In Depth: Dogs In Clothes

Asking the important questions. What is the best item of clothing for the stylish canine about town?

The professional choice

A classic tie is the only choice for a professional dog. Classic and understated, the right tie gives an impression of effortless sophistication.

For the best look, choose colours that tone well with your fur or eyes. For example, a black- or grey and white complexion would pair nicely with a black or grey toned tie. Knowing whether you are autumn or winter toned will lead you to the right choice.

The material is also crucial. Consider the looks as well as how you will use it.

Silk is a classic and can transition seamlessly from a day job to the evening doggy park. But it can stain easily, so know yourself. If you plan to run round the city on the way to work or you find a good roll in those places is just too tempting, then consider something easier to clean like a cotton or cotton blend.

A wool tie can be a great choice for a short-hair, but bear in mind if you are a shedder then a contrasting woollen tie will catch those hairs and show them off in their full glory.

Finally for a summer vibe then go for a linen or even a knitted tie. These are cooler in all senses of the word, and especially suited for the more casual visits to the park or pet cafe.

There is a tie for every pooch. Struggling to decide on the look or fabric? We’ve got you:

Ties: A fabric for every occasion

Occasion	Category	Durability	Style	Fabric
Work	Formal events	Low	Smart	Silk
Doggy Daycare	Social events	High	Playful	Cotton or cotton blend
Rolling in Cow Pats	Leisure	High	Honestly who cares	Cotton
Pet Cafe	Social events	Low	Yes	Linen or knitted wool

We recommend: Buy a tie on Etsy or make a tie yourself!

The old school choice

The bow tie was once the only choice, but is now one for the classics or for a modern ironic spin.

The material is more about look than durability. Silk for the chic, cotton for the streets. A hard wearing fabric doesn’t matter too much because the bow tie fits more snugly than the tie, so it is a lot more protected. This makes it a practical choice for the grass-roller, the messy eater or the just plain boisterous. Get an easy-clean version and you can even roll in the mud and come out looking great if not smelling of roses.

The pattern is way more important of course. The classic casual polka dot will always raise a few awwws, but beware if you want to be taken seriously then a plain or a subtle check is going to be the choice for you.

Bow ties are more suited to the smaller-framed terrier or similar. If you are a great dane then a standard sized bowtie is going to be lost on you, and an oversized bowtie is a little on the clownish side, so probably go for a tie instead unless you can really lean into the quirky bowtie vibe. If you are going for this then pair it with the right hat and walk with a swagger.

We recommend: buy a combo bowtie-leash on Etsy or make a bowtie yourself!

Get ahead, get a hat

You will find a hat for every occasion.

For a party photo opportunity then anything goes, from paper crown to balancing a snack on your head. Pro-tip: if you balance the snack for long enough to take a viral video then you might end up with a stack of delicious treats on your head.

For a cultured stylish look, try a matching hat and bowtie or tie. Style this according to your features. A pug or frenchie can carry off a vintage peaky blinder look beautifully, where others might want to go a little more dressy.

Out playing fetch? Look for a snapback for your favourite team.

Dress to impress

If there is one way to impress the pack, it is a coat or poncho.

Your main consideration is: am I dressing for practicality, or dressing to impress?

The weather and your day to come will guide you here.

Dress for the weather

If you live in a warm and dry climate then you’re good. The main climate control is going to be a nice splashy bellyflop into a cool lake. But if you are in cooler climes then make the right choice for you.

Feel the cold? Especially with a shorter-coat you are going to want to layer up with a fur-lined or woolen jacket. Make sure it’s waterproof if you smell rain or plan to take a running jump into a snow bank: nobody wants to drag five pounds of soggy wool around.

Worried about the wet? Try a canvas or waxed cotton jacket for that classic country canine look.

Protect your paws

Remember the ground can get very very hot on a hot day, so make sure you protect your paws with some boots before hitting the road!

Dress for style

If you are staying indoors, or the weather is fine, then you are free to explore your stylish side.

You are going to take a few things into account here:

• Your look: sleek Italian greyhound fashionista or labrador next door?
• Your coat: are you a white and grey winter, or an autumnal red setter? Pick a coat to match
• Your venue: a nice woollen sweater to lay in front of the pub fire, or a cute knit for a cafe?

We recommend: this self-affirming sweater from Little Beast

Party Time – Anything Goes!

There are so many options for the party animal. Go for a seasonal look, cosplay as a super-pooch, or just go all out with the sequins! Go wild and have fun with it!