Reading a Pet Size Chart - Best Fit Tips

Ordering clothes for your pet online can feel like a guessing game. They can't try it on, they definitely can't tell you if it's comfy, and "medium" means something different on every website. The good news? Getting the right fit comes down to two simple measurements and knowing how to read a pet size chart — and once you've done it once, you'll never second-guess a pet hoodie order again.

Here's everything you need to measure your dog or cat at home and find their best fit the first time.

Why pet sizing isn't like human sizing

With human clothes, you can usually guess your size. With pets, guessing is exactly where it goes wrong — because two pets that weigh the same can be completely different shapes. A stocky French Bulldog and a lean Whippet can hit the scale at the same number and need totally different sizes.

That's why the golden rule of pet clothing is simple: measure your pet, don't guess by weight or breed. Breed and weight are helpful starting points, but the tape measure is what gets you the right fit.

How to read a pet size chart

Most pet size charts (including ours) are built around two key measurements:

• Bust / chest — the distance all the way around the widest part of your pet's chest, just behind the front legs. This is the single most important number, because it decides whether a hoodie actually fits over your pet's body.
• Length — the distance along your pet's back, from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. This tells you how long the hoodie will sit.

When you read a pet size chart, start with the bust measurement and find the size that fits your pet's chest. Length is your tiebreaker. If your pet's chest says one size but their length says another, go with the bust number — a hoodie that's a touch long is comfy, but one that's too tight around the chest won't go on at all.

How to measure your pet at home (in under 2 minutes)

All you need is a soft measuring tape (the fabric kind used for sewing). No soft tape? A piece of string and a ruler works perfectly — just wrap, mark, and measure the string flat.

1. Stand your pet up. Measurements are most accurate when your pet is standing on all fours, not sitting or lying down.
2. Measure the chest (bust). Wrap the tape around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Keep it snug but not tight — you should be able to slip two fingers under the tape.
3. Measure the length (back). Run the tape along the spine from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Don't include the tail itself.
4. Write both numbers down in inches or centimeters, then match the chest measurement to the size chart first.

A quick tip: measure twice. Pets wiggle, and a second measurement catches any slips.

The FluffnCo pet hoodie size chart

Here's our full pet hoodie sizing guide, with chest and length measurements plus example breeds for dogs and cats:

How to use it: find the size whose bust measurement is closest to (and a little larger than) your pet's chest. The breed column is a handy sanity check — but your measurement always wins over the breed name.

Fit tips for tricky pets

A size chart gets you 90% of the way there. These tips handle the rest:

• Between two sizes (S–L)? Size up for a comfier, less restrictive fit.
• XL and XXL are already generously cut, so there's no need to size up.
• Broad-chested breeds like French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Bulldogs carry a lot of width up front — go one size up.
• Long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis should prioritize the bust measurement. A slightly shorter length still looks adorable.
• Cats tend to run between S and L — most adult cats wear M or L. If your cat is between sizes, size up, and remember most cats prefer short, supervised wear.

Common pet sizing mistakes to avoid

• Going by weight alone. Body shape matters more than the number on the scale.
• Measuring while your pet is sitting. Always measure standing for an accurate chest reading.
• Pulling the tape tight. Leave room for two fingers — pets need to move and breathe.
• Ignoring the chest in favor of length. The bust is make-or-break; length is the tiebreaker.

Pet size chart FAQ

What size hoodie does my dog need?

Measure your dog's chest just behind the front legs, then match that number to the bust column on the size chart. Use length and breed as a double-check.

How do I measure my cat for clothes?

Exactly the same way as a dog: measure the chest at its widest point behind the front legs, and the length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Most adult cats land in M or L.

What if my pet is between two sizes?

For sizes S through L, size up for comfort. For XL and XXL, stay with your measured size since those run generous.

Should I size up for a French Bulldog or Boxer?

Yes — broad-chested breeds usually need one size up, because of their wide front and deep chest.

Can I just go by my pet's weight?

It's a starting point, but not reliable on its own. Two pets at the same weight can be very different shapes, so the chest measurement is always the most accurate guide.

Ready to find your pet's match?

Once you've got your pet's chest and length, you're all set to pick the perfect size — for them and you. Every FluffnCo set includes a matching hoodie for you and your best friend, designed as a two-sided conversation only the two of you would understand.

👉 Browse the matching sets and find your pair — and if you're ever unsure between sizes, measure the chest, size up, and you'll be golden.