A sweater dress looks festive, but it is really two pieces in one: a knit top that covers the chest and back, and a skirt that covers very little. Whether it is warm enough depends on the fabric, the weather and your dog.
For most small dogs, a knit sweater dress works for indoor wear and short walks on cool days. It does not replace a coat on long walks in freezing weather. The rest of this guide explains how to check the fabric, the fit and the weather before you head out.
What Makes a Sweater Dress Warm?
Look at the top layer first, because that is the part covering your dog’s chest and back. The Turtleneck Knitted Dog Tulle Dress has a knit top in 56% polyester, 40% rayon and 4% spandex, with a tulle lining in 100% polyester. The Ruffle Sleeves Plaid Sweater Dress has a knitted top layer in 95% polyester and 5% spandex, and its hem is listed as 100% chemical fiber.
Coverage matters too. The ASPCA suggests a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck for short-haired dogs. A turtleneck dress covers more of the neck than a crew-neck one.
For Christmas, the Christmas Turtleneck Knitted Tulle Dress has a red turtleneck knit top in 97% polyester and 3% spandex. It is not just a Christmas dress for pets, it is a warm, eye-catching statement piece that makes your pup the star of every holiday event.
How to Size a Sweater Dress
Measure the Chest Girth
Wrap a soft tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs, and leave two fingers of room. Fitwarm’s dress chart runs from XXS to L. If your dog is between sizes, Fitwarm's size guide says to size up.
Our dog dress sizing guide explains how to test the fit while your dog walks, sits and lies down.
When a Sweater Dress Is Not Enough
Sweaters are usually less warm than dog jackets, so a sweater dress can be more comfortable for indoor wear, according to the AKC.
Temperature matters as well. For short-haired dogs, the AKC's winter tips suggest considering a sweater or coat when the temperature drops below 45 degrees.
On colder days, a coat can go over a thin sweater dress if the coat is roomy enough. Try the two together at home first and check that the skirt does not bunch up under the coat. If your dog starts shivering or keeps stopping on the walk, head home, take off anything wet and towel-dry your dog.
On wet or windy days a coat is the better choice. Browse our dog dresses or the warmer dog coats, and check the size chart again before you order.
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