easy on/off and the size doesn’t have to be perfect for the bandana to stay on. With that being said, there is one huge flaw. Your pup’s fur (regardless of length) will eventually cause the velcro to stop sticking to itself which then decreases the security of the bandana. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to get the fur out of velcro, but it is difficult, time-consuming, and success is very short-lived. If you’ve ever used a velcro harness for your pup, then you know what I’m talking about and you have likely learned to stay far away from velcro dog accessories. Another aspect to note is that velcro is very loud when you’re removing it from itself. For some pups, this can be startling and scary, especially if your dog is sensitive to noises.
Pros
Easy to use
Size is forgiving
Cons
Velcro wears down over time
Not super secure
Not long-lasting
Sound can be scary for some pups
Overall, there are positive aspects to all styles of dog bandanas, but when really looking at the pros of them all, the one that stands out the most is the original tie-on bandana! You can’t go wrong with versatility, security, and affordability!
Click here to browse our current selection of bandanas! Although size is forgiving, don’t forget to reference the sizing guide. We want to make sure you and your pup are 100% satisfied with your bandana!
*Remember to never crate your dog with any type of accessory around their neck, including bandanas and collars! Always ensure when using a bandana that your pup is still able to breathe easily, if the fit is too tight, make sure to size up!*