Long Kimono

Pets are increasingly becoming “humanized” these days, making a “dog’s life” quite appealing. After all, they can receive pedicures, have stylists, go to spas, eat gourmet food and have had their own beauty pageants for years (a.k.a. dog shows), while being unemployed, and living at home for free. With the increasing tendency to treat pets as family, there is now a growing trend to ensure furry friends are dressed for any occasion as pet owners strive to personalize their pets by reflecting their personal style with canine clothing. Fashion, these days, seems to be “going to the dogs” as canine couture is popping up everywhere. Pet owners can find all types of pet attire in addition to just collars, from canine costumes to puppy pajamas. Not to mention accessories such as hats, pajamas, jewelry and boots, as well as formal outfits such as gowns, kimonos, dresses and coats for any occasion. Now days, you can find attire to suit any event, such as rodeos, hiking, dinner parties, holidays, sailing, camping, luaus and weddings. The new canine couture and doggie dress for success styles to clothe your pets for all events is becoming ever more popular, especially as the fall and holiday seasons approach. Nowadays, while you search for that cool Halloween costume or that perfect suit or dress for the upcoming holidays, there are plenty of on-line shops and brick-and-mortar stores to find a coordinating outfit for your furry friend at any price. Imagine your pet as Tinkerbell to your Peter Pan, or Robin to your Batman for Halloween. Envision your pet in a snow man, Santa Clause or elf suit while you entertain family and friends in your home for the holidays. What a way to distinguish yourself and your style with dog fashion fun! However, finding that perfect outfit for that special occasion can be just as challenging for your pet, as it is for you. If you think sizes run inconsistent with human clothes, the problem is just the same for your pet. So be prepared with these few tips and suggestions so your pet will look as perfect as you!

Tips to Dress your Pet:

•Width/Girth – Make sure to use a tape measure to measure the broadest width in inches around your pet’s chest or ribcage.

•Neck – Use a tape measure to measure the width in inches of your pet’s neck around the top of the shoulders.

•Length – Measure how long your dog is in inches from base of neck from the back to the base of the tail.

•Weight – Know your dog’s weight when purchasing clothing as many manufacturers use this measurement to size their clothing.

•Size – Often you may find standard sizes when you purchase pet clothing as the manufacturer may provide you with a legend of what sizes are most appropriate for your pet. Many sizes range from a 6-26 and the designer will indicate what that entails.

•Season – Be considerate of the time of year when selecting a pet’s attire. While Fido may look great wearing his “hounds” tooth coat, it may not be appropriate or comfortable for your pet during the hot summer months.

•Safety – Make sure the outfit does not have any embellishments or loose pieces that could pose as a choking hazard for the pet or parts that could get caught on something to prevent your pet from getting anchored to something in your house.

•Fit - You don’t want garments that cut off circulation or fit poorly on your pet’s figure. Many manufacturers will indicate if sizes run small or are meant to be a tight fit. Depending on the cut of the clothing, knowing your dogs’ shape and measurements will come in handy when finding that perfect fit for Fido.

•Sense – Use common sense before selecting an outfit. If your dog does not usually like to wear things on his fur, head or paws, he most likely will not be accommodating to wear a hat, dress or shoes you have selected. So if your pet is particular about things like that, save your money and don’t bother clothing him as it may end up as a chew toy or may seem like a straight jacket to your animal.

By selecting the perfect outfit, your pet can look fashionable and fun for any occasion. Style is no longer just reserved for us humans, so you should consider getting on board with the latest trend of pet fashion. If you always consider look, fit, comfort and style for your pet as you do for yourself, you will never go wrong and always be in fashion.