The Story of Tak and Nie Dog Clothing
Growing up, I was surrounded by impeccable, tidy, well-behaved show dogs. My father competed in dog shows all over Illinois, but I never really connected with them the way most pet owners do. Those dogs were never companions; they were purpose-driven dogs with a job to do. Then, after more than twenty years, that all changed.
Enter Gabby: scruffy, soulful, unapologetically herself. One night, my neighbour got a call about a Shih Tzu with only hours left to live in a kill shelter. In that split second, she thought of me. The next day, a matted, starving little Shih Tzu was placed in my arms.
Street style dog apparel / Hundekleidung
When I rescued Gabby, people showered her with tiny sweaters, pastel hoodies, and girly glam. Every time I dressed her, it felt like something wasn’t quite right… So I went searching. There was an endless supply of dog clothes, but only in two styles: cutesy or outdoorsy.
Nothing seemed to match her rebellious, street-dog personality. Where were the bold blacks, the clean lines, the street-style aesthetic? In that moment, the frustration became inspiration. We can do something better.
Comfortable Dog t-shirts
T-shirts are the everyday essential: lightweight and effortless. Our dog t-shirts are made with soft, breathable fabrics that allow full freedom of movement. No stiff seams. No restrictive fits. They also look really good.
High Quality Dog jackets
Our dog jackets combine warmth, durability, and sleek design. High-quality leather and fleece provide insulation without bulk, so your pup stays warm without sacrificing mobility or comfort.
Dog harnesses and Dog bandanas
Tak & Nie dog accessories are designed for comfort, style, and functionality. Our dog harnesses support your dog’s natural movement while offering security, comfort, and control. We also have dog bandanas, designed as effortless, expressive layering. They can be worn solo or paired with other pieces.
What is Tak and Nie?
Everything about Tak and Nie is guided by Gabby. Her personality, presence, and the way she fit into my life made it easy to imagine dogwear / hundekleidung built with intention, comfort, and boldness. It’s all about design that feels lived-in, not like a costume.
The name ‘Tak and Nie’, is Polish, meaning “yes” and “no.” It reflects the simplicity and honesty that dogs are known for. They always respond authentically, showing us exactly what they like and what they don’t. I wanted to embody that same clarity. It’s about staying true to what you like, with that honest instinct that dogs live by.
Our Values
Just like a dog with a bone, we hold our values strongly. It’s an ongoing process of learning, researching, and moving closer to who we want to be. For us, it’s all about building a community of like-minded dog owners.
- Craftsmanship — Our high-quality dogwear is designed to last, with the best leather, fleece, plaid, and hardware.
- Fairness — We always work with manufacturers and partners who treat their workers well and operate responsibly within their communities and the environment.
- Sustainability — I am working toward making every product as sustainable as possible. As a new company, it takes time, but we’re building on it step by step.
Our dog clothing production process
Tak and Nie is a truly global brand, with input from almost every continent. While we’re based in Germany, we have a US design agency, UK designers, a South African graphic designer, and high-quality Asian manufacturing.
I spent a lot of time finding a partner who cared about design and could help me build something original. A lot of manufacturers I came across only offered the same pre-made, mass-produced styles. Finding the right fit took a lot of time and patience.
I collaborate with a US design agency that helps translate my concepts into design files. I also work with a company that specialises in making dog harnesses. As a new business owner, I’m fortunate to have great partners who help me understand how my creative ideas can translate into a real harness or outfit.
My inspiration is almost always observational. Someone at a train station in plaid, a sleek all-black outfit, or even a Volkswagen Van with light grey, white, and gold trim. That’s what inspired my new dog harness design. I bring big, bold ideas to the table, and they help me bring them to life. The most important principle is function: no matter how imaginative my design is, comfort is always first.
My goal is for Tak and Nie to grow into a dedicated community of dog owners who are breaking the norm. One day, when I’m out with Gabby on the streets of Hamburg, I’m excited to see another Tak and Nie pup out and about.
