If you're not sure, start with a bandana. It suits almost every dog, rides on the collar they already wear, and costs less. A dress is the better pick for a calm dog with a short or smooth coat who doesn't mind being handled, and for days when you want the whole outfit to show.
Both look great. The right one depends on your dog's coat, their patience, their build and where you're going. Here's how to weigh each one.
What's the difference between a dog dress and a bandana?
It comes down to how much of your dog each one covers.
A bandana sits at the neck. Ours have a sewn channel along the top, so your dog's collar threads through it and holds it in place. There's nothing to step into and nothing round the body. It's on in under a minute.
A dress goes over the head and wraps the body. It's sized by the chest, not the neck, and it covers far more of your dog. That means more print on show and more fabric touching the coat.
A quick side-by-side of ours:
- Bandanas: Small, Medium and Large, $15 in any size. Four prints, from Comic Pow to American Flag.
- Dresses: XS through XL, from $28 (Large adds $2, XL adds $4). Machine washable, hang to dry. Two prints, including the Turquoise Aztec Dog Dress.
Which suits your dog's coat?
Coat is the first thing to look at, because it decides how comfortable the fabric will be.
Short or smooth coats suit either one. A dress lies flat on them and the print shows clearly. Think pugs, chihuahuas, Frenchies, dachshunds and most terrier mixes.
Long, curly or silky coats are usually happier in a bandana. A dress moves against a long coat all day, and fabric rubbing on fur is how tangles start. A bandana only touches a small patch at the neck.
Thick double coats add bulk under a dress, which changes the fit and can make a warm dog warmer. A bandana keeps the look without the extra layer.
If your dog has a long coat and you really want a dress, keep it to short outings and brush them out afterwards.
Which suits your dog's temperament?
This is the one owners skip, and it's often what decides it.
A dress asks more of your dog. It goes over the head, then your dog has to stand while you settle it round the body. Some dogs stand still for that. Others back away, freeze or roll on the floor to get it off.
A bandana asks almost nothing. If your dog is happy to have their collar put on, they're happy to wear a bandana.
Pick a bandana if your dog:
- Ducks away when you reach over their head
- Freezes or sulks in anything new
- Scratches at their collar or chews fabric
- Is a nervous rescue still settling in
A dress is worth trying if your dog:
- Stands calmly for grooming and harness fitting
- Already wears a coat or jumper without fuss
- Likes the fuss and attention that comes with dressing up
Whichever you choose, introduce it slowly. Short spells at home, treats while it goes on, off again before your dog gets bored of it.
Which works best for your dog's size and build?
Bandanas are simple to size. Measure the neck where the collar sits and add two fingers. If you're between Small, Medium and Large, send us the neck measurement and we'll point you to the right one.
Dresses take three numbers: chest, lower neck and back length. Our guide on how to measure your dog for a dress walks you through all three. Two builds need extra care:
- Deep-chested dogs like greyhounds and boxers often need a bigger dress than their size suggests.
- Long-backed dogs like dachshunds can find a dress that fits the chest stops short of the tail.
If your dog's shape makes a dress awkward, a bandana sidesteps the problem completely. It only has to fit the neck.
Which is better for the occasion?
Think about where you're going and how long you'll be there.
- Everyday walks: a bandana. It stays out of the way and comes off in seconds if your dog gets muddy.
- Photos and birthdays: either. A dress fills the frame. A bandana keeps the focus on your dog's face.
- Markets and shows: a bandana for a long, busy day. A dress if your dog is calm and you'll be in the shade.
- Hot weather: a bandana. It covers far less of your dog.
- Matching with you: either, depending on the print you want to pair.
Neither one is for unsupervised time. Take both off in the crate, overnight and for rough play.
Ready to pick one?
Start with a bandana if you're unsure. It's the easy win. If your dog wears it happily and you'd like more, a dress is the next step. Browse both side by side in our dog apparel collection.
FAQ
Can my dog wear a dress and a bandana together?
They can, but it's a lot of fabric at the neck. Most dogs look and feel better in one or the other. If you do layer them, check that the bandana point isn't caught under the dress neckline.
Is a dress or a bandana better for a puppy?
A bandana. Puppies grow fast and chew everything, and a bandana is cheaper to replace and quicker to take off. Save the dress until they've stopped growing and can be handled calmly.
Do boy dogs wear dresses?
Any dog can wear one, but check where the belly edge sits so it stays clear when he lifts a leg. A bandana avoids the question entirely.
Find a print your dog will love in our apparel collection.