Ordering dog clothes online can be stressful. We’ve all been there: You guess "Medium" because your dog is 15lbs, but the sweater arrives and it’s either choking them or dragging on the floor.
If you are wondering how to measure a dog for a sweater correctly, the first rule is simple: Weight is not a measurement.
A 15lb Terrier and a 15lb Spaniel have completely different body shapes. To get that tailored, high-end look, you need to grab a tape measure.
Here is your step-by-step guide on how to measure a dog for a sweater to ensure the perfect fit.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure a Dog for a Sweater
To ensure a comfortable, luxury fit, you only need three specific numbers.
1. The Chest Girth (Most Important)
This is the determining factor for fit. If a sweater is too tight here, your dog won't want to walk in it.
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Where to measure: Find the widest part of your dog’s ribcage. This is usually located right behind the front legs.
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The Technique: Wrap the tape measure under their belly and up around their back.
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The "Comfort Rule": You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the tape and your dog's body.
2. The Neck Circumference
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Where to measure: Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit.
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The Tip: Do not measure high up behind the ears. Measure lower, closer to the shoulders, to ensure the sweater neckline sits comfortably.
3. The Back Length
This determines coverage.
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Where to measure: Start at the base of the neck and measure along the spine to the base of the tail.
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The Fit Check: Ideally, a sweater should stop just above the start of the tail.
Pro Tips for Accurate Measuring
1. Measure Them Standing Up
The biggest mistake people make when learning how to measure a dog for a sweater is doing it while the dog is sitting. When a dog sits, their chest compresses. They must be standing on all four legs.
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Tip: Use a treat to keep them still.
2. Don't Pull the Tape Too Tight
If your dog has a fluffy coat, measure over the fluff. If you pull the tape tight against the skin, the sweater will compress their fur and feel restricted.
3. When Between Sizes, Check the Fabric
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For High-Stretch Knits: If you are buying a ribbed item like The Matcha, the fabric has plenty of give, so you can often size down.
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For Structured Knits: If the item has a zipper (like The Cortado), always size up if you are between numbers.
