Dog Fashion: Sewing for Man’s Best Friend

Dog FashionWe have featured a round up of sewing for your dog as well as a huge list of dog bed patterns which were very popular with our readers –so I know that I'm not the only dog-lover in the group.  The approach of the cold months in the northern hemisphere got me thinking about clothes for man's best friend and inevitably about dog fashion.  I think it will be a fun topic to explore, so here we go.

A Glimpse At The History of Dog Fashion

Dressing up dogs is certainly not a new thing. In the last 12,000 years, man have regarded dogs as loyal companions and historical documents have shown that dog fashion has been around for quite a long time too.  Setting the trend were the royal courts of Europe that lavished their favorite dogs with bejeweled collars and beautiful coats. There are many paintings and tapestries from the period between 1450 to 1600 that feature royal dogs sleeping in sumptuous beds like King Louis XI's favorite greyhound dog, Cher Amie, wearing a scarlet velvet collar embedded with 11 rubies and 20 pearls.

dog fashion

In a letter written by then Princess Victoria of Britain in 1833, she also made affectionate mention of her spaniel, Dash, that she dressed in a scarlet jacket and blue trousers. By this time, animal fashion has already developed into a lucrative industry with the middle class having the money to pamper their dogs too. Setting the trend is the city of Paris with over a dozen shops selling dog clothes at that time.

In that same time period and in the book “Nos Chiens”, French author Paul Mégnin wrote wonderful details about a pet boutique called Palais-Royal that sold fashionable canine clothes ranging from dog clothes for afternoon visits, for the evening, for the beach and travel attire.  An example of a beach outfit might be a blue cambric with a sailor’s collar, embroidered with anchors in the corners. Travel outfits may have consisted of a checkered cloak with turned down collar, belt and a small pocket for the train ticket.

And today, we can certainly say that the pampering continues as men and women dress up their best friends in shirts, housecoats, raincoats, travel trousseaus and even underwear!

dog fashion

Does Your Dog Really Need Clothes?

Dogs can be quite tolerant of cold weather, but in regions that experience extremely cold months, it may be a good idea to keep your dog warm with a sweater or a coat.  This is especially true when you take them out for a walk or to go on a trip outside for extended periods.  Without some sort of additional warmth, your dog may be reluctant even to go out to the garden to relieve himself because of the cold.  I am sure an extra layer of insulation would be much appreciated by your four-legged friend.  This also applies when you tend to set your home’s internal heating system low and use blankets and sweaters to keep yourselves warm. In both cases, your dog probably needs clothes.

Depending on the breed, size and age, and especially if your dog doesn’t have a thick and hairy coat, no amount of curling up can allow him or her conserve enough heat. And for small and light dogs with naturally short and thin hair coats like Chihuahua, Greyhound, and most Terrier and Pinscher breeds, a sweater is a must if they need to go outside and even when they are just hanging around the house. Dogs with short-cropped hair should also be given sweaters to protect them from cold temperatures. Older dogs that have weaker immune systems and those with diseases that impair hair growth surely need extra sources of warmth too. Believe me, a sweater can make a big difference in your dog’s health and well-being.

dog fashionIn fact, in relatively warmer regions, a shirt or wrap may still be needed in some months of the year, when the temperature can drop suddenly.  A light shower during your walk may also call for  a water-repellent raincoat which will keep your pet drier, more comfortable and happier.

Large dogs with thick fur on the other hand, like Siberian Huskies, Saint Bernards or Malamutes that are endowed with naturally heavy coats do not need additional insulation. In fact, they will be very uncomfortable when forced to wear dog clothes and it can be very bad for their health if they overheat.  These breeds are often kept outside even in the coldest of climates so they will have no problems with the cold.  It's not for nothing that they are called “Siberian” Huskies..

It should go without saying but I'll say it anyway: dogs should probably not wear pants or underwear, only sweaters and coats!

Sewing Your Dog's Sweater or Jacket

Let's say you have decided to sew a sweater for your dog or your daughter's pooch for the coming cold months.  You should start by considering the best material for your project. Although wool is a great insulating fabric, the sweater will probably need to be washed often and can also cause itching making your dog uncomfortable.  So I would suggest a good blend of wool and cotton or acrylic materials for your dog's sweater.

dog fashion

The next thing to consider is to make sure to get the best fit for your dog by carefully measuring its neck, chest and waist. You should also choose a design that the dog cannot easily pull the pieces off and take care that it does not drag on the ground. The aim is to sew a sweater or jacket that is snug but not tight. And because dogs can be quite playful, make sure it doesn’t get caught on anything even during their normal movements. There should be freedom of movement in the areas around the arms and neck without using too much excess fabric. Choose a design that can be put on and taken off easily.  Also, stay away from dog clothes that have to be pulled tightly over the head or you and your dog will both end up struggling a lot.

Stay away from zippers, hooks and buttons because they can be chewed off and even swallowed!

Ready to start with you canine fashion project now? Check out some of our recent posts for more inspiration:

Sewing for your Dog

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dog bed patterns

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Kathy
Kathy

My standard poodle needs pyjamas- looking for a pattern now

Burnetta
Burnetta

So where are the free patterns for dog clothes?

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Burnetta

Hi Burnetta, how are you? there is a link at the bottom of the article with 50+ patterns click on the link and then clock on the picture you like to see the tutorials. Thank you!

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[…] Sewing for your dog might be some of the most rewarding sewing you’ll ever do…because you just know that whatever you make for him is going to result in far more than just one future smile. Where our pets are involved, there’s just no end to the joy they bring and so the same goes for our doggy sewing efforts.  We've done some features on Sewing for Your Dog in the past but this time we wanted to focus solely on one of the things that makes your doggy the happiest and put together a large selection of free dog bed patterns. […]

Janice Higgins
Janice Higgins

How did you get a picture of my dog?! LOL She would love the pink turtleneck!

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Janice Higgins

I just googled “Diva” and voila!!

Mila Kette
Mila Kette

I have a Chihuahua–Paco. Last winter I took him out to do his business. My husband was removing the snow from the driveway so we stopped a bit watching. Suddenly I noticed that Paco seemed to be marching around. We realized his poor little paws were freezing! So, I guess Paco, who loves to jump around on the snow, does need at least booties. But his paws are so tiny I can’t find anything to fit them…

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Mila Kette

Yes, I can see why is hard to find booties for such a small dog. I think you need a full suit. Not sure such thing exists, I am going to do some research. Let you know what I find.

Kathy Nelson
Kathy Nelson
Reply to  Mila Kette

Go to YouTube and search for homemade doggie boots. You measure the dog’s paws and they are custom made to fit. After a couple of pairs, it starts to make sense and does get easier.