Dog Clothes

[ModernTails]

Do you have any tips or advice for buying clothes for your dog?

[ModernTails]

To find the right size dog clothes, you need to know your dog’s measurements. Usually, the measurements you need to get are:

1) Girth or chest measurement: the largest point of the chest, right behind the front legs
2) Body Length: the distance from the point where the collar sits to the point where the tail begins
3) Neck Size: circumference of the neck or the length of the collar size your dog wears

For a complete tutorial on how to measure, check out the Modern Tails Sizing Guide.

[ModernTails]

The girth, or chest measurement, is the best indication of whether an outfit will fit your dog or not. Stretchy tops, like sweaters and tees, have more give, but items like coats and dresses in non-stretchable material are less forgiving. If the size chart has a chest of 11-13” for size Small, then the garment is made to fit a dog with a maximum 13” girth comfortably. The garment would be too large on a dog with a girth of less than 11 inches. If your dog has a particularly large girth, clothing with the adjustable Velcro neck and chest opening will work best, along with sweaters. For dogs with short legs, sleeveless tops work best.

If the size chart for an item only displays the body length, then the girth is adjustable and will fit a larger range of girth sizes. Sometimes the clothes are sized by the length of the garment. If a jacket is a size 10, it is 10 inches in length and should fit dogs with body lengths 10 - 12”.

[ModernTails]

Remember that in a lot of ways, dog clothes are just like human clothes! Depending on the item and your dog’s body type, she may not be able to fit it due to the cut or style of the item. The coat will fit a range of sizes, but depending on where your dog is in the range, it may not work. Just like when you shop for a pair of pants, you may love the style but it is not sized for your body type or maybe the cut is just not flattering.

Each designer will have their own sizing specifications, usually patterned after their own dog! Just like human clothing, there is no standardized sizing, so just because one Small shirt fits your pup, it doesn’t mean she will necessarily take a Small in another brand. Just as we occasionally pack on (or lose) a few pounds, so does your dog. Remember to re-measure periodically, especially if she’s still growing.

[Bark Out Loud Designs]

As the designer for Bark Out Loud Designs I have seen a looooot of different dog clothes. Many of the dog clothes you see out there have a terrible fit. You should really check how the shirt/ sweater fits around the neck for example. If a good fit it should fit loosely but still nicely (hugging) around the neck. however, most shirts mnufacturers made the neck so big a Great dane could fit through it. Another important thing to consider is the length from the neck to the tailbone. A well fitting shirt should show your dog's cute butt, but not end right behind the shoulder. Unfortunately, many shirts are either too short or too long. Feel the fabric too. If you feel you'd wear it, your dog will probably like it too.