The Ultimate Guide to Measuring Your Dog for a Bodysuit

Accurate measurements are important to determine the correct size when it comes to our form-fitting bodysuits. Measuring your dog for a form-fitting bodysuit might seem confusing but in this guide, we’ll walk you through the process on how to measure your dog for the best K9 Top Coat bodysuit fit, explain why accurate measurements are important, and explore the benefits of our athletic design.

What Measurements Do I Need For My Dog’s Bodysuit?

Our entire K9 Top Coat team has pups of their own, so we know how important it is to keep them comfortable and protected, no matter the weather. After all, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re cherished family members. 

There are only two measurements you’ll need to determine the best size for your dog’s K9 Top Coat bodysuit – the top line and girth. Here’s a detailed guide on how to measure both:

Top Line Measurement

The top line measurement determines the length of your dog’s back, starting from the base of the neck (where the shoulder blades begin) and ending where you want the suit to end (close to where the tail begins). Your dog should also stand up as you take this measurement – if they’re sitting or laying down, their spine can elongate and give you an inaccurate measurement. 

An accurate top line measurement is important because it helps ensure that the bodysuit is long enough to provide maximum coverage for your dog, but not so long that you lose the fit in the hind end.

To Measure Your Dog’s Top Line:

1. Have your dog stand on a flat surface in a natural stance.
2. Find the base of their neck (where the shoulder blades begin, NOT up at the collar).
3. Use a tailor’s measuring tape to measure a straight line along your dog’s spine, ending where you want the suit to stop (usually close to where the tail begins).
4. If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a string, phone charger, etc, to mark your dog’s top line length. Then place that item next to any household measuring tool (like a ruler) to find the actual top line measurement.
5. Write down the measurement and round up to the nearest half inch if needed.

Girth Measurement

The girth measurement determines your dog’s circumference in order to ensure a comfortable fit in the chest area. The girth measurement is found by measuring all the way around your dog behind the front legs (where their chest/girth is the widest and/or deepest). The exact location can vary depending on your dog’s breed and body shape. An accurate girth measurement helps guarantee a snug yet comfortable fit for your dog’s bodysuit.

To Measure Your Dog’s Girth:

1. Have your dog stand on a flat surface in a natural position.
2. Take your flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your dog’s chest/ribcage (somewhere behind the front legs).
3. Make sure the measuring tape stays flat and snug (do not add room to account for your dog’s fur, otherwise the suit may be too baggy).
4. If you use a string, phone cord, etc. for the measurement, mark on it the length that fits around your dog’s girth and use any household measuring tool (like a ruler) to determine the girth size.
5. Write down the measurement and round up to the nearest half inch if needed.

How to Find Your Dog’s Best K9 Top Coat Bodysuit Size Based on Their Measurements

Once you have your top line and girth measurements, you can utilize our custom sizing chart to determine which size will best fit your dog. Our sizing guide is based on the measurements of thousands of dogs during our nearly 25 years in business.

What if My Dog’s Measurements Fit Into Two Sizes?

If your dog’s measurements fit into two different sizes, we recommend prioritizing one measurement over the other. For example, if your dog is long and lean (as many Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Sheepadoodles are) the most important measurement is the top line measurement when determining size.

However, if your dog is short in length and big/deep chested (such as Pitbulls, Schnauzers and Vizslas are) you should prioritize the girth measurement over the top line. If you have any questions about sizing or need help with a size recommendation, call us at (888) 833-5959 or send us an email and we’ll be happy to work with you to determine the best size for your dog. 

Athletic Fit: A Bodysuit Design That Focuses on Your Dog’s Comfort and Freedom of Movement

It’s very important to accurately measure your dog for our form-fitting, 4-way stretch bodysuits in order to get the optimal fit. The expertly designed athletic fit of our K9 Top Coat bodysuits balance both comfort and versatility in order to ensure your dog can move freely during every run, jump, walk and roll. Our sleek, close-fitting design caters to a wide range of breeds and body styles and enhances your dog’s overall experience while wearing our suits. Whether they’re out on the hiking trail or running around with friends in the backyard, our bodysuits combines protection and versatility to help keep your dog comfortable, safe and protected.