Most coat returns come down to one thing: size. Dog breeds vary so much in shape that a coat labelled "Medium" can fit a whippet and a French bulldog completely differently. The good news is that measuring takes about two minutes.
What you need
- A soft tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler)
- Some treats to keep your dog standing still
- Your dog standing on all four paws, not sitting
1. Back length
Measure from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) along the spine to the base of the tail. This is usually the most important measurement for a coat, because it decides how much of your dog's back stays dry.
2. Chest girth
Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Keep the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath. Deep-chested breeds often need to size by chest rather than length.
3. Neck
Measure around the neck where a collar would normally sit. This matters most for hooded raincoats and coats that fasten at the neck.
Between two sizes?
- Fluffy or thick-coated dogs: go up a size.
- Dogs who will wear a jumper underneath: go up a size.
- Slim, short-haired dogs: the smaller size usually fits more neatly, as long as the chest measurement fits.
Check the fit when it arrives
Your dog should be able to walk, sit and lie down comfortably. Check there is no rubbing under the front legs, and that the coat doesn't slide to one side. Try it indoors first and keep the tags on. If it doesn't fit, unused items can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
Find the right coat
Every coat in our dog coats collection has its own size chart on the product page. Take a look at the Reflective Hooded Dog Raincoat for wet walks, or the Plush-Lined Winter Coat for cold mornings.
Still not sure? Send us your dog's three measurements through the chat and we'll help you pick.