When I first started Mr. M Bandanas, I used cotton for my bandanas like many other brands out there. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that cotton just wasn’t cutting it. From the constant wrinkling to the uncomfortable stiffness, I knew there had to be a better way. Here’s the story of how I moved from cotton to developing our signature Adventure Fabric and Active Knit—and why it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Struggles with Cotton
Cotton bandanas were so easy to make, but they weren’t practical for real-life use. They wrinkled easily, were stiff and uncomfortable for pups (especially those with sensitive skin), and didn’t hold up to wear and tear. Whether it was a day at the dog park or a quick trip to the beach, they just weren’t suitable for dogs who love to play and get messy. And for pups who enjoy water adventures? Forget about it—cotton simply wasn’t ideal.
I realized I needed to find something better. Something that could keep up with the active lifestyles of our pups.
Testing Dozens of Fabrics
Determined to make a change, I started testing dozens of different fabrics. I knew I needed something that was durable yet comfortable for pups to wear every day. After a lot of trial and error, I finally discovered the original version of what we now call Adventure Fabric. This fabric was not only soft but also durable, dirt and stain resistant, and quick drying—everything I wanted and more.
My pup Murray and his friends gave the fabric a thorough test. When I saw how well it held up to all their adventures, I knew we had a winner.
Making the Switch to Adventure Fabric
I introduced Adventure Fabric in the Spring of 2023 and the response was incredible— customers loved the durability, wrinkle resistance and ease of care, and it quickly became a favorite. After such incredible feedback, I made a bold decision: I completely stopped using cotton bandanas. The very next collection we released was made entirely of Adventure Fabric. From that point on, I knew we were on the right track.
Introducing Active Knit
Fast forward to Spring 2024, when I introduced our second fabric—Active Knit. This was actually one of the fabrics I had tested early on, but I wanted to launch one fabrication at a time to give each its moment. The time was right, and the response was just as positive. Active Knit is soft, stretchy, and breathable, perfect for everyday wear and even as a cooling bandana during warmer months.
You guys have absolutely loved this fabric, and it has quickly become a staple in our collections.
Supplier Issues and the Ultimate Upgrade
But like any business journey, there were a few bumps along the way. Our original supplier for Adventure Fabric suddenly switched fabric bases without notice, which affected the quality. I wasn’t happy with the new version, so I went back to testing even more options to find the perfect replacement.
After more research and testing, I found what is now our current Adventure Fabric. It has all the amazing qualities of the original—durable, easy to clean, and quick drying—but with a few upgrades. It’s softer, more lightweight, and has a bit of stretch, making it the best material for dog bandanas I’ve ever seen.
Shop the Difference
Switching from cotton to Adventure Fabric and Active Knit has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for Mr. M Bandanas. Our bandanas are now designed to withstand real life—whether your pup is out on an adventure or curled up at home.
If you’re ready to experience the difference, shop our collections today and see why our fabrics are truly a game-changer for both you and your furry bestie.