Best Dog Sweaters and Winter Coats: 6 Picks by Size
Six Chewy dog sweaters and coats compared by chest measurement, dog size and weather, with a sizing method, a weather matching guide and answers to the fit questions owners ask most.
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The best dog sweaters are the ones that fit your dog's chest measurement and suit the weather: a knit or fleece layer for dry, cool days, an insulated coat for freezing temperatures, and a taped-seam shell when it is wet. Measure chest girth behind the front legs first, then check back length.
Short-haired dogs, small dogs and senior dogs gain the most from an extra layer, while many thick-coated dogs do fine without one. Below are six picks from Chewy, priced from about $16 to $90 at the time of writing, plus a sizing method that works across brands that label sizes in very different ways.
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Compare the best dog sweaters and coats
These six picks cover the main jobs: a classic knit, a fleece jacket, a budget fleece vest, a winter coat for freezing walks, a large-dog insulated jacket and a raincoat. Short-haired and senior dogs gain the most from a cold-weather layer. The table lists the exact model and variant we priced, the catalog price at Chewy at the time of writing, and the sizing unit each brand uses. Dog clothes range from novelty costumes to real cold-weather gear, and this list sticks to the latter: the top rated dog sweaters and coats at Chewy that earn their keep on a cold walk.
| Exact model and variant | Best for | Catalog price | Material | Size as listed | Sizing unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater, Red, Small | Cool, dry days; short-coated and small dogs | About $40 | 100% acrylic double-knit | Small | Letter sizes (S/M/L) |
| Ruffwear Powder Hound Solid Insulated Dog Jacket, Blue Pool, Small | Snow and freezing walks | From about $77 (Small) | Synthetic insulation, stretch fabric, water repellent finish | Small (XXS to XL offered) | Letter sizes (XXS to XL) |
| Hurtta Mudventure Dog Raincoat, Cinnamon, 12M | Rain and mud | About $77.56 | 100% recycled weatherproof fabric, taped seams | 12M | Hurtta size codes (such as 10S, 12M, 20M) |
| The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket, Purple, 12-in | Windy, cool days; toy to large dogs | About $38.99 | Reversible double-layer fleece | 12-in (8-in to 30-in offered) | Inch sizes |
| Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket, Black, 60 | Large, athletic and deep-chested dogs | About $89.99 | Insulated lightweight jacket | 60 (30 to 70 offered) | Non-stop size numbers |
| Gooby Fleece Dog Vest, Gray, Small | Budget layering for small dogs | About $15.62 | 100% polyester fleece | Small (also Medium and Large) | Letter sizes (S/M/L) |
- 1The best dog sweater is the one that fits your dog's chest measurement and suits the weather: a knit or fleece layer for dry, cool days, an insulated coat for freezing temperatures, and a taped-seam shell when it is wet. Measure chest girth behind the front legs first, then check back length.
- 2Short-haired, small, senior and thin-coated dogs benefit most; thick-coated cold-acclimated dogs can overheat in a coat.
- 3Every brand uses its own sizing unit (S/M/L, inches, Hurtta codes, Non-stop numbers), so compare your dog's chest girth to each brand chart, then confirm with a two-finger fit check.
Our dog sweater and coat picks
Each pick below names the exact variant listed on Chewy, so prices and sizes refer to that listing. Other sizes and colors may cost more or less.
Best overall sweater: The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater
Sleeveless pullover double-knit sweater with a back buttonhole for leash attachment to a collar or harness; the classic cool-weather layer for short-coated and small dogs.
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The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater is the classic cool-weather layer: a sleeveless pullover in double-knit acrylic with a turtleneck and an attached flannel plaid skirt. It suits short-coated and small dogs that feel the chill on autumn walks or in a drafty house.
A back buttonhole lets you clip a leash to a collar or harness underneath, so you do not have to choose between the sweater and your walking gear. The limitation is that a knit has no wind or rain protection, so it is a dry-weather piece.
- Brand and model: The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater, Red
- Size listed: Small; check the brand chest chart for other sizes
- Material: 100% acrylic, double-knit
- Price band: $20 to $50 (about $40 at the time of writing)
Best insulated coat: Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Dog Jacket
Synthetic insulation under a stretch, DWR-treated shell with a zip closure, articulated StormSleeves and reflective trim for snowy, freezing walks; the Small is the size priced here and larger sizes cost more.
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Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Dog Jacket is built for snow and freezing walks. It combines synthetic insulation with technical stretch fabric, a durable water repellent finish and a zip closure, so it goes on more easily than a pullover.
Articulated StormSleeves cover the upper front legs, and reflective trim helps on dark winter evenings. The Small in Blue Pool is about $77 at the time of writing; other sizes cost more, so check the price for the size you need.
- Brand and model: Ruffwear Powder Hound Solid Insulated Dog Jacket, Blue Pool
- Size listed: Small (XXS to XL offered)
- Material: synthetic insulation, stretch fabric, water repellent finish
- Price band: $50 to $100, from about $77
Best raincoat: Hurtta Mudventure Dog Raincoat
Fully taped seams, adjustable elastic cords at back, legs, waist, chest and neck, a Rainstopper collar and a closeable leash opening for wet, muddy walks. Listing shows $77.56 against $96.95 original.
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Hurtta Mudventure Dog Raincoat is the pick for wet, muddy walks. It is made from 100% recycled lightweight weatherproof fabric with fully taped seams, and a Rainstopper collar keeps water from running down the neck.
Adjustable elastic cords at the back, legs, waist, chest and neck let you snug the fit, and a closeable leash opening keeps rain out when you are not using it. It is a shell rather than a warm layer, so on cold, wet days it may need a fleece underneath.
- Brand and model: Hurtta Mudventure ECO Dog Raincoat, Cinnamon
- Size listed: 12M (Hurtta codes such as 10S, 12M, 14S, 20M, 26M)
- Material: recycled weatherproof fabric, taped seams
- Price band: $50 to $100 (about $77.56 at the time of writing, against a $96.95 original listing price)
Best fleece jacket: The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket
Reversible, wind-resistant double-layer fleece with touch fastener closures at chest and belly, a sewn-in harness hole and machine-washable care; inch sizing spans toy to large.
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Fleece dog sweaters sit between a knit and a coat: warmer and more wind-resistant than acrylic, lighter than an insulated jacket. The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket uses a reversible, wind-resistant double-layer fleece with touch fastener closures at the chest and belly, so you never pull it over the head.
It has a sewn-in harness hole and machine-washable care, which makes it easy to live with on daily walks. Inch sizes run from 8-in to 30-in, covering toy breeds up to large dogs; the trade-off is that fleece is not waterproof and holds moisture once soaked.
- Brand and model: The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket, Purple
- Size listed: 12-in (8-in to 30-in offered)
- Material: reversible double-layer fleece
- Price band: $20 to $50 (about $38.99 at the time of writing)
Best for large and deep-chested dogs: Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket
Shaped to protect large muscle groups with unrestricted movement, leg straps to keep it in place and a dedicated leash opening; the size ladder runs to 70 for big athletic builds.
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Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket is shaped to protect large muscle groups while leaving the legs free to move, which matters for big, athletic and deep-chested builds that strain standard coats. Leg straps keep it from shifting, and a dedicated leash opening works with a harness.
Its size ladder runs from 30 to 70, so it reaches dogs that letter-sized brands miss. The catalog text does not name the fill or shell fabric, so judge it by the conditions you walk in rather than by material.
- Brand and model: Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket, Black
- Size listed: 60 (30 to 70 offered)
- Material: insulated lightweight jacket
- Price band: $50 to $100 (about $89.99 at the time of writing)
Best budget pick: Gooby Fleece Dog Vest
Lightweight pullover fleece vest with roomy armholes, built-in leash attachment and machine-washable care; the listing says to measure the dog's chest to choose the size.
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Gooby Fleece Dog Vest is a lightweight pullover fleece vest with roomy armholes, a built-in leash attachment and machine-washable care. At about $15.62 at the time of writing, it is the lowest-priced pick and an easy first layer for a small dog.
The listing tells you to measure your dog's chest to choose between Small, Medium and Large, which fits the method below. It is a light layer, so it is better for cool days and indoor wear than for freezing walks.
- Brand and model: Gooby Fleece Dog Vest, Gray
- Size listed: Small (also Medium and Large)
- Material: 100% polyester fleece
- Price band: under $20
How to size a dog sweater by chest measurement
Chest girth is the measurement that decides whether a sweater fits, because the widest part of the rib cage is where a garment binds or gapes. Back length and neck circumference matter next. This is especially true for medium dogs, whose builds vary most: two dogs labeled "medium" by weight can need different sizes once you measure.
| Pick | Sizing unit | Size as listed | What to match first |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater | Letter sizes | Small | Chest girth, then back length, on the brand chart |
| Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Dog Jacket | Letter sizes XXS to XL | Small | Chest girth, then back length, on the brand chart |
| Hurtta Mudventure Dog Raincoat | Hurtta size codes | 12M | Chest girth, then back length, on the Hurtta chart |
| The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket | Inch sizes 8-in to 30-in | 12-in | Chest girth and back length on the brand chart |
| Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket | Size numbers 30 to 70 | 60 | Chest girth, then back length, on the Non-stop chart |
| Gooby Fleece Dog Vest | Letter sizes S, M, L | Small | Chest girth, as the listing directs |
How do I measure my dog for a sweater?
Measure your dog's chest girth first, at the widest point just behind the front legs, then measure back length and neck circumference and match all three to the brand's own chart. Use a soft tape and have your dog standing square.
- Wrap a soft tape around the chest girth at the widest point, just behind the front legs.
- Measure back length from the base of the neck, where a collar sits, to the base of the tail.
- Measure neck circumference where the collar normally rests.
- Compare chest girth to the brand chart first and size up if your dog falls between sizes.
- Do a two-finger fit check once it is on: two fingers should slide under the fabric at the chest and neck.
- Chest girth behind the front legs drives the fit of almost every sweater and coat. Back length comes second, because a slightly short garment is still wearable while a tight chest is not. Write your numbers down and check them against each brand chart before ordering.
Dog sweater sizing units by pick
Every brand on this list uses a different sizing unit, which is why a size chart for dog sweaters from one brand will not translate to another. Treat the size name as a label and your tape measurements as the real answer, then read each listing's own chart.
Mid-size dogs get caught out most often: a Medium in letter sizes, a mid-range inch size and a mid-range Hurtta code are not the same garment. Measure first and let the chest number pick the label, not the dog's weight.
Dog sweaters by dog size and breed
Body shape changes which style works. Short legs, deep chests and very small frames each have their own fit problems, so it helps to think about build as well as size.
Sweaters for small and toy breeds
Small dog sweaters do the most good, because little dogs lose body heat quickly and often have thin coats. The Gooby Fleece Dog Vest and The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater are both easy pullovers for small dogs, and The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket starts at 8-in for toy breeds.
- Pick a light, stretchy pullover or a fleece with chest closures if your dog dislikes things over the head.
- Check that the belly cut leaves room to urinate, especially on male dogs.
- On a little dog, the hem should stop short of the hips, where loose fabric catches on the back legs.
Sweaters for large and extra-large dogs
Large dog sweaters need room across the shoulders and a shape that does not ride up when the dog trots. The Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket runs to size 70 for big, athletic builds, and the Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Dog Jacket goes up to XL.
For dogs that need an XL or XXL, skip the size name and compare your chest girth to the top of each brand chart; a 36-inch chest can be an XL in one brand and off the chart in another. A coat with a zip or touch fastener closure is usually easier to get on a big dog than a pullover.
Sweaters for dachshunds, Chihuahuas and other breeds
Breed shape is where generic sizing fails most. Use these notes as a starting point, then measure.
- Dachshund: long back length with a modest chest; pick the size by back length first, then confirm the chest is not baggy.
- Chihuahua: tiny frame and thin coat; the smallest sizes, such as the 8-in fleece, keep body heat in on cool walks.
- Pit Bull and Boxer: short coats and broad, deep chests; size by chest girth, which often lands a size above what back length suggests.
- French Bulldog and Pug: wide chests and short backs; stretch knits or adjustable closures fit better than a fixed pullover.
- Great Dane: very deep chest and long legs; look at the top of a numbered or letter ladder, such as the Non-stop jacket's larger sizes.
Sweater, fleece, insulated coat or raincoat: match the gear to the weather
The warmest dog sweaters are not always the right choice. Each layer does a different job: a knit traps a little warmth on dry days, fleece adds wind resistance, an insulated coat holds heat in real cold, and a raincoat keeps wet fur from chilling your dog. Matching the layer to the conditions is what keeps a dog comfortable. Whatever layer you choose, size it by chest girth first, because a coat that gaps at the chest lets heat out.
- Cool and dry (roughly 45 to 55 degrees F): a knit sweater or light fleece vest, such as The Worthy Dog Turtleneck Dog Sweater or the Gooby Fleece Dog Vest.
- Cold and windy (around 32 to 45 degrees F): a fleece jacket or one of the warmer dog winter sweaters, such as The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket.
- Freezing or snowy (32 degrees F and below): an insulated coat, such as the Ruffwear Powder Hound Insulated Dog Jacket or, for big dogs, the Non-stop Dogwear Trekking Insulated Dog Jacket.
- Rain, sleet or mud at any temperature: a raincoat with taped seams, such as the Hurtta Mudventure Dog Raincoat, with a fleece underneath when it is also cold.
Few knit or fleece dog sweaters and jackets are truly waterproof, so do not count on one in steady rain. If you need warmth and water protection in one layer, look for an insulated coat with a water repellent finish, or layer a shell over fleece. Wind and wet fur make any temperature feel colder, so step one layer warmer on raw days.
Do dogs need sweaters, and how cold is too cold?
Not every dog needs a sweater, but short-haired dogs, small dogs, senior dogs, puppies and dogs with health conditions often do once temperatures drop. Thick-coated dogs bred for cold usually do not, and a coat can make them overheat. For a deeper look at which dogs really need sweaters, see our guide on whether your dog needs a sweater.
As a rough guide, WebVet's chart on how cold is too cold for dogs suggests caution around 45 degrees F, extra care at 32 degrees F and high danger at 20 degrees F or lower, with wind and wet fur making it feel colder. Best Friends Animal Society notes that short-haired dogs benefit from a sweater or coat on chilly walks, and the AVMA publishes general cold-weather safety guidance, including the risk of hypothermia.
- Signs your dog is too cold: shivering, lifting paws, slowing down or trying to turn home.
- Overheating signs in a sweater: heavy panting, restlessness, or a warm, damp coat under the fabric.
- Puppies: they lose heat fast and grow quickly, so remeasure often.
A sweater is a comfort tool, not a substitute for limiting time outside in extreme cold. Pair it with shorter walks, a towel-dry when you get home and a warm, dry place to rest.
- Shivering from cold should stop once your dog is warm and dry. Shivering in a warm room, or with other signs such as lethargy or vomiting, can point to pain, anxiety or illness and needs a vet. WebVet covers how to tell the difference in its shivering guide.
WebVet's guide to dog shivering from cold versus other causes walks through when shaking is just a chill and when it is worth a call to your veterinarian.
How to fit, put on and wash a dog sweater
A good fit is snug but not tight. After measuring, do a two-finger fit check at the chest and neck, watch your dog walk and sit, and make sure the garment does not rub under the front legs or press on the belly.
- Putting it on: for a pullover, slip it over the head with a treat, then guide one front leg at a time; for a jacket, lay it on the back and fasten the chest and belly closures.
- Harness hole: a jacket with a harness hole, like The Worthy Dog Fargo Fleece Dog Jacket, let you clip the leash to a harness underneath; the Hurtta and Non-stop coats have a leash opening instead.
- Taking it off: reverse the steps slowly, and never pull a tight sweater back over the ears.
- Washing: the Gooby Fleece Dog Vest and the Fargo fleece jacket are listed as machine washable; follow each care label, and dry the garment fully before the next walk.
- A soaked knit or fleece holds cold water against the skin, and wet fur loses warmth quickly. Remove a wet sweater as soon as you get home, towel your dog dry and let the garment dry fully. On rainy days, use a raincoat instead.
Indoor wear is fine for short-coated or senior dogs in a cool house, but take the sweater off if your dog pants or seems restless, and never leave a dog unsupervised in clothing.
Dog sweater questions
These answers cover the questions owners ask most once they have chosen a style.
A dog sweater is a knit layer that adds light warmth on dry, cool days, while an insulated coat adds real heat and usually some wind and water resistance for freezing or wet walks. Fleece sits in between. Choose a sweater for mild chill or indoor wear, and an insulated coat or raincoat when temperatures drop near freezing or the ground is wet.
A dog sweater should be snug at the chest without squeezing. Use the two-finger fit check: you should slide two fingers under the fabric at the chest girth and neck. If it rides up, rubs under the front legs or leaves marks, it is too tight; if it slides sideways or drags, it is too loose.
Yes, many short-coated dogs, seniors and small dogs are more comfortable in a light sweater when the indoor temperature is cool. Keep it light, check that your dog is not panting or restless, and take it off at night or when the heating is on. Short-coated dogs benefit most; thick-coated dogs rarely need indoor layers.
Usually not. Breeds with a dense double coat, such as huskies, are built to hold heat, and adding a coat can create an overheating risk on active walks. A thick-coated dog may still need a raincoat in wet weather, or a light layer if it is elderly, ill or recently shaved.
A puppy sweater can help small or short-haired puppies hold body heat on cool walks, since young puppies lose warmth faster than adults. Introduce it slowly with treats, keep wear short at first, and remeasure the chest every few weeks because puppies outgrow sizes quickly. Never leave a puppy alone in clothing.
Check the care label first. Many fleece sweaters are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water, while knits may need hand washing to keep their shape. Skip strong fragrances, which can irritate skin, and air dry or tumble dry low only when the care label allows. Make sure it is fully dry before your dog wears it.
Fleece is the most practical everyday material: warm, light, quick to dry and often machine washable. A fleece layer suits most cool walks. Acrylic knits are soft and easy to wash, and a wool blend is warm but can itch some dogs. For freezing or wet weather, choose an insulated coat or a raincoat over any knit.
Sweaters are safe for most dogs when they fit well and are used with supervision. Check chafing points under the front legs and around the neck, watch for panting or overheating, and remove wet clothing promptly. Dogs that chew fabric should never be left unsupervised in a sweater, because swallowed threads or buttons can cause harm.
Yes. Choose a sweater with a harness hole or leash opening so you can clip the leash to a harness worn underneath, or put the harness over the sweater if it fits without bunching. A harness over sweater setup works for thin knits, but bulky coats fit better under a harness with a dedicated leash opening.
Coreen Saito is a pet writer and longtime shelter volunteer with more than a decade in animal rescue. She covers cat behavior, breed care, and the small, ordinary science of sharing a life with companion animals, with a particular focus on honest takes about the products and decisions that actually matter. At home in Arizona, she's outranked by Mac (a dog with the loudest opinion in the house), Rebel (a cat who governs by quiet authority), and Meri (an orange tabby who runs the late shift and the laundry basket). She writes about all three, plus the rescues that keep coming through her life, at LifeWithMinty.com.
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