About Atomic Collars
Dapper Dogs Only
You get to be well-dressed—why shouldn’t your dog have a wardrobe of BOMB collars too?
At Atomic Collars, we believe dogs deserve style that matches their personality. Bold, playful, sharp, and anything but basic.
And what says “well dressed” better than a necktie?
Those classic strips of fabric—once tied in elaborate knots at the throats of men—are packed with personality.
From understated to wildly bold, they became our first inspiration.
From Neckties to One of a Kind Collars
What started with neckties quickly turned into a full-blown obsession with upcycled textiles.
We began sourcing materials from everywhere:
- Neckties
- Skirts, pants, and blouses
- Sweaters
- Curtains
- Bedsheets
- (Yes… even one zippy retro kitchen towel—Orange You Glad)
Nothing is safe from inspiration—or the scissors.
Our favorite materials to upcycle?
🧡 Neckties
🧡 Bedding
🧡 Curtains
Each one transformed into a unique dog collar you won’t find anywhere else.
“Wane” was a clip on vintage polyester necktie! 👉
It was transformed into a dapper necktie collar for Jack the lab! 👇
(Follow Jack on IG @ Mr_Jack_the_lab)
Where it All Began
The year: 2015
The place: A brutally cold February day in Minnesota
Foster pittie Bender (who ended up being a foster fail) was in need of a martingale collar.
But the options?
Basic.
Boring. (Only red, blue or black nylon.)
Way too narrow. (Only 1 inch wide – common pet store width.)
So we did what any reasonable dog-obsessed human would do…
👉 Went to the thrift store.
The First Atomic Collar
The finds:
A couple of men’s belts and a classic dressed necktie in bold red, blue and cream. Two square loops and a D ring upcycled from two of the belts, the sewing machine lugged to the kitchen table and the birth of the “Atom” collar occurred.
It had:
- Wonky stitching (affectionately known as “crazy driving”)
- No adjustability
- A whole lot of personality
And most importantly?
👉 It fit
👉 It held up
👉 It looked BOMB
The “Atom” the first ever Atomic Collar! From the 2015 archives.
Built for Dogs Who Stand Out
From that first “Atom,” a whole collection exploded into existence.
Atomic Collars became known for:
- Wider widths (1.5 inch& 2 inch)
- Bold, unique patterns
- Upcycled materials
Which lends to utterly unique collars, collars as unique as the dogs wearing them.
Above: The original set of Atomic Collars aside from the “Atom”. Two neckties, one pillowcase, one ladies shirt, one ladies skirt & kids sleepwear!
Growing the Atomic Pack
Over the years, Atomic Collars has grown to include:
- Limited slip style collars
- 3/4 inch, 1 inch & 3 inch wide webbings with the 1.5 & 2 inch widths
- Prototyped full slip, breakaway & clip around collar styles
- Summer of tie dying & bleaching ALL the materials
- A growing collection of holiday materials
- Biothane + fabric collars (2026!)
Today, Atomic Collars creates unique, upcycled dog collars designed for dogs with personality.
Whether your dog is:
- A mud-loving menace
- A sidewalk strutter
- A full-on fashion icon
There’s a collar made just for them.
Because at the end of the day?
👉 Dogs deserve to be just as well dressed as their humans.
Where are Atomic Collars Made?
Atomic Collars are hand made in Minnesota.
I, Cahlean, pick, sew and make them ALL!
I’m also is a dog photographer – About A Dog Photography!
Plus I’m a dog mom to Finn @finnadventureawaits
Ready to find your dog’s next favorite collar? 👉 Shop our collection of unique dog collars