Don’t fear the cold snap. It’s the perfect excuse to shop for chunky knit sweaters, faux fur-fringed parkas and snug booties—for your dog, that is. Dog winter clothes not only serve a functional purpose—keeping your pup protected from cold temps and salty sidewalks—but they look darn good doing it.
We chatted with Chewy's own pet apparel designer San Tran to get the deets on this season’s pet fashion lineup, which, she says, is inspired by real-world runway trends.
“Trends such as faux fur, buffalo and [winter] plaids… and many different details and fabrics are being introduced to the line this season,” she says.
From festively-patterned PJs to sporty snowsuits, we’ve got the lowdown on the best dog winter clothes for the rest of 2022 and into the new year.
What to Consider Before Buying Winter Clothes for Your Dog
- How’s the weather? Where you live plays a key role in the kind of winter dog clothes your Alexander Pup-Queen (or King) requires. For example, if you live in the sunbelt where winter’s pretty mild, lighter garments such as dog pajamas and dog sweaters are a better fit. Conversely, dog snowsuits and winter boots are wardrobe musts in icy-cold temps with sleet and snow.
- How much hair are we working with? The more robust your dog’s natural fur coat is, the less extra padding and warmth they need. Hairless doggos—and those with less fur, in general—will require garments that offer more warmth and protection.
- How’s the fit and function? Fit and function matter—a lot! For fit, Tran says it’s super important to measure your pet’s neck, chest and body length. For function, prioritize dog winter clothes that are easy to put on, take off and adjust. Think quick Velcro closures, stretchy fabrics and helpful design details, like strategic openings for collars.
- Does your dog seem comfortable? Paw-couture momentarily aside, you want to make sure your dog feels 100 percent comfortable in their garments. If your pet seems uncomfortable, try adjusting the straps or size up or down. If that doesn’t work, it might not be a garment match.
Functional and Fashionable:
Our Favorite Winter Dog Clothes
Dog Sweaters
Warm and cute dog sweaters are the perfect winter clothing staple any place it gets even mildly chilly.
In moderate climates, dog sweaters can replace the bulk of a winter dog coat, and they’re a cozy indoor option no matter where you live.
GF Pet's Chalet Dog Sweater feels equal parts preppy and laid back, and you have your pick from four colors and 10 sizes to ensure the perfect fit. Who doesn't love a comfy cable-knit sweater?
More dog sweaters we love:
Dog Winter Coats & Parkas
A winter dog coat or parka is a great investment for pet parents who contend with snow, sleet and freezing temps.
“Parkas have lined insulation within the coat to provide maximum warmth and come with a hood so that even your dog’s head is protected from the harsh winter weather,” Tran says.
Note that parkas are naturally going to be more restrictive on a dog’s movements because they’re thicker, and they should only be worn when outside on a quick walk.
You can’t go wrong with this minimalist insulated puffer coat from Frisco, which comes in seven sizes and three colors to suit every pup.
More coats and parkas we love:
Dog Snowsuits
Got a dog who likes to spend time outside no matter the weather?
“Pet snowsuits are great under extreme weather, like frigid ice or snow, to protect your pet from those extended amounts of time outside either as a working dog or for a long winter walk,” Tran says.
“They are typically wind-proof, rain-proof and well-insulated.”
Dog snowsuits—like the Slush Dog Suit from Canada Pooch—have a Sporty Spice vibe and usually fit over your dog’s legs, so they may need to get used to that. Once they do, they’ll be ready for any winter activity the weather throws at them.
More snowsuits and bodysuits we love:
Dog Pajamas
If your pooch is going to sleep in PJs, they’ve got to be comfortable, which is why the key qualities to look for in dog pajamas are softness and simplicity.
“Our Frisco pajamas are made of a very soft polyester fabric that feel as if your pet is constantly wrapped in a plush blanket all around and always ready for that cozy winter nap,” says Tran.
Playful prints, like little llamas and celestial bodies, take center stage on the season’s hottest dog pajamas.
Frisco’s Outer Space fleece onesie dog pajamas, for example, feature an out-of-this-world adorable mix of aliens, astronauts, planets and spaceships. Bonus for you: Dog pajamas help trap hair and dander!
More dog pajamas we love:
Dog Winter Boots & Socks
In the same way these items protect your feet and keep you warm, dog winter boots and socks protect your pet’s paws from having direct contact with the ground.
“We wouldn’t want to walk directly on snow, salt, mud and even small sharp or abrasive objects on the ground, nor does your dog,” Tran says.
Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Winter Dog Boots are water-resistant to keep paws warm and dry, and they have built-in traction on the soles to prevent slipping. Your dog might walk a little funny at first, but they’ll get used to it quickly and appreciate the happy feet!
More booties and socks we love:
Dog Winter Hats & Other Accessories
If your dog isn’t down for the full getup, a seasonal accessory is an easy and fun way to get into the holiday spirit.
“Instead of wearing full-on costumes, we have customers that elect to buy a few accessories which can be combined for some easy holiday fun,” says Tran.
“For example, we offer a range of festive bandanas and they can be layered up with holiday LED antlers or a traditional Santa hat for those family photos.”
Or, you can keep it canine casual with something like the Frisco Plaid Dog & Cat Knitted Hat, which can be worn all winter long.
More winter accessories we love:
Holiday Apparel
We’re talking pure novelty with this category, which include dog Christmas and Hanukkah sweaters, party dresses and other holiday-themed clothes.
Holiday apparel makes for silly selfies, aww-worthy holiday photos, and—let’s be honest—lots of laughs.
For example, the Too Cute for the Naughty List Dog Dress only speaks the truth (even if your dog is notorious for getting into the trash or chewing things they shouldn’t). The dress is made with a soft, breathable fabric and features a flowing skirt, bow embellishment, gold glitter and tulle. That’s gonna be one festive pooch!
More holiday apparel we love:
More Warm Winter Fashion:
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