Here's the frustrating truth about dog clothes: a Medium from one brand can be a Small from another. There's no standard sizing, which is why so many dog jackets get returned. The fix takes about two minutes and a soft tape measure.
What you need
- A soft measuring tape (a piece of string and a ruler works too)
- A treat or two to keep your dog standing still
- Your dog standing up, not sitting or lying down
The three measurements that matter
1. Chest (the most important one)
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog's rib cage, just behind the front legs. Keep it snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers under the tape. Chest is the measurement to size by. A jacket that's too tight across the chest restricts movement, and one that's too loose slips and rubs.
2. Back length
Measure from the base of the neck (where a collar sits) to the base of the tail. This tells you how much of your dog's back the jacket will cover.
3. Neck
Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would sit, again leaving room for two fingers.
How to pick a size
- Find the chest measurement on the brand's size chart first.
- Check that the back length is close. Long, low breeds like dachshunds often need to size by back length instead.
- If your dog is between sizes, size up. This matters most for jackets without stretch.
Common mistakes
- Going by weight or breed alone. Two 20-pound dogs can have very different chest sizes.
- Measuring a sitting dog. Sitting changes the shape of the chest and back.
- Pulling the tape tight. You'll get a size that's uncomfortable on the first walk.
- Forgetting the fur. For fluffy breeds, measure through the coat, not flattened against the skin.
- Buying for the puppy you'll have in six months. Puppies grow fast. Buy for the dog you have now, and expect to size up later.
Our winter dog jacket
Our fleece-lined winter dog jacket has a harness built in, so you can clip the leash straight onto the coat. It comes in sizes S to 4XL and fits small and medium dogs up to a 26.8" chest. The full size chart is on the product page, and the fabric doesn't stretch, so follow the size-up rule if you're between sizes.
Still not sure? Email pupforward@gmail.com with your dog's measurements and breed and we'll help you pick.