What Do You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Pet Clothing?

If you’re wondering whether pet clothing is necessary, how to pick the best pieces, or even if your pet will tolerate wearing clothes, you’re in the right place. The short answer is: pet clothing can be both functional and fun, but it depends on your pet’s breed, lifestyle, and comfort. For example, short-haired dogs like Chihuahuas or senior pets often need extra warmth in cold weather, while lightweight sun-protective gear benefits dogs with thin coats in summer. The key is to prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort over style—and this guide will walk you through exactly how to do that.

Not all pets need clothing, but it becomes essential in specific situations. The biggest factors to consider are climate, breed, age, and health. Let’s break this down with real-world examples:

Key Fact: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), pets with a body condition score below 5 (on a 1-9 scale) or those over 7 years old are more susceptible to temperature extremes and may benefit from clothing.

Choosing the right pet clothing isn’t just about picking a cute design—it’s about fit, fabric, and function. Follow these steps to avoid common mistakes (like buying a jacket that’s too tight or a sweater that irritates your pet’s skin):

Ill-fitting clothing can cause discomfort, restrict movement, or even lead to injury. Use a soft measuring tape to get these three key measurements (write them down—sizes vary by brand!):

Pro Tip: If your pet is between sizes, always size up. Most brands have size charts on their websites—refer to those instead of guessing based on your pet’s weight.

Fabric choice directly impacts your pet’s comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for different weather:

Example: For my dog, a Shih Tzu with a thick coat, I avoid heavy fleece in winter—instead, I opt for a thin, waterproof jacket over his natural fur. This prevents him from overheating while still protecting him from rain.

It’s tempting to buy a pet sweater with sparkles or a tiny hood, but always ask: Will this bother my pet? Avoid clothing with:

Functional features to look for:

Not all pets will love wearing clothes—and that’s okay. It’s important to recognize the signs of discomfort so you don’t force your pet into something stressful. Common red flags include:

If your pet shows these signs, try these fixes:

Personal Experience: My cat, Mochi, initially hated her recovery suit—she tried to bite it off the first time I put it on. I gave her a tuna treat while the suit was on, and within 3 days, she stopped reacting to it. Patience is key!

With so many brands on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are reliable. Here are three trusted options, each with a unique focus:

A: It’s not recommended. Baby clothes are designed for human bodies, so they may not fit your pet’s chest or legs properly. Ill-fitting clothes can restrict movement or cause chafing. Pet-specific clothing is tailored to a pet’s anatomy (e.g., wider chest openings for dogs) and is safer.

A: Wash it after every 2-3 uses, or sooner if it’s muddy, smelly, or covered in hair. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent (fragrances can irritate your pet’s skin) and avoid fabric softeners, which can break down waterproof materials.

A: Yes, but choose soft, stretchable fabrics and make sure the fit is loose (puppies/kittens grow fast!). Avoid any clothing with small parts, and never leave them unsupervised while wearing clothes—they may chew on the fabric.

A: It depends on the breed and temperature. Breeds with double coats (like Huskies or Golden Retrievers) have natural insulation and may overheat in heavy jackets. However, if the temperature drops below 20°F (-6°C) or there’s wind/chill, a lightweight waterproof jacket can still protect them from snow and ice.