How to Measure Your Dog for Clothing | Size Chart & Recommender

Getting the right fit for blank dog hoodies and tees is easier than you might think. With a few quick measurements, you can choose the correct size and make sure your dog’s clothing fits comfortably.

To find the best fit, measure your dog’s neck, chest (girth), and back length, then compare those numbers with a dog hoodie size chart before ordering.

This guide will walk you through each step.


What You’ll Need

  • A soft measuring tape (fabric or sewing tape works best)

  • A phone or paper to record the measurements

  • A few treats to keep your dog relaxed and still


Step 1: Measure the Neck

Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your dog’s neck, where a collar naturally sits.

The tape should be snug but not tight. A good rule is to leave two fingers of space between the tape and your dog’s neck so the hoodie or shirt will fit comfortably.


Step 2: Measure the Chest (Girth)

The chest measurement is the most important measurement when choosing dog clothing.

Place the measuring tape just behind your dog’s front legs and wrap it around the widest part of the chest. Make sure the tape stays level around the body and isn’t angled.

Because this area varies the most between breeds, chest measurements are usually what determines the correct size.


Step 3: Measure the Back Length

Next, measure your dog’s back length.

Start at the base of the neck where it meets the shoulders and measure straight down the spine to the start of the tail.

If your dog has thick fur or you prefer a slightly looser fit, rounding up to the next size can sometimes provide a more comfortable result.


Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

Even small measuring errors can lead to the wrong size. Watch out for these common mistakes:

  • Pulling the measuring tape too tight

  • Measuring the chest too far forward on the body

  • Skipping the chest measurement entirely

  • Guessing size based on breed alone

Dogs of the same breed can vary significantly in shape and size, so measuring is always the most reliable method.


Using a Dog Hoodie Size Chart

Once you have your measurements, compare them to a dog clothing size chart to determine the best size.

Most blank dog apparel brands use the chest measurement as the primary sizing guide, with neck and back length helping confirm the fit.

If your dog falls between two sizes, choosing the larger size usually provides a more comfortable fit.


Blank Dog Hoodies Designed for Customization

If you're creating custom dog clothing for a small business, boutique, or craft project, proper sizing helps ensure your designs look great and fit comfortably.

Our blank dog apparel is designed with:

  • consistent sizing

  • smooth fabrics for printing

  • comfortable fits for everyday wear

This makes them ideal for HTV, screen printing, sublimation, embroidery, and DTF customization.


Shop Blank Dog Hoodies & Tees

Ready to start creating custom dog apparel?

Browse our collections:

Our apparel blanks are designed for makers, small brands, and pet boutiques looking for reliable dog clothing for customization.


Once you’ve measured your dog, browse our dog apparel blanks designed for customization, or try our size recommender tool for an instant fit suggestion.