Best Dog Apparel
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Discover the Best Dog Apparel
Whether you're looking for dog rain boots or a calming anxiety jacket, we've done all the research so you can find the top-rated dog clothing. Trust our experts and make your purchases knowing they've been well-researched.
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Best Dog Boots

Dog boots are used to protect your dog's paws from the rain, snow, and in areas where there is broken glass or other sharp objects on the ground.

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Our Top Pick
Amazon
Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots with Rubber Soles for Hiking and Running
What Dogs Love:

They feel comfortable on, with a relatively flexible sole and breathable mesh upper.

What Humans Love:

Cleanup is easy since these dog boots are machine washable.

What You'll Love:
  • Good traction
  • Wide opening
  • Rugged design
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

They feel comfortable on, with a relatively flexible sole and breathable mesh upper.

What Humans Love:

Cleanup is easy since these dog boots are machine washable.

    What You'll Love:
  • Good traction
  • Wide opening
  • Rugged design
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Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots, 12 count, Blue, Medium
What Dogs Love:

The thin material doesn't interfere at all with a dog's natural gait.

What Humans Love:

Dogs can wear each boot several times, until it starts to wear or becomes punctured.

What You'll Love:
  • Waterproof
  • Inexpensive
  • Made From Natural Rubber
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What Dogs Love:

The thin material doesn't interfere at all with a dog's natural gait.

What Humans Love:

Dogs can wear each boot several times, until it starts to wear or becomes punctured.

    What You'll Love:
  • Waterproof
  • Inexpensive
  • Made From Natural Rubber
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Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
QUMY Dog Shoes for Large Dogs, Medium Dog Boots & Paw Protectors for Winter Snowy Day, Summer Hot Pavement, Waterproof in Rainy Weather, Outdoor Walking, Indoor Hardfloors Anti Slip Sole Black Size 8
What Dogs Love:

The sole provides plenty of traction so dogs won't slip or slide.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the wide opening, these are easy to put on and take off dogs' paws.

What You'll Love:
  • Highly durable
  • Reflective
  • Puncture-resistant sole
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What Dogs Love:

The sole provides plenty of traction so dogs won't slip or slide.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the wide opening, these are easy to put on and take off dogs' paws.

    What You'll Love:
  • Highly durable
  • Reflective
  • Puncture-resistant sole
The Bottom Line on Dog Boots

Dog boots are never meant for show — they’re practical pieces of dog apparel that are used to protect dogs’ paws from sharp objects or keep injured paws dry while they’re healing. It’s important to buy dog boots that fit your canine companion correctly, so you’ll need to measure the width of your dog’s paws and compare this to the size guide. Depending on your needs, you may opt for a tough, puncture-resistant set of dog boots, or you may prioritize waterproofing, even if the boots aren’t as rugged. You can learn more about our top three and see some further options in our full dog boot guide.

The Bottom Line on Dog Boots

Dog boots are never meant for show — they’re practical pieces of dog apparel that are used to protect dogs’ paws from sharp objects or keep injured paws dry while they’re healing. It’s important to buy dog boots that fit your canine companion correctly, so you’ll need to measure the width of your dog’s paws and compare this to the size guide. Depending on your needs, you may opt for a tough, puncture-resistant set of dog boots, or you may prioritize waterproofing, even if the boots aren’t as rugged. You can learn more about our top three and see some further options in our full dog boot guide.

Best Dog Sweaters

Just like humans, dogs feel the chill, too, if not properly dressed for the great outdoors. Dog sweaters can be comforting and warming year-round.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Chilly Dog Boyfriend Dog Sweater, XX-Large
What Dogs Love:

This sweater is comfortable to wear and keeps dogs feeling cozy.

What Humans Love:

It's manufactured according to fair trade standards, giving those who make it a fair living wage.

What You'll Love:
  • Looks great
  • Impressive range of sizes
  • Made from 100% wool
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What Dogs Love:

This sweater is comfortable to wear and keeps dogs feeling cozy.

What Humans Love:

It's manufactured according to fair trade standards, giving those who make it a fair living wage.

    What You'll Love:
  • Looks great
  • Impressive range of sizes
  • Made from 100% wool
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Frisco Dog & Cat Basic Hoodie, Pink, Medium
What Dogs Love:

This simple, cozy hoodie keeps dogs warm while remaining breathable.

What Humans Love:

This no-frills hoodie looks good on any dog, and comes in a range of colors.

What You'll Love:
  • Breathable
  • Stretchy
  • Snug
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What Dogs Love:

This simple, cozy hoodie keeps dogs warm while remaining breathable.

What Humans Love:

This no-frills hoodie looks good on any dog, and comes in a range of colors.

    What You'll Love:
  • Breathable
  • Stretchy
  • Snug
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Gooby Stretch Fleece Vest
What Dogs Love:

The fleece material is extremely soft and comfortable, plus it keeps dogs toasty.

What Humans Love:

Due to the slight stretch of the material, it's easier to put on and take off than many other dog sweaters.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged design
  • Machine washable
  • Nice range of colors
Our Most-Durable Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The fleece material is extremely soft and comfortable, plus it keeps dogs toasty.

What Humans Love:

Due to the slight stretch of the material, it's easier to put on and take off than many other dog sweaters.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged design
  • Machine washable
  • Nice range of colors
The Bottom Line on Dog Sweaters

Dog sweaters are ideal for any dogs who tend to get cold, particularly short-coated breeds. Dogs can wear them out on walks or in the yard on dry days, but they’re also well-suited to indoor use, because there are no buckles or clasps that might dig into your canine companion when lying down. All top picks are soft and comfortable, with the bonus of looking cute, too. It’s important to measure your dog to get the correct size of sweater, particularly since many dog sweaters tend to run small. Take a look at our in-depth guide to dog sweaters for further information.

The Bottom Line on Dog Sweaters

Dog sweaters are ideal for any dogs who tend to get cold, particularly short-coated breeds. Dogs can wear them out on walks or in the yard on dry days, but they’re also well-suited to indoor use, because there are no buckles or clasps that might dig into your canine companion when lying down. All top picks are soft and comfortable, with the bonus of looking cute, too. It’s important to measure your dog to get the correct size of sweater, particularly since many dog sweaters tend to run small. Take a look at our in-depth guide to dog sweaters for further information.

Best Dog Life Jackets

A dog life jacket will improve buoyancy and increase visibility in case of an emergency.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Ruffwear, Float Coat, Dog Life Jacket, Swimming Safety Vest with Handle, Wave Orange, Large
What Dogs Love:

It feels comfortable on and supports a natural upright position while dogs are in the water.

What Humans Love:

This is a reliable dog life jack from a quality brand so dog owners can trust it will keep their pets safe.

What You'll Love:
  • Exceptional quality
  • Secure fit
  • Easy on and off
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What Dogs Love:

It feels comfortable on and supports a natural upright position while dogs are in the water.

What Humans Love:

This is a reliable dog life jack from a quality brand so dog owners can trust it will keep their pets safe.

    What You'll Love:
  • Exceptional quality
  • Secure fit
  • Easy on and off
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
ZippyPaws Adventure Dog Life Jacket, Small
What Dogs Love:

Dense foam panels provide easy and comfortable flotation for dogs.

What Humans Love:

This sturdy life jacket keeps dogs safe in the water without breaking the bank.

What You'll Love:
  • Economical
  • Secure
  • Reflective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Dense foam panels provide easy and comfortable flotation for dogs.

What Humans Love:

This sturdy life jacket keeps dogs safe in the water without breaking the bank.

    What You'll Love:
  • Economical
  • Secure
  • Reflective
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Outward Hound Granby RipStop Dog Life Jacket, Small Bright Orange
What Dogs Love:

The neck float keeps dogs' heads above the water, which can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the dual handle design, it's easy to lift your dog out of the water.

What You'll Love:
  • Easy to Adjust
  • Range of Sizes
  • Highly Visible
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The neck float keeps dogs' heads above the water, which can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

What Humans Love:

Thanks to the dual handle design, it's easy to lift your dog out of the water.

    What You'll Love:
  • Easy to Adjust
  • Range of Sizes
  • Highly Visible
The Bottom Line on Dog Life Jackets

If you intend to take your dog out on a boat, a life jacket is an absolute must-have. Some dogs may also benefit from wearing life jackets for general swimming purposes, for instance if they’re not strong swimmers or you aren’t 100% sure of the depth and conditions of the spot your dog is swimming at. Always check the size guide when choosing a life jacket for your dog and take the appropriate measurements. If a dog life jacket doesn’t fit correctly, it may not keep your dog safe. Our top dog life jackets are all durable and reliable, so you can trust your four-legged friend is well taken care of. We’ve also written a more detailed article on dog life jackets, which has longer reviews of our top three, plus a selection of other good canine life jackets.

The Bottom Line on Dog Life Jackets

If you intend to take your dog out on a boat, a life jacket is an absolute must-have. Some dogs may also benefit from wearing life jackets for general swimming purposes, for instance if they’re not strong swimmers or you aren’t 100% sure of the depth and conditions of the spot your dog is swimming at. Always check the size guide when choosing a life jacket for your dog and take the appropriate measurements. If a dog life jacket doesn’t fit correctly, it may not keep your dog safe. Our top dog life jackets are all durable and reliable, so you can trust your four-legged friend is well taken care of. We’ve also written a more detailed article on dog life jackets, which has longer reviews of our top three, plus a selection of other good canine life jackets.

Best Dog Anxiety Jackets

Dog anxiety jackets can provide temporary relief to pups during stressful times.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Thunder Dog Shirt Anxiety Jacket Keep Calmig Vest Reflective Thunder Coat (Small)
What Dogs Love:

Not only is this jacket comfortable to wear, it genuinely decreases anxiety in the majority of dogs.

What Humans Love:

Calms dogs without the need for sedatives for an all-natural approach.

What You'll Love:
  • Machine washable
  • Easy on and off
  • Three color choices
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Not only is this jacket comfortable to wear, it genuinely decreases anxiety in the majority of dogs.

What Humans Love:

Calms dogs without the need for sedatives for an all-natural approach.

    What You'll Love:
  • Machine washable
  • Easy on and off
  • Three color choices
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap, Small
What Dogs Love:

The lightweight material makes it comfortable to wear, even in warm weather.

What Humans Love:

With a wide range of sizes on offer, it fits dogs from less than 7 pounds to 110 pounds.

What You'll Love:
  • Lightweight material
  • Machine washable
  • Several color choices
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The lightweight material makes it comfortable to wear, even in warm weather.

What Humans Love:

With a wide range of sizes on offer, it fits dogs from less than 7 pounds to 110 pounds.

    What You'll Love:
  • Lightweight material
  • Machine washable
  • Several color choices
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Aid for Dogs, Heather Grey, Large
What Dogs Love:

This cozy vest provides a gently soothing swaddling effect on anxious dogs.

What Humans Love:

The patented design produces a comfortable calming effects for dogs of any size.

What You'll Love:
  • Trusted
  • Well-Made
  • Effective
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This cozy vest provides a gently soothing swaddling effect on anxious dogs.

What Humans Love:

The patented design produces a comfortable calming effects for dogs of any size.

    What You'll Love:
  • Trusted
  • Well-Made
  • Effective
The Bottom Line on Dog Anxiety Jackets

Dog anxiety jackets work in a similar way as weighted blankets do for humans. The constant gentle pressure from these jackets helps to calm dogs and reduce anxiety. They can work for a range of canine anxieties, such as thunderstorms and other loud noises, travel, and separation, though they’re most effective when paired with positive reinforcement training. Studies have shown that these jackets work for about 80% of dogs, so it’s worth buying one that comes with a money-back guarantee in case your dog falls into the 20% of canines that don’t respond. You can learn more about our top picks and see some other favorites in our complete guide to dog anxiety jackets.

The Bottom Line on Dog Anxiety Jackets

Dog anxiety jackets work in a similar way as weighted blankets do for humans. The constant gentle pressure from these jackets helps to calm dogs and reduce anxiety. They can work for a range of canine anxieties, such as thunderstorms and other loud noises, travel, and separation, though they’re most effective when paired with positive reinforcement training. Studies have shown that these jackets work for about 80% of dogs, so it’s worth buying one that comes with a money-back guarantee in case your dog falls into the 20% of canines that don’t respond. You can learn more about our top picks and see some other favorites in our complete guide to dog anxiety jackets.

Best Dog Winter Coats

Winter coats keep your dog warm during colder months and can double as waterproof coats on rainy days.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Hurtta Extreme Warmer 2, Winter Dog Coat ECO, Hedge, 20 in
What Dogs Love:

Even in extreme cold temperatures, this coat will keep dogs warm.

What Humans Love:

The lining reflects dogs' body heat back at them, making the coat effective without being too bulky.

What You'll Love:
  • Dense filling
  • Extends up neck
  • No velcro
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Even in extreme cold temperatures, this coat will keep dogs warm.

What Humans Love:

The lining reflects dogs' body heat back at them, making the coat effective without being too bulky.

    What You'll Love:
  • Dense filling
  • Extends up neck
  • No velcro
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
FUAMEY Dog Coat,Warm Dog Jacket Winter Coat Paded Dog Fleece Vest Reflective Dog Cold Weather Coats with Built in Harness Waterproof Windproof Dog Snow Jacket Clothes with Zipper Blue X-Large
What Dogs Love:

Thanks to the extra coverage underneath the belly and up the neck, dogs feel very warm in this winter coat.

What Humans Love:

With a wide range of colors and sizes, there's something to suit almost every dog.

What You'll Love:
  • Reversible
  • Water-resistant
  • Affordable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Thanks to the extra coverage underneath the belly and up the neck, dogs feel very warm in this winter coat.

What Humans Love:

With a wide range of colors and sizes, there's something to suit almost every dog.

    What You'll Love:
  • Reversible
  • Water-resistant
  • Affordable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Kurgo Loft Reversible Insulated Dog Quilted Coat, Forest Green, X-Large
What Dogs Love:

This coat is comfortable to wear and easy for humans to put on and take off.

What Humans Love:

Since it's machine washable, it's easy to clean no matter how mucky the wearer gets on walks.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Water Resistant
  • Reversible
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This coat is comfortable to wear and easy for humans to put on and take off.

What Humans Love:

Since it's machine washable, it's easy to clean no matter how mucky the wearer gets on walks.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Water Resistant
  • Reversible
The Bottom Line on Dog Winter Coats

Unless you live somewhere with extremely mild winters, it’s likely your dog will need an extra layer on the coldest days. Dog winter coats are well-padded for use on chilly days, though they may or may not be waterproof. All our top choices are warm, well-insulated, and durable. We tend to prefer coats that offer good coverage, with extra extension up the neck and under the chest and belly. You can see more detailed reviews of our top three and some additional products in our dedicated guide to dog winter coats.

The Bottom Line on Dog Winter Coats

Unless you live somewhere with extremely mild winters, it’s likely your dog will need an extra layer on the coldest days. Dog winter coats are well-padded for use on chilly days, though they may or may not be waterproof. All our top choices are warm, well-insulated, and durable. We tend to prefer coats that offer good coverage, with extra extension up the neck and under the chest and belly. You can see more detailed reviews of our top three and some additional products in our dedicated guide to dog winter coats.

Finding the Best Dog Apparel

Dog apparel is a large umbrella, with many types of dog clothing underneath it, from sweaters to boots to life jackets. As such, you should think carefully about what types of apparel your dog needs before buying. Whatever your canine companion needs, we at the AKC are here to help you find the very best options.

Expert Tips

Some dog apparel has a tendency to run small, so a "large" sweater from certain manufacturers might fit a 15 pound dog, for instance. As such, you should always check the size chart and measure your dog to find the correct fit.

Things to Know

The prospect of picking out the perfect dog apparel can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Perhaps the first step is to figure out what type of apparel your dog needs. It’s likely your canine companion will need several types of apparel, such as a dog raincoat for wet weather, a winter coat for cold weather, and dog boots when walking streets that might have broken glass on them. After this, consider your dog’s size and weight, plus any other requirements. For instance, some dogs don’t like coats or sweaters being put on over the head, so you’d need to choose a design that negates this. We’d highly recommend choosing machine washable dog apparel — you’ll thank yourself for it later.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Do all dogs need apparel?

It's likely that your dog will need apparel of one type or another, but exactly what depends on your individual circumstances. For instance, if you live in a warm beach town, your dog probably won's need a thick winter coat but may need a life jacket.

Can you buy stylish dog apparel?

While we wouldn't recommend dressing your dog up just for show, you can find dog apparel that's both practical and stylish.

What should I do if my dog doesn't like wearing clothing?

First, decide whether or not the chosen apparel is 100% necessary. If it is, you'll need to get your dog used to it gradually. Put on the clothing for a few minutes, giving your dog treats and praise throughout. If you do this regularly, your dog will soon associate clothing with treats. You can then gradually increase the time your dog wears clothing for.

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