Single-layer bandanas go limp the first time a dog puts his head in the water bowl. This one is made double — two layers of polyester sewn together — so it holds a crisp triangle across the chest instead of curling up at the point, and it is generous with it: 70cm along the tie edge and 48cm down each side, which is a bandana cut for a real dog rather than a handbag one.

Polyester is the practical choice for December. It sheds a splash rather than drinking it, dries fast on a radiator, and the red and green print stays red and green through repeated washes rather than fading to the pinkish colour cotton goes after a fortnight. It ties rather than buckles, which means no hardware to catch on a harness strap and nothing to fasten on a dog who dislikes having his neck handled — thread it under and knot it off to one side.

• One size: 70cm along the long edge, 48cm down each of the two sides
• Double-layer polyester
• Red and green Christmas print
• Ties on, with no buckle or clip
• Shipping weight 15g
• Supplied as one bandana

Check the measurement first. This comes in one size only and it is a large one. On a cocker spaniel or anything bigger it hangs properly; on a chihuahua, a cat or a small terrier it will swamp the chest and trail on the ground. If your dog is under roughly 10kg, one of the small-size cotton bandanas in the range is the better buy and we will happily point you at it.

Who it's for: Medium and large dogs — labradors, collies, retrievers, spaniels — and owners who want a bandana with some body to it rather than a thin square of cotton.