The 10 things to check before buying dog clothes

The buying checklist at a glance

Before the detail, here's the summary of the 10 points you should review:

And now, point by point.

Things to consider before buying dog clothes: the 10 points

These are, in detail, the things to consider before buying dog clothes that make the difference between a good buy and a mistake.

• 1. Chest girth: it's the most important measurement, the one that decides whether the garment fits or not. Before buying anything, have your dog's chest girth noted down (the widest part, behind the front legs). If you check only one figure, make it this one.
• 2. Back length: the second key measurement, it defines how far the garment reaches. A miscalculated length leaves the dog with half its back exposed or covers areas it shouldn't. With the chest and back you can pick a size with confidence; you've got the step by step in how to measure your dog.
• 3. Comfort and mobility: a garment is only good if your dog moves in it as if it weren't wearing anything. Check that the cut leaves the front legs free, doesn't squeeze the chest or neck and doesn't cover the peeing area. Comfort always comes before looks.
• 4. Material by its function: not every fabric does the same job. A warm sweatshirt, like our hoodies in cotton and polyester with a sherpa lining, aims to keep heat in. A raincoat, on the other hand, must be technical and repel water (the best raincoats and how to choose one). And a summer shirt prioritises lightness and breathability. Check the material matches what you need.
• 5. A size guide by measurements (not just weight): this point reveals a lot about the maker. A serious brand offers a size guide based on real measurements —chest and back—, not just the dog's weight, and a tool to cross-check them with each garment. If they only ask for kilos, be wary: two dogs of the same weight can take different sizes.
• 6. Whether your dog actually needs it: buying wisely also means knowing when not to buy. Short-haired, small or senior breeds appreciate warmth; double-coated ones, like the husky, don't need it and can overheat. Before buying, ask yourself whether the garment solves a real problem. We cover it in do dogs need clothes?.
• 7. How easy it is to put on and take off: a garment that's awkward to fit ends up unused. Details like a front zip or a wide opening make the difference day to day, especially with dogs that won't keep still. The simpler it is, the more you'll use it.
• 8. Care and washing: a garment that gets ruined on the first wash is money wasted. Before buying, check that the brand explains how to care for it and that upkeep is reasonable. You've got our full guide in how to wash your dog's clothes without ruining them.
• 9. Style and design: once the essentials are covered, style counts. The garment should match your dog's personality and, why not, yours. Grown-up colours and clean lines age far better than childish prints, which get old fast.
• 10. The option to personalise it: the detail that turns a generic garment into your dog's. Being able to add its name and number —like on our personalisable football jerseys— brings identity and that extra bond that makes any garment special.

How to use this checklist to buy with confidence

If you look closely, the ten points fall into a logical sequence on their own. First, the essentials: the two measurements (chest and back) and comfort, which guarantee the garment fits well and doesn't bother it. Then, what secures a good buy: the right material, a reliable size guide and checking that your dog really needs it. And finally, what adds value: ease of use, simple care, style and personalisation.

With that sequence in mind, buying clothes for your dog stops being a lottery. Every point you review is one less reason for regret and one more guarantee that your dog will get a garment it will wear comfortably and with style. And if you prefer the flip side, review the most common mistakes when buying clothes too.

Conclusion: check, compare and get it right

Being clear on what to check when buying dog clothes turns a doubtful purchase into a safe decision. With this 10-point checklist —from measurements to style, taking in material and care— you've got everything you need to choose well first time and buy with the peace of mind that you're getting it right.

Ready to put the list into practice? Discover our garments, designed to pass every one of these ten points, in the shop: hoodies, raincoats and jerseys that are comfortable, hard-wearing, stylish and with a size guide that avoids surprises. Comfort first, attitude second.

📸 Show us your dog in its new clothes on Instagram: @fara961dogwear.