The 6 Best Dog Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Experts (Our Dogs)
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Little Beast's Super Duper Reversible Park Vest is our top pick
People / Veronica Vivona
Whether you let your dog sleep in the bed or give them yummy treats throughout the day, there are countless supplies to spoil your pet with to make cool seasons a little more fun — and that includes apparel. Dog jackets are not only a fashionable accessory for your furry friend, they can also be practical outerwear for certain dogs (more on that below).
While looking adorable is a top priority, veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, tells PEOPLE the material and fit also make a huge difference: “You should ensure that the jacket is made from soft, breathable material and that it fits your dog appropriately so that it does not rub, chafe, or restrict the dog’s movement.”
Today's Top Deals
Gooby Padded Vest Dog Jacket is 24% off at Amazon.
Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket is 20% off at Amazon.
WagWear Fleece Zippy is 30% off at WagWear.
We brought our high testing standards home to see how our real dogs felt about 18 top-rated dog jackets by looking at the comfort level, overall design, quality, and value. As dog parents, we wanted to test real-life considerations, like how easy it is to get the jacket on your dog. We also evaluated the fit, whether the material or fasteners bothered our dogs, and how well the dog jacket functioned with a harness or dog collar on actual walks.
Read on for the best dog jackets PEOPLE (and our dogs) Tested.
Best Overall: Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest
Pros
A dog who’s usually anti-apparel didn’t fuss when she wore this jacket.
The material is easy to clean even after rainy, muddy encounters.
The silhouette fits well without restricting the dog's movement on walks.
Cons
It's one of the pricier options on our list, but that's not a dealbreaker considering the quality.
This Little Beast jacket proved quite popular with our furry tester, Miss Ophelia. While this dog has worn winter apparel before (and wasn’t a huge fan), she didn’t seem to mind this vest and looked more comfortable while wearing it — she didn’t slide across the wall like she does when wearing her other coat (due to static, itchiness, or other elements of discomfort).
The Little Beast vest’s design is quite stylish, with five color options (four of which are reversible), and a well-fitted silhouette that doesn’t restrict movement. It was super simple to put the jacket on Ophelia, and it has a tie on the end to help tighten the fit for a more snug feel. The puffer material is made of 100 percent polyester with a nylon exterior: durable and water-resistant materials that are known to last and will keep your pup warm. It's easy to clean as well. Just be sure to machine wash this vest on a cold, gentle cycle to extend its lifespan (making sure to fasten the velcro closure before washing).
While it's on the pricier side, the value is evident with this vest, which mimics human outerwear we would be glad to own ourselves. It’s easy for your dog to wear on walks without restriction or discomfort, and will hold up over time with its durable material and reversible colors for added flair. Ophelia was a big fan, and so are we — especially for a dog that needs an extra winter layer but doesn’t love restrictive clothing.
Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: Nylon shell, polyester padding | Style: Reversible puffer vest | Colors: 6 | Water-Resistant: Yes
Best Budget: ThinkPet Cold Weather Dog Coat
Pros
There’s a zipper opening to feed harness rings through for dogs that wear harnesses on walks.
The design is super easy to get on and off, even for the squirmiest dogs.
It has Velcro closures to keep it securely in place.
Cons
If your dog has an extra fluffy coat, the sizing doesn’t accommodate that, so you should size up.
We loved the design of this dog coat and so did our canines. It has Velcro around the neck and under the belly which keeps it on securely but is easy to dress your dog in. There’s also a super functional two-way zippered opening for a harness clip. Plus, the soft fleece interior and smooth polyester exterior are reversible, so you can style it whichever way suits your fancy. In terms of fit, our dog is a fluffy boy, and as such, the jacket was a bit tight around his torso so you may want to size up for fluffier dogs. On the other hand, the arm and neck holes were quite spacious.
This particular pooch isn’t a huge fan of jackets and often tries to take them off, but this one held him securely with large, strong velcro sections. (Just be sure to check that longer fur doesn’t get caught in the velcro when fitting the jacket on your dog.) We loved the fleece interior, which is sure to keep your dog warm in even the coldest climates, and we also loved how easily it works with a harness underneath. Considering the price, user-friendly and comfortable design, and mobility of this jacket, it’s an easy “add to cart” for us.
Sizes: XS–3XL | Material: Quilted fleece and polyester | Style: Sleeveless jacket | Colors: 12 | Water-Resistant: Yes
People / Jake Green
Best Puffer: Gooby Padded Vest Solid
Pros
It has a step-in design, which can be great for older dogs with limited mobility, as well as squirmy dogs.
If your dog dislikes their harness, this jacket can replace it.
There’s a safety lining along the closure to keep your dog’s fur from getting caught in the zipper.
Cons
The volume of the jacket limited our dog’s mobility slightly on the first walk.
If you’re looking for a level of puff that will keep your dog warm in the coldest climates, this padded vest ought to do the trick. It’s so puffy that it actually interfered slightly with our dog’s natural gait; though after a few walks with it, this wasn’t an issue. We were dazzled by how easy it is to put on your dog, considering the unique back-closure design. You just let them step into it (almost like a harness) and then zip it behind their back. And there’s a safety flap to prevent any fur from getting caught in the zipper — a huge bonus for long-haired breeds — and it blocks the zipper from rubbing against your dog’s back while they walk.
The biggest benefit of this padded vest is you can replace your dog’s harness with it during cold months because it comes with two D rings to clip the leash to. And for added warmth, there’s a soft fleece lining that will keep your puppy's belly and entire torso cozy. The exterior is a durable and waterproof nylon that successfully repelled water when we poured water on it to test resistance. Since it’s so easy to put on and doubles as a harness, this puffer vest is a huge timesaver before heading out on a walk. When you consider all the qualities and the decently low price, this dog jacket is a winner.
Sizes: XS–XL | Material: Fleece lining, nylon exterior | Style: Padded vest | Colors: 12 | Water-Resistant: Yes
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Best Vest: Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket
Pros
It has a water-resistant, ripstop material, so even if your dog chews on it, it won’t be as susceptible to tears.
There’s a zippered opening for harness rings so your dog can comfortably wear one underneath the jacket.
The design doesn’t restrict movement, and the Velcro fasteners are easy to adjust.
Cons
The neck hole isn’t adjustable and was a little tight on the large dog that tried this one.
A vest is an apparel staple for your pet — it provides an extra layer of warmth on days you’d rather be inside (having spent many a cold morning at the dog park, we know this feeling well). It's made with water-resistant ripstop material, so it's great for walks in the rain and snow. There's also a zippered opening for harness rings, so you can attach it to a jacket on extra-cold days. For the most part, we loved the fit of the Kurgo Loft Jacket and noted that it didn't restrict movement. It uses velcro fasteners, so it’s easy to adjust where needed. The only exception is the neck hole, which doesn’t have much give, so you should be extra mindful when ordering the size.
Our dog who tested this vest (a 10-lb. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, for size reference) seemed to like wearing it. She didn’t show any signs of irritation like trying to gnaw, pull, or scratch it. It’s also super easy to put on your dog, and the plush filling provides warmth but isn’t so bulky as to get in the way of their movement when walking or playing outside. Throughout testing this vest, it’s been washed several times via laundry machines and has held up without loose strings, fading color, or other issues. It’s also shown durability on many walks and dog playdates. Considering the price and fun color options, we think this is a great everyday dog jacket.
Sizes: XS–L | Material: Ripstop material | Style: Outdoor vest | Colors: 8 | Water-Resistant: Yes
Best Water-Resistant: Ruffwear Vert Dog Winter Jacket
Pros
The size guide proved accurate, as the jacket hugged our dog perfectly with no gaps or loose sections.
It has a thoughtful design with hidden fasteners to reduce the chance of snapping your dog’s fur.
Cons
The jacket doesn’t have a hood or any leg coverage, so parts of your dog will get wet on rainy walks.
We were surprised when our puppy, who avidly chews on bandanas, made no fuss about this dog jacket. He didn’t seem to mind wearing it at all, and it fit him beautifully (we used the size guide online to select one that would fit). We also appreciated the thoughtful design, with details like fastener buckles underneath flaps to keep them hidden. These also reduce the chance of getting our puppy’s fur stuck in the buckles. Plus, there’s a harness slit so you can clip a leash through the back of the jacket for easy access and elastic leg loops to keep it in place.
Though it is a little pricey, and the jacket doesn’t cover the dog’s head or legs (there’s no hood), it’s super water-resistant and honestly looked adorable when worn by our dog. We would not recommend this for a day spent in the rain since your dog’s head and legs will likely get drenched, but for a little walk in the rain, this jacket is perfect. On our rainy day walks, everywhere the jacket covered our dog was completely dry when we arrived home. In this case, we think the price is worth it.
Sizes: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester | Style: Jacket | Colors: 2 | Water-Resistant: Yes
Best Fleece: Wagwear Fleece Zippy
Pros
The material is malleable and comfortable for your pet.
The numbered sizing allows for a better fit on your dog compared to general sizing.
Cons
The zipper was tough to get started but moved easily once it caught.
If your pup could use a fuzzy fleece to get them through the season, this piece from Wagwear is a stylish and easy-to-wear option. In terms of sizing, we loved that it’s super specific with measurements rather than generalized sizing, so it’s made to fit your dog perfectly. It’s not too loose or too snug, and since our dog, a Goldendoodle who doesn’t like wearing jackets, seemed to be fine wearing this one, we’ll count that as a big win.
The design is super user-friendly — easy to get on and off your dog. Our only word of caution is that the zipper is tough to get started, depending on how your dog is sitting while you fasten it. Once the dog shifted a little, we were able to zip up the jacket without issue. In regards to mobility, this jacket didn’t restrict movement on our walks at all. And being fleece, it’s not surprising that it absorbed water during our test rather than repelling it. But for an everyday winter jacket (rainy days aside), this isn’t a huge dealbreaker. The material is malleable, soft, and comfortable for your pet. It was a little pricey, but it has a really fun design, and it even has a side pocket for spare treats, baggies, or whatever else you might want to carry with you on your walks.
Sizes: 8–24 inches | Material: Fleece | Style: Zippered fleece | Colors: 3 | Water-Resistant: No
People / Veronica Vivona
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Jacket
Size
Buying apparel for a dog means considering the shape and size of their body and how active they are. Some dog jackets use standard sizes like XS–XL, which is fine if you use the size guides to determine where your dog fits in that range. The only issue with standard sizing is parts of the clothing might fit better than others — as our dog encountered with the neck hole on the Kurgo Loft Jacket. With numeral sizing, you can get a little more precise with measurements and find a better fit, as we found with the excellent fit of the Wagwear Fleece Zippy.
Another consideration is whether your pet wears a dog harness when walking. A lot of dog jackets are designed with a slit behind the neck area for you to clip the leash to a harness underneath, like the ThinkPet Cold Weather Dog Coat. So, you might want to size up to ensure the jacket and harness fit well together and won’t limit mobility by being too tight.
Material
The material of a dog jacket determines its durability (during playtime, walks, and daily activity), its resistance to rain, and how easily it can be cleaned — all factors that will contribute to longevity. Not to mention, certain fabrics can cause irritation and itchiness and should be avoided for your dog. “If a dog is to wear clothing, I prefer soft cotton fleece that has some stretch to it,” says Dr. Whittenburg. “This fabric is breathable, soft, and allows for more natural movement.” That said, fleece is a super warm material, so it might cause some long-haired dogs to run too hot when wearing it.
“The only exception to [my suggestion of fleece] would be situations where the dog may get wet, and a waterproof material might be more appropriate,” she adds. Most dog jackets are made from a version of polyester or nylon, both water-resistant materials that are easily washed. And just like for humans, cotton is also a comfortable option for your canine, so the Canada Pooch Winter Dog Coat could be a good choice. And when it comes to fasteners, Dr. Whittenburg says velcro is “easier and quicker to secure than buckles” and can be especially “helpful, as dogs tend to be squirmy.”
Fur Type
Keep in mind, some dogs have natural coats built in — and thick ones at that. Dogs with long, thick coats are bred for cold climates, and they don’t need dog jackets (nor will they want to wear them). A few examples might be Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, etc. Meanwhile, short-haired dogs like Labs, French Bulldogs, Beagles, and Pitbulls might greatly benefit from an extra layer of warmth in the winter. So keep your dog’s fur type in mind when choosing what kind of jacket you purchase. Long-haired dogs like Golden Retrievers might also get their fur stuck in certain zippers or velcro closures, so safety features like what the Gooby Padded Vest has in place could be useful.
How We Tested Dog Jackets
We put these dog jackets to the test, deferring to the only critics who matter here: our dogs.
Material and Fit: Looking at the construction and design of each jacket, we considered if the fasteners were high quality (Velcro, snap, or other) and if the fabric seemed comfortable and durable. Then we put the jackets on our dogs, testing how easy (or difficult, in some cases) it was to dress our furry pals. We looked at the overall fit (too snug, too loose, or just right), whether our pups seemed comfortable (no signs of itching, chewing on the material, or other irritated behavior), and whether the fasteners felt secure when the dog wore the jacket.
Walk Test: For good measure, we took the test to the streets, putting on our dogs’ normal collars or harnesses with the jackets on top, and then walking our dogs for at least 15 minutes. Our team considered how the jackets fit when the dog was moving (especially over a harness), and whether the fasteners stayed secure the whole time. We also looked at whether the jackets seemed to keep our dogs warm by looking for any signs of shivering if cold or panting if overheated. Another important factor is if a jacket limits mobility or gets in the way when the dog relieves itself.
Water Resistance: Upon return home, we considered the ease of jacket removal, as well as the durability and water resistance of the material. Our team poured water over the jacket to see how the water reacted with the material (whether running off immediately or absorbing into the jacket). We repeated this whole process on at least six walks to get the full picture of each jacket’s functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a dog coat or jacket fit?
With any type of dog apparel, you want to make sure it doesn’t cut under their legs and restrict movement. It’s also important that it’s comfortable to wear, otherwise, your dog might resort to chewing or gnawing on it. The best way to ensure a good fit is to take your dog’s measurements and then use the sizing guide for that specific jacket to find the right size.
Do dog jackets help with anxiety?
Light compression, similar to the sensation of a hug, is a known calming solution for anxious dogs, which is why you see things like thunder jackets and other vests and apparel designed to help with anxiety. “Some dogs very much enjoy wearing clothes and may absolutely feel comfort when wearing a jacket,” says Dr. Whittenburg. “This is very individual to the particular dog, however.”
Since dogs can’t verbally tell us if something is uncomfortable, Dr. Whittenburg says to look for behavioral signs of discomfort. “Some dogs do not care for wearing clothes and forcing them to do so can cause stress and anxiety,” she says. “Dogs wearing jackets should also be monitored at all times to avoid overheating. Dogs cannot sweat and may overheat more easily than humans.” She also recommends speaking to your veterinarian first if your dog has anxiety because “there are many remedies that will likely be more effective,” such as a calming dog bed.
Should a harness go over or under a dog jacket?
In almost all cases, the harness should go underneath a dog jacket. This is why many jackets have a small opening to feed the harness loops through it so you can connect the leash for walks.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources. She’s previously covered many different pet topics, including training and behavior. For this story, she spoke to the veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers, Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, in addition to heavily researching the market of dog jackets and consulting our PEOPLE Tested insights, as well as her own golden retriever, Stevie, who has high standards for all dog-related goods.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM is the veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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