The Story Behind Dog Clothes Sizing

Variations in Dog Clothes Sizes

Your dog’s brand new dog outfit doesn’t fit! But you bought a large! He’s a large and you bought a large. Why doesn’t it fit now? The reason is that dog clothes are not like people clothes. Manufacturers for people clothes have a standard they use for sizes. Dog Clothes manufacturers do not have a standard. They themselves decide what small is, what measurements go into large, medium, etc. The end result is that they all make something different. A small for one company is very different than a small dog dress from another dog clothes manufacturer.

Measure Your Dog Then Buy

The first thing you need to do when shopping for dog clothes is to find the size chart on the dog clothes company’s website. Measure your dog’s neck, chest and body length. Compare these numbers to the chart they provide for their dog clothes sizes. Your dog might be a size medium in dog pants but he is a large in a dog shirt. Write all that down and then shop the dog clothes website for cute dog clothes. You might want to double check the sizing information before you check out.

How to Wash Dog Clothes

Most dog clothes are hand wash in cold water only. If you put dog clothes in with your normal laundry load, they will likely shrink. Always wash them by hand in cold water and hang them up to dry. If you put them in the washing machine or dryer they will probably shrink a size or two. What once fit your dog perfectly, suddenly is too tight around the legs or the perfect dress turned into a shirt.

Return Policy on Dog Clothes

In case you didn’t read the size chart correctly, or there are minor issues with the perfect fit for your dog, check the website’s return policy before you buy. Most dog clothes websites will allow exchanges or returns on dog clothes. Store want your dog to fit nicely and for you to be happy with your purchase.

See more dog coats and articles by Ann Kapulski. Browse really cute dog clothes at SwankyCritter.com.