Made to Measure vs. Standard Sizing: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Partager
Buying dog clothing online means navigating a maze of size charts, breed guides, and conflicting measurements. Here's an honest comparison of standard sizing and made to measure and how to know which is right for your dog.
How Standard Sizing Works
Standard dog clothing uses size labels XS, S, M, L, XL based on average measurements for dogs within a certain weight or breed range. A size guide might say 'Medium: chest 45–50cm, back length 35–40cm' and leave you to work out whether your dog fits.
The problem is that these ranges are broad and dogs within the same weight bracket can have very different proportions. A 10kg Whippet and a 10kg French Bulldog are completely different shapes yet both might technically fall into the same size category on a standard chart.
The result is clothing that fits adequately at best and poorly at worst.
How Made-to-Measure Works
Made to measure dog clothing starts from your dog's actual measurements - back length, chest girth, neck girth, and leg length where relevant - and builds the garment to those specific dimensions.
There are no size labels, no size ranges, and no averaging. The measurements are inputted to our comprehensive collection of made to measure patterns which means the finished piece fits the way clothing is supposed to fit: cleanly, comfortably, and without compromise.
At Hugo and Ted every piece is made to order using the measurements you provide at checkout. You can read exactly how to take those measurements in our guide: How to Measure Your Dog for a Jumper or Coat.
Once you have your measurements, our guide to choosing the right size for a made to measure dog coat walks you through the next steps.
When Standard Sizing Works Fine
Standard sizing isn't always the wrong choice. It works reasonably well when:
- Your dog is a common breed with typical proportions for their weight
- You're buying a loose-fitting or adjustable style where exact fit is less critical
- You need something quickly and can't wait for a made to measure turnaround
- You're buying for a puppy who will grow out of it quickly
For casual, low-stakes purchases, standard sizing is often perfectly adequate.
When Made to Measure Is Worth It
Made to measure comes into its own in specific situations:
Unusual breed proportions
Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Lurchers, Salukis) are the classic example - deep-chested, narrow-waisted, and long-legged in a way that standard sizing almost never accommodates. The same applies to Dachshunds, Bulldogs, and many other breeds with distinctive body shapes.
Dogs who have struggled to find a good fit
If you've bought multiple coats that never quite worked eg. too tight across the chest, too short in the back, slipping off the shoulders made to measure is almost certainly the answer.
Premium pieces you want to last
A well-made coat that fits properly will be worn more, washed less, and last longer than one that's tolerated rather than loved. If you're investing in quality, it makes sense to invest in fit too.
Older or post-operative dogs
Dogs with mobility issues, arthritis, or post-surgical needs often require a very specific fit to avoid discomfort or restriction. Made to measure allows for adjustments that standard sizing simply can't accommodate.
The Cost Difference
Made to measure clothing typically costs more than standard-sized equivalents and at Hugo and Ted, that's a reflection of the additional time, skill, and material that goes into each piece. Every garment is cut and sewn individually to your dog's measurements, rather than produced in bulk runs in set sizes.
That said, a made to measure coat that fits perfectly and lasts for years often represents better value than a series of standard-sized coats that don't quite work.
How to Decide
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does my dog have a typical body shape for their breed and weight?
- Have standard-sized coats fitted well in the past?
- Am I buying a loose or adjustable style?
If you answered yes to all three, standard sizing may work fine and we cater for this within our Ready to Ship section. If you answered no to any of them - or if you simply want the best possible fit or a coat made lovingly for your dog, made to measure is the right choice. You can always start with a standard size and if you find you could do with an extra inch added or taken away here or there opt later for made to measure.
Browse our full range of made to measure dog clothing: Dog Clothing, Dog Fleeces and Jumpers, Waterproof Dog Coats.
Looking for a carrier rather than a coat? See our guide to choosing the right size dog sling.
Hugo and Ted: handcrafted dog clothing, made in Britain.