Mistakes when buying clothes for your dog (and how to avoid them)
Making mistakes when buying dog clothes is more common than it seems, and it almost always ends the same way: an uncomfortable garment, a return or a wardrobe full of clothes the dog can't wear. The good news is that almost all these slip-ups are avoidable if you know where the traps are. In this article we go over the most common mistakes we see time and again, why they happen and how to dodge them so you buy well first time. Because getting your dog's clothing right isn't a matter of luck, it's a matter of knowing what to look for.
Mistake 1: buying by weight instead of measuring
This is the number-one slip-up, by far. Going only by the dog's kilos is the cause of most of the returns we see. The problem is that weight says nothing about body shape: a Border Collie and a French Bulldog of 18 kg can need different sizes because their chest girth is nothing alike.
The solution is simple and free: measure. With two numbers —chest girth and back length— you'll get it right almost every time. You'll find the step by step in how to measure your dog and the exact match in our size guide. Two minutes that save you the trip back to the post office.
Mistake 2: choosing for looks and forgetting comfort
The prettiest garment in the catalogue is useless if your dog can't move in it. This mistake is very common: we fall in love with the design and don't think about how it will feel. A garment that squeezes the chest, rubs the armpits or covers the toilet area is a problem, however stylish it is.
The golden rule never fails: comfort comes first, always. Good design and a good fit aren't at odds; in fact, a garment that fits well also looks better. Before buying, check that the cut keeps the legs free and respects mobility. Real style is what your dog can show off without even noticing they're wearing it.
Mistake 3: ignoring the material and breathability
Many buyers look at the colour and the cut, but not the fabric. And that's a mistake, because a material that doesn't breathe turns any garment into a nuisance: the dog sweats, gets stressed and tries to take it off. In summer, on top of that, it's a real risk of overheating.
Always check that the fabric is breathable, soft and with a bit of stretch to go with movement. A good material is what separates a garment the dog wears happily for hours from one that ends up at the bottom of the wardrobe after ten minutes.
Mistake 4: not taking breed and coat into account
Not all dogs need the same thing, and buying without thinking about the type of dog is another frequent slip-up. Putting a thick hoodie on a husky, which already has plenty of coat, can cause overheating; and leaving a greyhound without a coat in winter is condemning it to be cold.
Before buying, think about your specific dog: their coat, their size, their tolerance to cold. Short-haired and small breeds appreciate the warmth; double-coated ones hardly ever need it. We go into it in depth in do dogs need clothes? myths and facts.
Mistake 5: buying the exact size 'in case it shrinks' or 'for a snug look'
Between two sizes, many people choose the smaller one, whether out of fear it'll be loose or looking for a tighter look. It's a mistake: a tight garment squeezes, rubs and limits movement, while one with a finger of slack is comfortable and looks just as good.
The rule, when you're torn between two sizes, is clear: size up. It's much easier to live with a couple of centimetres extra than with a garment that compresses the chest. Your dog will thank you on every walk.
Mistake 6: not reading reviews or looking at the maker
Buying dog clothes from the first site that comes up, without checking who makes them or what other buyers say, is taking a gamble. There's a lot of generic clothing designed more for the photo than for the dog, with unreliable sizing and dubious materials.
It's worth choosing brands that design with the dog's body in mind, that offer a clear size guide and that explain what the garment is made of. That transparency is the best sign that the clothing is meant to actually be worn, not just sold.
How to buy well: the way to avoid all these mistakes
If you look closely, all these slip-ups boil down to just one: buying without the right information. Avoiding them is really about following a simple order. First, measure your dog and have their two measurements to hand. Second, choose according to their breed and climate, not on impulse. Third, prioritise comfort and material over looks. And fourth, buy from a trusted place, with a clear size guide and garments designed for the real dog.
At FARA 961 we build every garment with that philosophy: urban design, careful fit, breathable materials and a size guide designed so you get it right first time. You can see it in our shop.
Conclusion: buying with judgement is buying well
The mistakes when buying dog clothes —trusting weight, forgetting comfort, ignoring the material, not thinking about breed, choosing the exact size or buying without looking— all have the same antidote: information and judgement. With two measurements, some common sense about your dog and a transparent brand, you get it right first time and give your dog clothes they can actually wear.
Ready to buy well? Discover our garments designed for the real dog in the shop: comfortable, stylish and with a size guide that avoids surprises. Comfort first, attitude second.
📸 Show us your dog in their well-chosen clothes on Instagram: @fara961dogwear.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common mistake when buying clothes for a dog?
Going only by weight instead of measuring. Two dogs of the same weight can need different sizes depending on their shape, so measuring the chest girth and back length is essential to get it right.
How do I avoid getting the size wrong?
Always measure your dog (chest and back), compare with the size guide and, if it falls between two sizes, size up. A garment with slack is comfortable; a tight one isn't.
Does the material of a dog's clothing matter?
A lot. A fabric that doesn't breathe makes the dog hot and stressed, and they'll end up trying to take it off. Look for breathable, soft materials with a bit of stretch.
Do all dogs need clothes?
No. Short-haired, small, older or cold-sensitive breeds appreciate them; double-coated ones like the husky don't need them and can even overheat. Buying without thinking about the type of dog is a frequent mistake.