How to Measure Your Dog for a Jacket, Jumpsuit or Harness
A jacket, jumpsuit or harness that fits well stays comfortable, stays put, and looks the part. One that doesn't will bunch, slip, or restrict movement — no matter how good the fabric or finish is. The single biggest factor in getting this right isn't picking "your dog's usual size." It's measuring.
Here's how to measure correctly, and what to watch for across our clothing and harness ranges, since sizing isn't standardised between styles — an XL in one jacket can mean a different chest measurement than an XL in another.
The three measurements that matter
Chest (or chest girth)
Measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the single most important measurement — if a chart gives conflicting size suggestions across chest and other measurements, go with chest.
Neck
Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar or the neckline of a coat would naturally sit.
Back length
Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, with your dog standing naturally — not stretched or hunched.
How to measure well: use a soft tape measure, have your dog stand naturally rather than sit, and keep the tape snug but not tight — a two-finger gap is a good guide. If your dog falls between two sizes, choose the larger one for comfort. Small variation between a manual measurement and the finished garment is normal.
Sizing varies by style — always check the product's own chart
Because our jackets, jumpsuits and harnesses come from different constructions, an "XL" doesn't mean the same thing twice. A few real examples from our own size charts:
- On the Outdoor Water-Resistant Dog Jumpsuit, size XL corresponds to a 55–62 cm chest.
- On the Reflective Quilted Winter Dog Coat, size XL corresponds to a 56 cm chest.
- On the Festive Quilted Hooded Dog Jacket, size XL corresponds to a 62 cm chest girth.
Three different "XL" garments, three different chest measurements. This is why we recommend measuring your dog first and then comparing that number directly to the specific product's chart, rather than reordering "the same size" across different styles.
Quick links to our size guides
- Outdoor Water-Resistant Dog Jumpsuit — XS to 3XL, sized by chest, back length and leg length
- HarborGuard Reflective Dog Life Jacket — XS to XL, sized by chest and neck circumference
- Reflective Quilted Winter Dog Coat — XL to 5XL, sized by chest, back length and neck
- Festive Quilted Hooded Dog Jacket — S to 3XL, sized by chest girth and back length
- Water-Resistant Fleece-Lined Dog Vest — XS to 3XL
- Hooded Dog Winter Cotton Coat — XS to XL
Harnesses measure differently again
Harness sizing in particular varies by how each style is built:
- The Milan Water-Resistant Oxford Dog Harness is sized by neck circumference — S (36–44 cm), M (42–50 cm), L (48–58 cm).
- The Prestige Tactical Cat Adventure Harness is sized by recommended weight — S (6–8 kg), M (9–15 kg) — with weight given as a reference only; measuring is still the more reliable guide.
- The Prestige Ivory Leather Walking Harness & Leash Set adjusts across a range of chest and neck measurements via its strap system, rather than fixed size bands — check the product page for the current adjustment range.
Whichever style you're choosing, a properly fitted harness should sit snug enough to stay secure without restricting breathing or movement.
Still unsure?
Measure your dog using the method above, then compare that number to the specific product's own size guide before ordering — it's the most reliable way to get the right fit on the first try. You can browse the full range in Clothing & Apparel and Collars, Harnesses & Leads.
