A cute dog bandana can add a little personality to your pup’s everyday look, whether you’re dressing them up for a holiday, a family photo, or just a trip around the neighborhood. But even the cutest bandana won’t work well if it doesn’t fit properly.
Choosing the right size starts with one simple step: measuring your dog correctly.
The good news is that measuring your dog for a bandana only takes a couple of minutes. All you need is a soft measuring tape, your dog, and maybe a few treats to encourage cooperation!
Here’s how to get the right measurements for your dog’s next Patchwork Tails bandana.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, grab:
- A soft fabric measuring tape
- Your dog’s regular collar
- A pen and paper or your phone to record the measurement
- A few treats if your dog needs a little encouragement
If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or ribbon. Wrap it around your dog as directed below, mark where the ends meet, and then measure the string with a ruler.
Step 1: Measure Your Dog’s Neck
The most important measurement for most dog bandanas is the neck circumference.
Have your dog stand or sit comfortably.
Wrap the measuring tape around your dog’s neck where their collar normally rests. The tape should lie flat against the fur without pulling tightly.
You should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between the measuring tape and your dog’s neck.
This gives your dog enough room to move, breathe, and wear the bandana comfortably.
For example, if your dog’s neck measures 15 inches, look for the Patchwork Tails size range that includes a 15-inch neck.
Don’t Measure Too Tightly
It may be tempting to pull the measuring tape snugly around your dog’s neck, especially if they have thick or fluffy fur.
Don’t.
A bandana should never restrict your dog’s neck or breathing. It is always better for the bandana to have a little extra room than to fit too tightly.
Step 2: Consider Your Dog’s Fur
Fur can make a difference when choosing a size.
Dogs with thick coats, such as Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, and other fluffy breeds, may need a little more room than a short-haired dog with the same basic neck measurement.
Measure your dog’s neck over their fur, just as the bandana will actually be worn.
If your dog’s measurement falls right between two sizes, choosing the larger size is usually the safer option.
Measuring for a Scrunchie or Slip-On Bandana
Scrunchie-style dog bandanas are designed to stretch over your dog’s head and then rest comfortably around the neck.
For this style, the neck measurement is especially important.
Measure around your dog’s neck where you want the bandana to sit.
You should also think about the size of your dog’s head. Because the bandana needs to slide over the head, dogs with broader heads may need a little additional room.
If your dog falls between sizes, I generally recommend sizing up rather than down.
The elastic should gently hold the bandana in place without squeezing your dog’s neck.
Measuring for an Over-the-Collar Bandana
Over-the-collar bandanas work a little differently.
Instead of tying around your dog’s neck or stretching over the head, your dog’s regular collar slides through a casing at the top of the bandana.
For this style, your dog’s collar width and neck size are helpful measurements.
Start by measuring your dog’s neck as described above.
Then measure the width of your dog’s collar.
Be sure to check the product description or size chart to make sure the opening in the bandana will accommodate your dog’s collar.
You also want the bandana itself to look proportional to your dog. A tiny bandana can disappear on a large dog, while an oversized bandana may overwhelm a very small pup.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Collar
If your dog already has a collar that fits well, it can also help you double-check your measurement.
Remove the collar and lay it flat.
Measure from the point where the buckle connects to the hole or adjustment point your dog normally uses.
Do not simply measure the entire length of the collar because that includes extra material that isn’t part of the actual neck fit.
Compare this measurement with the neck measurement you took directly from your dog. The two should be relatively close.
What If My Dog Is Between Sizes?
Dogs don’t always fit neatly into a size chart.
Your dog’s neck might measure 13 inches when one size ends at 13 inches and the next begins at 14 inches, for example.
When your dog is right at the upper end of a size range, consider:
- How thick their fur is
- Whether they are still growing
- Whether their head is wider than their neck
- Which style of bandana you are purchasing
When in doubt, size up.
A slightly roomier bandana is usually more comfortable than one that is too snug.
Don’t Choose a Size Based Only on Breed
Breed can give you a general idea of what size your dog might wear, but it isn’t a reliable substitute for measuring.
Two Labrador Retrievers can have very different neck sizes. The same is true for mixed breeds.
Age, weight, body structure, coat thickness, and individual genetics all affect your dog’s size.
That’s why the best way to find the correct bandana size is to measure your individual dog and compare the measurement with the size chart provided in the listing.
How Should a Dog Bandana Fit?
Once your bandana arrives, check the fit before allowing your dog to wear it for an extended period.
A properly fitted bandana should:
- Sit comfortably around the neck
- Allow your dog to move normally
- Leave enough room for you to slide two fingers underneath
- Stay in place without squeezing the neck
- Avoid interfering with eating, drinking, or walking
Watch your dog for a few minutes after putting on the bandana.
If your dog seems uncomfortable, scratches excessively at the bandana, struggles to move normally, or the bandana appears tight, remove it and check the fit.
A Few Dog Bandana Safety Tips
Bandanas are adorable accessories, but they should still be worn safely.
Always supervise your dog while they are wearing accessories, particularly if your dog likes to chew on fabric.
Remove your dog’s bandana before placing them in a crate or leaving them unattended for long periods.
And remember: a decorative bandana is not a replacement for your dog’s collar, harness, leash, or identification tags.
Measure Once, Enjoy Lots of Bandanas
Once you know your dog’s neck measurement, shopping for bandanas becomes much easier.
Write the measurement down somewhere so you’ll have it handy the next time you find a Patchwork Tails print you can’t resist.
Just remember to measure again occasionally. Puppies grow quickly, adult dogs can gain or lose weight, and coat thickness can change throughout the year.
At Patchwork Tails, our goal is to create pet accessories that are as comfortable as they are cute. Taking a minute to measure your pup before ordering can help you choose a bandana they’ll be comfortable wearing—and you’ll love seeing them in.
Because every dog deserves a little extra personality in their wardrobe.
Happy tail-wagging!
Patchwork Tails — handmade with love for the pets who make our lives better.
