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You may not think your dog needs a jacket — but even for pups that love running around in the snow (like Shea, my 50-pound Australian shepherd rescue), the right coat will go far in protecting them from cold weather. It will ensure your furry friend stays comfortable outside while keeping their fur dry and clean, and that means there’s less of a chance that they’ll need a bath after slushy or muddy walks. Plus, certain breeds (like short-haired French bulldogs or lean-bodied greyhounds) need an additional layer of warmth because they aren’t able to retain enough of their own body heat. Others, such as dachshunds or corgis, are low to the ground, causing them to skim puddles or icy patches easily.
Luckily, there is no shortage of practical (and nice-looking) dog coats and jackets with options available for every type of dog and dog owner. There are reversible down vests in poppy colors, durable canvas work jackets in muted tones, miniature parkas complete with faux-fur hoods, and even full-body snowsuits for dogs who start to shiver anytime the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Along with finding the right level of warmth, you’ll need to consider the fit since comfort will likely determine how willingly your dog wears their clothing and body proportions vary wildly from dog to dog. “It’s important that any coat fits well to allow for natural movement and to prevent any chafing or rubbing,” says Tory Waxman, a veterinarian and co-founder of Sundays, an all-natural dog food. (She suggests bringing your dog to a store to try on different brands, as coat sizing can vary greatly.) Finally, it’s helpful to take your dog’s activity level into account: For example, does your pet hate getting their paws wet, or do the two of you spend hours outdoors? I tried to find dog coats for all kinds of scenarios, whether your pup only ventures out in a stroller or never skips an opportunity to explore the park.
To help you find the best outerwear for your dog, we asked Waxman and 15 other cool pet parents, dog walkers, and a New York City dog photographer about the dog coats and jackets they like most.
What we’re looking for
Size
Imagine the difference in body shape between a Chihuahua and a pug. While they might both be considered small dogs and might even wear the same-size coat, they have totally different neck widths, and the proportions of their chest and shoulders are very different. The more adjustable a coat is, the better it will fit a bunch of different kinds of dogs — and the more likely it is to fit your dog if you can’t try it on them before you buy. The best dog coats are designed with this in mind and are made of stretchy fabric with adjustable straps at the chest and neck to create a snug but comfortable fit. Ideally, the brand you’re considering will provide detailed size charts and offer a wide size range. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on the recommendations of dog owners with the same breed as your pup and a bit of luck to find a coat online that will fit comfortably. But even if you’re buying a coat with adjustable straps, a soft tape measure is an essential tool to help you figure out the exact distance from your dog’s neck to tail — the most common measurement for coats.
Insulation
While a brawny Labrador retriever may need only a lightly lined shell in the winter, toy and miniature breeds will be much cozier on long walks in puffer-style coats (and, in some cases, snowsuit styles that offer full-body insulation). But no dog will be happy in a coat that weighs them down or restricts their movements, no matter how warm it is. We sought out lightweight coats that do a great job of keeping your pup’s temperature stable with extra points for those that protect their most sensitive areas: the neck, chest, and abdomen.
Durability
Not every dog will treat their new jacket like a chew toy, but you should still prioritize durability when deciding what coat to buy. Look for sturdy materials that also repel water or melting snow, like nylon or waxed cotton — this will help ensure your dog’s outerwear keeps them warm, whether they naturally have a dense coat or not. That’s why many dog owners dress their pups in a cozy sweater paired with a rain shell on cold, wet days. But in any season, a waterproof coat is an excellent way to cut back on grooming after taking your dog for a run in the park. Though better-quality coats tend to cost more, you can find some affordable options built to last. A great way of vetting a dog coat for durability is by talking to other dog parents and reading online reviews. All the coats on this list meet our standards for durability.
Washability
Your dog will probably have a favorite coat, which means it will get dirty faster than if they changed their wardrobe on a daily basis. For that reason, and because it will save you time and money, Waxman recommends looking for a coat or jacket that’s machine washable.
Best dog coat overall
Size: 16 sizes with adjustable back, neck, and chest | Insulation: Fleece lining that covers neck, chest, and belly | Durability: Water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
This parka from Hurtta, which is originally a Finnish brand, is the best dog coat because of its completely customized fit. It’s adjustable at three points — the back length, waist, and neckline — and it’s made of rugged material, which works for all kinds of conditions and seasons. It’s also the most-recommended one by our experts, who suggest it for severely cold weather and for anyone having difficulty finding a coat that fits their dog’s body type.
When I tested the Expedition parka on Shea, I noticed that she shivered less and could hike for longer in frigid weather thanks to the water-repellent exterior, which keeps her core dry (and prevents wet-dog smell). The adjustability also means the coat is easy to put on and take off, even when my active pup is wet or muddy. That’s also why Ally Steeves — who’s the owner of a Boston terrier named Chevy, a beagle mix named Pigpen, and a Jack Russell–Chihuahua mix named Harley — likes the Expedition. It “has a quick release around the body of the dog and then you can easily slide it over their head,” she says. Steeves also says that because this coat doesn’t have sleeves, it’s not restricting when her dogs are running down trails.
Beyond providing my dog with maximum mobility, I was impressed by other features like the stretchy hind-leg straps that keep the backside of the parka in place, even when Shea decides to roll around in some grass. I also appreciate the hidden attachment hole for quick leash hookups (or switching between a harness and collar), and reflective piping that offers visibility on nighttime walks. And although my pup has medium-length hair and is prone to excessive shedding, the coat’s interior doesn’t hold onto much fur compared to the knitted dog sweater I’ve owned for years. The Expedition comes in 16 different sizes and is machine washable.
Best (less expensive) dog coat
Size: Seven sizes, not adjustable | Insulation: Fleece lining that covers chest and belly | Durability: Not waterproof, but wind-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
If $80 is more than you want to spend on a dog coat, this $20 one from Amazon is another option that will fit a variety of pets, regardless of breed. Although it’s not adjustable like the Hurtta above, this fleece-lined coat is available in seven different sizes and has soft elastic piping that helps create a snug fit without discomfort. One Christmas, senior writer Liza Corsillo says her sister-in-law gave her parents two JoyDoag coats for their two medium-size rescue dogs, Rocky and Astro. She says she was so impressed with the simple and stylish design that she demanded to know where they were from, expecting the answer to be Dog & Co. or Love Thy Beast or another trendy (but not cheap) destination for dog apparel. Corsillo says the design reminds her of a classic coach’s jacket or puffer vest from the ’80s with snaps instead of Velcro, which would pull fur and wear out over time. She adds that her parents’ dogs love wearing them even when hanging around inside. While the coat isn’t waterproof, one of over 13,000 positive reviews says, “It cuts the wind on a chilly/windy day,” and a reviewer who bought two for their dogs writes, “They wouldn’t protect them from a downpour but [are] good for light to moderate rain.”
Best dog raincoat
Size: Six sizes, not adjustable | Insulation: Not insulated | Durability: Water- and wind-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
“Ruffwear makes great, high-quality raincoats, including a non-insulated one for warmer climates,” Waxman says. She likes that it has easy-on-and-off side buckles, extended coverage to keep hips and thighs covered, and reflective trim for visibility on evening walks. Kate Anello, a dog owner and project manager for Apple, is also a fan: “Ruffwear is the best,” she says. “It is the Patagonia of the dog world.” In addition to Waxman and Anello’s recommendations, this jacket also made our list of the best dog rain jackets and rain boots, according to dog walkers. It’s not adjustable like the Hurtta, but it does come in six different sizes, including XXS, which is rare when it comes to dog performance outerwear. For really windy, rainy days, the collar extends to cover more of your dog’s neck, and the back has leg loops to keep the body of the coat in place.
Best quilted dog coat
Size: Six sizes, adjustable waist strap and Velcro strap at chest | Insulation: Tartan lining, quilted waxed cotton insulation | Durability: Water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
When Katie Spies, the founder and CEO of human-grade raw dog-food brand Maev, rescued her Italian greyhound named George, she says his foster mom advised Spies to buy a few dog coats to keep his slim frame warm in colder months. Spies says this Barbour one, which she’s owned for three years, is her (and her pup’s) favorite because of its more relaxed fit compared to other outerwear with tight armholes or turtlenecks. Like the Carhartt coat below, the sturdy-looking style — which Spies says “elevates George’s less-than-rugged bod” — is sleeveless and fastens with Velcro at the chest. It’s also made with durable materials, like waxed cotton, and has subtle reflective piping along the edges, which Spies says makes her feel safer when walking her dog at night. Other features she likes: an opening for the leash that allows for easy attachment to a collar, and an adjustable waist strap that sits between the front and hind legs to keep the coat in place without limiting mobility.
Petaluma co-founder Caroline Buck is also a fan of Barbour’s dog coats, but she owns the (slightly more affordable) diamond quilt design. She says it’s sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear caused by her two outdoorsy pets, who “get so excited when I bring out these out and happily get dressed.” Buck says she also appreciates that the company prioritizes social and environmental responsibility.
Best full-body snowsuit
Size: Eight sizes, not adjustable | Insulation: Poly-fill insulation that covers the chest and legs | Durability: Water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
Because small dogs are more vulnerable to the cold, Waxman recommends this neon-yellow snowsuit from Love Thy Beast, a New York brand that also makes our most-recommended dog bag, for petite pups who are going out to play in the snow. But that doesn’t mean big dogs can’t benefit from a snowsuit as well. In addition to the added insulation, the extra coverage helps reduce the need for grooming (and thawing) when they come back inside. And this suit comes in sizes up XXXL. The quilted nylon coat is water-resistant and insulated with a lightweight poly-fill. Plus, it features both a hole for harness hookup and a D-ring at the neck for use without a collar or leash.
Best puffer vest for small and medium dogs
Size: Six sizes, adjustable back bungee | Insulation: Poly-fill insulation | Durability: Water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
If your dog refuses to wear a coat with sleeves, you might consider a puffer vest instead that’ll keep their core warm without affecting their mobility. Three dog owners we talked to recommend this reversible one from Little Beast: Risa Miyamoto, owner of a Pomeranian named Mokutan; designer Lila Habermann; and Greenpoint dog mom Kelly Mittendorf. “Sofi lacks natural insulation, and the Little Beast puffer vest adds the perfect level of puffiness to keep her warm while still allowing her to move, jump, and play,” says Habermann, who layers it over dog sweaters when she takes her senior Chihuahua out for walks in the winter. “The first time she put it on, she was so comfy she went directly to sleep.” Mittendorf keeps her shih tzu Burger’s fur short to prevent matting and says this vest helps keep him warm when they go outdoor dining in Greenpoint. Corsillo tested this vest on her five-pound toy poodle, Uli, over one of the brand’s extremely stylish contrasting-stripe sweatshirts. “First off, it is incredibly cute, like painfully cute,” Corsillo says. “And despite it being very lightweight, the material feels substantial and high-quality. It would take some very sharp teeth to rip this thing.” She owns the XXS size and says it was easy to tighten the bungee cord at the butt end of the jacket just a touch to find Uli’s perfect fit.
Best raincoat for small dogs
Size: Nine sizes, not adjustable | Insulation: Not insulated | Durability: Water- and wind-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
If looking good in the rain is a top priority, Wagwear’s nylon rain jacket, which is recommended by Miyamoto, is an excellent choice. It comes in five solid colors (plus two color-blocked styles that are exclusive to Dog & Co.), with contrasting drawstrings and a stylish front zipper that’s easy to use and makes it look like a real human raincoat. “There’s something very embarrassing about matching with your dog but also very sweet and funny,” says Dusen Dusen designer and dog owner Ellen Van Dusen, who makes matching dog and person sweaters and is also a fan of the Wagwear. “Whenever I see it in the wild, it makes me smile,” she says. Corsillo says that although Uli is “very, very picky” and isn’t exactly a fan of wearing hers, this coat is easy to put on and fits her well. “It’s also one of the cutest pieces of dog clothing I have ever seen,” Corsillo says.
Best coat for big dogs
Size: Four sizes, adjustable Velcro straps at chest and waist | Insulation: Quilted nylon insulation | Durability: Water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
Carhartt’s classic chore coat for dogs comes recommended by Mittendorf; Strategist editor Maxine Builder; Yena Kim, the owner of two Shiba Inus named Bode (a.k.a. Menswear Dog) and Luke; and Will Ferman, a New York City dog photographer and dog walker. Ferman likes that it keeps midsize and large dogs warm without limiting their range of motion. Kim agrees, saying that, as well as going with everything in Bode’s closet, the sleeveless design is more comfortable for many types of dogs because it won’t rub against or snag on the fur of their armpits. Plus, it saves time by keeping dirt and mud off the back and sides of rambunctious dogs like Luke, who rolls around on the ground at the park. “When we get home, all I have to do is clean off his legs and paws, rather than give him a whole bath, which is a lot of effort,” she says. The heavy-duty duck canvas has a water-resistant coating and the quilted nylon liner adds insulation. Should you want your dog to carry their own poop bags or treats, this coat also has two large pockets on the back. And because it’s made by Carhartt, this coat has the most widespread brand appeal of all the coats we’ve written about. It will probably get you the most compliments and would make matching outerwear with your dog extremely easy.
Best horse-blanket dog coat
Size: 11 sizes, adjustable straps at neck and waist | Insulation: Faux-shearling lining, waxed cotton exterior | Durability: Water- and snow-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
This horse-blanket coat comes recommended by Mei-i Zien, the owner of Maison de Pawz, who says it still receives high marks for durability and insulation after her long-haired Chihuahua Marcel has worn it for eight years. Zien highlights the water- and wind-resistant exterior and the faux-shearling-lined interior, which has kept her dog warm during the biggest snowstorms to hit New York City. It’s also easy to put on, and Zien says it’s very secure thanks to an adjustable neck opening and straps that crisscross around your pet’s body. While many coats on this list have an opening for a leash attachment, this one is equipped with a built-in D-ring, allowing it to act as a dog’s outerwear and harness. Zien prefers this all-in-one design because it prevents bulky layering underneath the coat, which can be heavy on Marcel’s smaller frame.
Best sweater dog coat
Size: 11 sizes, stretchy material | Insulation: Double fleece insulation | Durability: Not water-resistant | Washability: Machine washable
Unlike the other outerwear pieces on this list, Gold Paw’s fleece coats are free of zippers and buttons, which makes them appear similar to pullover sweaters. They’re also the least likely to bother a fussy dog, Waxman says, because they allow for maximum flexibility, whereas some of the bulkier coats hinder natural movement. This also makes them a good fit for many different types of dogs, as the stretchy fabric molds to the shape of your pup.
Corsillo tested two of the 11 different sizes on Uli, and while she went with the smaller size, both would have worked for her pup. With two layers of fleece that hug a dog’s body, this coat does a great job of insulating and even has a calming effect on Corsillo’s dog, similar to that of a ThunderShirt. While the soft material is reversible, Corsillo says she dresses Uli with the seams out so nothing is rubbing up against her sensitive torso.
— Additional reporting by Liza Corsillo
Some more dog jackets we’ve written about
Our experts
• Kate Anello, dog owner and project manager for Apple
• Caroline Buck, Petaluma co-founder
• Maxine Builder, Strategist editor
• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer
• Ellen Van Dusen, Dusen Dusen designer and dog owner
• Will Ferman, a New York City dog photographer and dog walker
• Brenley Goertzen, Strategist junior writer
• Lila Habermann, designer and dog owner
• Yena Kim, the owner of two Shiba Inus named Luke and Bode (a.k.a. Menswear Dog)
• Kelly Mittendorf, Greenpoint dog mom
• Risa Miyamoto, makeup artist and owner of a Pomeranian named Mokutan
• Nicole Sciria, owner of a rescue dog named Benny
• Katie Spies, founder and CEO of human-grade raw dog-food brand Maev
• Ally Steeves, owner of a Boston terrier named Chevy, a Beagle mix named Pigpen, and a Jack Russell–Chihuahua mix named Harley
• Kelsi Trinidad, head of newsletters at GQ and owner of a rescue Chihuahua named Lupita
• Tory Waxman, veterinarian and co-founder of Sundays dog food
• Mei-i Zien, owner of Maison de Pawz
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