Frequently Asked Questions

What does the "length" of my collar or cuff mean?

The length refers to the actual measurement of your neck, wrist, or ankle, and is based on the inner circumference of the collar or cuff when it is closed on the center hole or snap. Some adjustability is built into the collars and cuffs. For example: If your neck measures at 15", you should order a 15" collar. If it closes with a buckle, it will allow +/- 1.5" of adjustability, so it can be worn from 13.5" - 16.5". If it closes with a snap, it will allow +/- 1" of adjustability, so it can be worn from 14" - 16".

Is it really that important to measure myself for my collar or cuffs?

Yes. Finding your size only takes a few seconds, and it will ensure that you get the right fit. For instructions on how to determine your size, click here. Please note that we cannot take returns or exchanges for mis-measurement.

What if I measure to an off-size?

Did you measure your neck, and find that you measure closer to 15.5" than 15" or 16"? No problem! Just order the next size up. When you reach the shopping cart, go to the "comments" section and let us know what your true measurement is- we'll cut your collar or cuff down to the correct size when we're building it to ensure the best fit.

What is a special request?

There are a number of cool features that Collar Factory can add to your collar that can't be built through the customizer for technical reasons. These include:

Want a contrasting color or shape for the leather piece used to attach your adornment on single strap collars and cuffs? We can do it in any available leather color in either the standard oval shape or a heart shape for no extra cost! Just let us know what color and shape in the "comments" section of your shopping cart. Click here for an example of a contrasting color heart. Please note that ovals and hearts are our only available shapes.
We just added the ability to combine lettering with attachments or studs/gems. If you'd like to combine all three, just contact us!
Lettering on double strap collars: Because of the rivets that attach the straps together, lettering can't be placed just anywhere on a double strap collar. If you're interested in off-center lettering for your double (or single) strap collar, just let us know!
See a color in lambskin or faux fur that you love, but we don't offer in leather? "Outer linings" are now available through the customizer! Click here to learn more about outer linings.

Anything else that you're looking for that you don't see here or on the customizer? If you can dream it up, we'll do our best to make it happen - just contact us!

Do you have any animal-friendly leather alternatives?

Absolutely! We currently offer black rubber as an alternative to leather for the outer material of your collar, and a wide variety of stylish faux furs for the lining. We are looking into options for broadening our selection of outer material leather alternatives.

Do you have any nickel-free alternatives?

We know that many people have skin that is sensitive to nickel, so we also offer nickel-free black hardware (please note that black hardware is only available for double strap collars, or 1" wide single strap collars). Our black hardware is great for sensitive skin, or for anyone who's looking for that sharp black style. Which brings us to...

Won't the paint rub off the black hardware?

Not at all - our black hardware isn't painted! It's made of steel coated in a black metal oxide which shouldn't chip, fade, or rub off.

What's the difference between a collar and cuffs?

Our collars are 11" to 20" long. Our cuffs are 4" to 10" long. Cuffs are available singly and in pairs.

I ordered a lined collar or cuff. Why do the backs of my studs show through?

On 0.75" wide collars and cuffs, we have to place the studs and letters after we line the collar or cuff because the sewing machine can't fit around them to stitch in the lining. You shouldn't feel the backs because they're flattened pretty well, but if you want to make sure that the lining covers them, just order 1" or wider.

What's the difference between the lambskin and faux fur linings?

A common misconception about the lambskin is that it has a fuzzy, seude-like texture. In fact, the lambskin feels like a very soft, almost silken leather. It is made from a lamb hide, and most customers report that it is very comfortable. The faux fur is a synthetic fabric blend that is generally very soft and fluffy, and has a pile that ranges from 1/8" inch to a little over 1/4". The wild animal faux fur is the plushest and most silken-textured of the fauxs. You can read more about customers' experience with our lining options in this forum thread.

How should I take care of my collar or cuffs?

Don't clean your leather products with anything that contains alcohol or ammonia, and don't toss them in the washing machine. Instead, clean with a product designed specifically for leather. If your collar or cuffs get dirty, wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid excessive rubbing or saturation with water. To ensure the longest life possible, store your collar and cuffs out of direct sunlight and away from humidity or excessive heat. Avoid folding. To keep rubber collars and cuffs shiny, we use Turtle Wax.

What should I do if my leather collar or cuffs get wet?

Avoid storing your wet collar and cuffs in a plastic container or anywhere that will keep them from "breathing." Try to always store your leather in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. If your collar or cuffs have faux-fur lining and the fur gets wet, blot the fur and then dry with a hair dryer set to the lowest temperature.

How do you make your products?

All of our products are made by hand in Portland, Oregon using the finest materials available. Our collars and cuffs are made with high-quality oil tan leather, a soft but sturdy leather that has been stained on the surface with natural oils, creating a material that is soft, flexible, and comfortable against the skin. Because the material comes from cow hide, there is some natural variation in stiffness and texture. For more information, visit Leather Types thread in the Collar Factory forums.

After the pieces of leather are cut, we pay detailed attention to the edges, carefully trimming away any rough or frayed areas. After attaching any metal studs, we then attach the lining. The lining is carefully sewn to the outer leather.

Can I return a collar or cuffs that were made just for me?

Since our custom leather collars and cuffs are specialized just for you, we cannot offer refunds or exchanges on these items unless they are defective. See the Help section for details on ordering, shipping, returning, and exchanging.

Why can't I select the attachment I want in the collar customizer?

If you have a single-strap collar, the attachments you can choose are limited by the width of your collar. The narrower single-strap collars cannot support as many attachments as the wider collars. Try increasing the width slightly, and see if more attachments become available to you.

Why can't I combine a black top strap with a colored bottom strap on my double strap collar or cuffs?

Black leather has a tendency to stain other colors of leather. When the colored strap is on top it isn't a problem, but putting a black strap on top of a colored strap always results in black streaks on the bottom strap. These streaks are permanent and uncleanable, so we strongly advise against this combination.

Can I order without a credit card?

Yes. Online orders can be made with PayPal, and we will accept mail orders with a money order. Please note that we do not accept personal checks. Visit the Help section for more information.

Still can't find the answer to your question? Check the help page, or contact customer service.