PET APPAREL

Before, human designed clothes that were inspired by the way animals looked—leopard and tiger prints, faux snake skin, even fur. Today, there are clothes designed for animals based on our own fashion trends.

Pets are wearing boots, jackets, sweaters, Halloween costumes. This “pet apparel” is one of the biggest trends to hit in the last few years, and demand is steadily increasing. And with the sheer variety of possible pet apparel being sold in pet stores, specialty boutiques, and on websites, consumers can really pick a “look” that reflects the personality of their pet. What about a pink feather boa for a poodle? A jaunty cap for an English bulldog? A tiny cheerleader sweater, with matching booties, for a perky terrier?

Many of these outfits are considered special outfits for special occasions. Proud owners dress up their pets for the holidays (sometimes wearing matching clothes), while show contestants are trained to flaunt the beauty and style of their oufit with all the flair of a runway model. However, many people buy outfits for their pets to wear even on ordinary days. A snug little jacket for their walk around the block, a little bonnet to keep out the sun while they play in the yard. For these owners, pet apparel isn’t just “something cute”—it’s a way of expressing their affection for the animal and making them feel like a part of the family (who just happens to have a little extra fur).

Pet apparel comes in a wide variety of available styles. There are everyday clothes that use material that is comfortable and snug enough not to interfere with the pet’s playing. Examples of these “practical” pet outfits are pet shirts or pet shoes. On the other hand, there is the pet equivalent of evening wear: a gown or bow tie to wear to a wedding or a party, or even tiny necklaces to complete the look.

So what do the veterinarians and animal experts say about this? There is nothing wrong with dressing up your pet, as long as he remains comfortable and the clothes don’t interfere with his movements. However, they do advise checking the thickness of material, how lush the pets natural coat is, and the kind of climate they live in. A chow chow would need less warm layers than a chihuauhua, while the sweater that was knit for weather in Australia may be too thin to wear in a Great Britain winter.

A single outfit can cost more than $100. The reason for the high cost is the very specialized market it serves, plus the special patterns and painstaking detail they put into the clothes. However, pet owners shouldn’t just look for the cheapest deal. It’s important to look at the quality of the stitching and whether or not the fabric is breathable. If a pet feels more comfortable in the outfit, he is more likely to agree wearing it—so you do “save” the money from being wasted on a costume that will most likely end up in the back of the closet.