5 Best Dog Summer Clothes + Buying Guide in 2025

Dog summer clothes are the quickest and easiest way to protect your pet from high temperatures, the sun's UV rays, and hot pavement during walks, training, playtime, or beach trips.

While it may seem counterintuitive to dress your dog up when the weather is hot, there are certain cases when protective clothing is exactly what they need!

Below, we'll discuss the best dog summer clothes for keeping your pet cool, why they need them, and a buying guide for choosing the best ones.

Dog Summer Clothes: Are They Necessary?

Dogs never need clothes, except for specific situations like extreme weather.

You might think that it’s normal for dogs to wear clothes in winter to protect them from the cold, but does it make sense for dogs to wear clothes in the hot weather?

Ignore the obvious fashion reasons, and there are a few strong arguments for dogs wearing summer clothes.

1. Staying cool

Special cooling vests keep dogs from overheating even in the harshest summer weather. Consider them when your pet needs extra protection against hot weather.

Dog breeds that don't do well in hot weather (such as Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes) and dogs with short hair, young puppies, and senior dogs may benefit from lightweight summer clothes for that added level of protection.

That’s also why you often see police or sporting dogs with lightweight summer coats on!

2. Protection from the sun

Talking about a summertime walk with your pooch can be dangerous for him if you don’t protect him from UV rays.

After all, dogs can get sunburned just like humans do, especially those who like to lie down in the sun or have thin fur and light coats!

You can protect your puppy from the sun's rays with dog-friendly sunscreen, but you can also use dog summer clothing.

In fact, you can buy special protective shirts and coats for dogs that are specifically designed as anti-UV ray clothing.

But even a light summer T-shirt can be better than no clothing, and enough if you don’t go out at the hottest time of day.

RELATED: 10 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool Outside In Summer

3. Keeping your dog clean

A shirt or a summer coat can help your dog stay clean, especially when visiting lakes.

Dirt, sand, grass, and other unwanted things can easily enter your home through your pet.

If you don’t want to bathe your pooch each time you return from a walk, put some light summer clothes on him!

4. Health reasons

Clothing can prevent environmental allergies by serving as a barrier between your pooch and the allergen.

It will also prevent your dog from licking or scratching himself, which can spread the allergic reaction across his body or make his rash or wounds worse.

RELATED: 13 Most Common Signs of Allergies in Dogs

How to Choose Good Dog Summer Clothes?

Size and Fit

When you buy clothes for your canine, you need to know your pup's exact measurements to ensure the perfect fit.

Most manufacturers clearly display the measurements of their clothing products, and some may even provide suggestions about the breeds that should fit in certain sizes.

However, you shouldn’t rely on general or average measurements for dog breeds.

In the video below, learn how to properly measure your dog’s size for clothing instead and ensure a proper fit!

Material

Dog summer clothes must be made from materials that are comfortable, allow your dog to move freely, and protect him against heat.

Any material that limits their mobility is not a good choice. The fabric you choose should also be durable but lightweight.

Cotton and spandex are great options for dog summer clothes.

Design and Type

You can choose from different types of summer clothes for dogs: a regular, lightweight summer shirt or dress, a protective coat or vest that offers UV protection, or a cooling vest to keep your pooch cool at all times.

Of course, they all come in different styles and colors, and you can go with your fashion sense as long as you ensure that the desired clothing piece fits your dog properly.

Additional Features

When you shop for dog summer clothes, remember how easy they are to put on and take off.

Some dogs may not be cooperative when you try to put a piece of clothing on them, having an adjustable one can make a world of difference.

Another thing to look for is the type of zippers or strips on the clothes.

Wide Velcro strips are a good choice. Zippers need to be sturdy so they don’t come off and become a choking hazard. Pay attention to other things that can be swallowed or chewed, like buttons, bows, and snaps.

Reflective clothes are a good choice if you plan to spend the evenings or nighttime outdoors with your pooch.

RELATED: TOP #110: How to Find High Quality Dog Clothes?

Top 5 Best Dog Summer Clothes

1. RUFFWEAR Swamp Cooler Dog Vest

Price: $62.95 (for extra small)

We love Ruffwear dog supplies, and it's not surprising that their cooling vest is one of the best summer dog clothes worth purchasing.

This dog-cooling vest's sleek and attractive design is the first impressive thing about it. However, it doesn’t trade comfort for style since it has a very comfortable inner layer.

Ruffwear has upgraded the external mesh on this model compared to its older versions for greater durability and water absorption, which means your dog can enjoy it longer in high-water-exposure areas.

To activate its cooling feature, you just have to wet the vest and wring it out. We also liked its side-release buckles for easy on and off wearing.

This vest also provides UPF 50+ Sun protection thanks to the spandex back panel.

This Ruffwear vest is available in six size options, from XX-Small to X-Large, and in three colors: Sage Green, Graphite Gray, and Biolumin Blue.

Some users have complained about the sizing chart of this, as it can get too large or too snug for certain dogs.

PROS: Available in Many Sizes and 2 Colors, Cooling Effect, UV Protection, Stylish, Reflective, Machine Washable

CONS: Expensive, Sizing Chart Unreliable, Reports of Faulty Buckles

2. Louie de Coton Dog Sunscreen Cooling T-Shirt

Price: $48.99 (for extra large)

This extra-comfortable dog shirt is made from stretchy fabric that is as lightweight as silk. It has flat lock stitching to make the shirt fit your dog’s body perfectly and move along with him.

The fabric has a quick-drying property and anti-odor and anti-microbial technology to keep it lasting longer. It also has reflective shoulder tapes for visibility and a reinforced leash hole.

This T-shirt provides UPF50+ Sun protection, even when wet, and is available in 14 sizes and four colors.

While most reviewers praised this shirt, some dog owners complained about its size, saying it was smaller or bigger than expected.

PROS: Available in 5 Sizes and 3 Colors, Lightweight, UV Protection, Anti-Odor, Anti-Microbial, Quick to Dry, Reflective

CONS: Expensive, Size Chart Unreliable

3. EzyDog Rashguard Vest

Price: $36.00

This is another protective shirt with a UPF50+ protection rating. It is made from stretchy Lycra fabric that allows for quick drying, making this shirt ideal for water activities.

It also comes in bright red to allow for high visibility, but that's the only color this vest is available in. Nevertheless, this shirt is odor-resistant, a plus in our book!

You can choose from five sizes, ranging from 12 inches long (extra-small) to 20.5 inches long (extra-large).

Make sure to measure your dog’s back to find the perfect length, but it's best to go a few sizes larger. Some dog owner reviewers said that the shirt was too small despite following the size chart.

PROS: Available in 5 Sizes, Lightweight, UV Protection, Odor-Resistant, Quick to Dry, Reflective

CONS: Expensive, Available in just One Color, Size Chart Unreliable

4. CuteBone 2-Piece Athleisure Puppy Skirt

Price: $8.49 (for large)

For dog moms, summer is the best time to bust out athleisure wear for you and your pup!

This cute bra-and-skirt combo is made of lightweight, fast-drying, stretchy mesh fabric that provides a comfortable second-skin feel.

It also features a jacquard wordmark elastic band design, adding to its trendy look.

These dog summer clothes are machine washable, easy to care for and maintain, and it's available in 15 designs and colors!

The downside is that it's only for small or toy dog breeds, and the largest size only fits a 16″ waist and an 18″ chest. 

While most reviewers were satisfied with their purchase, some complained about the size being too small for their expectations. The elastic band also won't stay, and makes their dogs' stomachs puff out more.

PROS: Available in 5 Sizes and 15 Colors, Lightweight, Affordable, Stylish, Machine Washable

CONS: No UV Protection, Only for small dogs

5. Kuoser Dog Life Jacket with Reflective Stripes

Price: $29.99

This is a safety jacket that provides not only protection from the sun but also from drowning in the water.

Unlike other bulky life jackets, this one does not restrict movement and motion on land.

As you can see, it also comes with a grab-handle on top and a reflective band for easy rescue when needed. You can also attach a leash to the D-ring installed at the back.

This is easy to put on and take off, thanks to the adjustable quick-buckle release around the neck and chest.

This life jacket from Kuoser is available in 6 sizes and 11 colors

PROS: Available in varied sizes and colors, Easy to wear, Stylish, Reflective

CONS: Sizing chart unreliable, Reports of being too heavy, and not enough buoyancy, Expensive

Dog Summer Clothes: Before You Go…

Dog summer clothes are equally as important as clothes you get for your pup in the colder months!

Not only do they look cute and adorable, but they're also effective in protecting against the sun's harsh UV rays.

Young puppies, senior dogs, and particular breeds need extra help to stay cool longer in the hot weather, and these clothes are among the easiest and most effective options you can get!

Want more tips on how to care for dogs in summer? Check out our recommended articles below!

Related Articles

• 10 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool Outside
• 18 Fun Dog Summer Activities You Both Can Enjoy
• Summer and Dogs: Tips, Risks, and How To Keep Them Safe

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