Article: How to Measure for the Right Fit

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How to Measure for the Right Fit

If you’ve ever ordered a dog coat that looked adorable online… only to have it twist, gap, the neck is too big but the length too short, or simply not fit at all - you are not alone.

The truth is, most dog coats are designed around generic sizing charts that don’t account for real dogs. And if you have an impossibly slim, deep-chested breed (like an Italian Greyhound), those sizing charts can miss the mark completely.

In fact, it’s very common for a single series of a dog’s measurements to fall into three completely different sizes on a standard chart - which is where the frustration begins. You might have experienced a purchase through big box stores. Brands recommend sizing based mainly on your dog’s girth if the other three don't line up perfectly within one size.

Sounds simple enough… until your order arrives. Then 💥 surprise! 🤪 - The neck is five inches too big, and your baby Italian Greyhound can casually step right out of the neck of an adorable sweater like it’s the Grand Canyon.

As you can imagine, that approach doesn’t always work. Poor fit isn’t just disappointing, it can lead to real safety concerns when a dog can slip out of an oversized garment or wasting time because it is too small because the size charts were confusing or just plain wrong. When all is said and done, a proper fit isn’t just about size. It's more about understanding the dog wearing it.

The good news? Measuring your dog properly is simple - and it makes all the difference.

Why Proper Fit Matters

A well-fitting coat isn’t just about looks, it’s about comfort, warmth, and safety.

A poor fit can:

Restrict movement
Leave gaps that let cold air in
Shift or twist during walks
Cause rubbing, skin irritation or discomfort
A poor fit can also create a negative experience for your dog. If a coat feels restrictive, awkward, or uncomfortable, some dogs will begin to resist wearing it altogether. This will make future attempts to wear a coat difficult, even when they truly need the warmth.

A properly fitted coat should feel like a natural extension of your dog: secure, comfortable, and warm without being bulky.

A well-placed side eye may be in order when the fit isn’t quite right.

What You’ll Need

A soft measuring tape
A few treats (highly recommended)
high praise and patience
Your dog standing naturally and not sitting or in a curled up position

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Dog

1. Neck Measurement

Measure around the base of your dog’s neck where a collar would naturally sit.

Tip:
You want a snug measurement, but not tight. You should be able to comfortably slip a finger or two underneath the tape.

2. Chest (Girth) Measurement

This is the most important measurement. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest usually just behind the front legs.

Tip:
Make sure the tape stays level all the way around and isn’t dipping or twisting.

3. Back Length

Measure from the base of the neck (where it meets the shoulders) down to the base of the tail.

In cases where you’d like the coat to extend past the base of the tail, just let me know your preferred length. This works beautifully for most sighthounds.

That said, for dogs whose tails naturally stand upright, it’s usually best to keep the coat ending at the base of the tail. It allows for better movement and prevents the coat from being pushed or lifted awkwardly. Ask me how I know!

Tip:
Don’t measure all the way to the tip (end) of the tail - just where the tail begins. In cases where you want the back of the coat to be longer than the base of the tail, please indicate how long you would like to extend the length.

Common Measuring Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even small mistakes can lead to a poor fit. Here are a few to watch for:

Measuring too loosely “just in case”
Measuring while your dog is sitting or lying down
Guessing instead of using a measuring tape
Only using weight instead of actual measurements
Subtracting from measurements to "get a better fit"
Using a metal retractable tape measure
Measuring only once instead of confirming

A few additional things to keep in mind:

Don’t subtract from your measurements.
It’s a common instinct to size down for a snug fit, but this often leads to coats that are too tight or restrictive. Accurate, honest measurements will always give better results.

Avoid metal retractable tape measures.
They can startle your dog and are difficult to keep properly positioned around the body. A soft measuring tape will give you a much more accurate and stress-free result.

Measure twice.
A quick second check helps catch small inconsistencies and ensures your measurements are as accurate as possible.

When in doubt, accurate measurements will always beat estimates.

Why Standard Size Charts Often Don’t Work

Most ready-made dog coats are designed using generalized sizing. That might work for some dogs but many breeds fall outside those averages.

Dogs with:

Deep chests
Slim waists
Longer backs

…often end up between sizes, which leads to poor fit and frustration.

That’s why accurate measurements matter so much especially when choosing higher-quality or custom-fit coats.

Final Thoughts

Taking a few extra minutes to measure your dog properly can save you time, money, and frustration and most importantly, it ensures your dog stays comfortable and warm.

If you ever feel unsure, it’s always better to double-check your measurements or reach out for guidance.

Need Help Choosing the Right Fit?

If you’re still unsure after measuring, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to help.

You can also refer to my measurement guide here:
How To Measure Your Dog

A Quick Note on “Over-Measuring” (and Why Simpler Is Better)

Every now and then, I’ll have a customer ask about additional measurements. Things like “tuck up,” “loin depth,” "withers to the floor" (height), or other more technical terms.

While those terms absolutely have their place (especially in the show dog world), they often create more confusion than clarity when it comes to getting a good, everyday fit for a coat.

For example, “tuck up” generally refers to the natural waistline of a dog. The area where the body curves upward from the ribcage toward the hind legs. In sighthounds, this is especially pronounced and part of what gives them their athletic shape.

But here’s the important part:

For the purpose of a well-fitting coat, this level of detail usually isn’t necessary.

In fact, adding too many measurements can sometimes lead to:

Inconsistent measuring points
Overthinking the process
Less accurate results overall
A level of confusion for all. Even the dog!

What matters most and what will give you the best fit are the core measurements:

Neck
Chest
Back length

These three measurements tell the full story when it comes to how a coat will fit and function. There are additional leg measurements for Rompers but when you purchase this garment, it will be explained through the measurement guide.

I always believe in keeping things as simple and accurate as possible. Clear, consistent measurements will give you a far better result than trying to interpret more technical terms that can vary from person to person.

When all is said and done, the goal isn’t to sound technical it’s to make sure your dog is comfortable, warm, and able to move naturally.

And that comes from getting the basics right.

Now that you have your measurements, you can explore coats designed for a proper fit.