Buying Dog Costumes can either be awesome or a bit of a let down.

Some dog Costumes run to size and look funny or simply adorable on your dog.

Others might run smaller or bigger than the stated measurements, and a range of other issues can leave you feeling disappointed with your purchase.

We put together this guide to help you make a decision you’re left happy and satisfied with.

Let’s check out some common dog costume buying mistakes!

Buying Dog Costumes: 9 Common Mistakes Owners Make

1. Sizing

By far the most common issue is sizing – in particular, the costume in reality runs either a size or two bigger but usually smaller/tighter than the measurements the seller gives.

Rather than basing your choice of size off the weight of your dog, you might base it off things like neck, chest and body thickness.

The shape of your dog can also play a part.

Check out what other buyers have said about the stated sizes of the costume.

2. Legholes

We are talking front and back leg holes if there are any.

Most often leg holes might be positioned in awkward spots that make it hard for your dog’s legs to fit into.

The front leg sleeves of some costumes can sometimes be too long as well.

Pay attention to these two issues. 

3. Headpieces

Costumes usually come with a body piece, and a headpiece.

Headpieces can be too small in diameter, or may not be positioned properly for the ears to protrude through or sit to the side of the head piece.

The headpiece may also have poor fastening straps.

4. Does The Costume Stay On While Walking?

The ‘with arms’ dog costumes that cover the front of a dog are usually not great for walking in.

The same can be said for top heavy costumes with poor or little velcro fastening, as they tend to slide off to the side.

Cape costumes are another that might fit into this category as the cape can be too long and get stuck under your dogs feet – although they can be easily safety pinned up.

If you get one of these costumes, they are better for putting on, taking a photo or video, and then taking off your dog.

5. Look Of Costume In Photo vs Real Life

Costume usually doesn’t sit like they do in the photos you see from the seller.

Most actually look somewhat like the photo, but some can look completely different.

In particular, pay attention to costumes like Spider Dog Costumes that might show spider legs sitting or staying up for example, when in real life they just droop down to the side.

Expect some variation from the photo to what you actually get, with color change also being a slight difference sometimes.

6. Hole For Leash

Some costumes have a hole or slit for the leash in the back, some don’t.

You may want to check this.

7. How Secure Are The Fastening Straps?

Dog costume fastening straps are usually velcro, or adjustable elastic.

Elastic is usually OK.

But, velcro can sometimes be too small, or just not very sticky, which can mean things like capes and headpieces fall off very easily.

8. Is The Costume Detailed & Puffy, Printed, or Just Flat Fabric?

Some dog costumes have a 3-D look to them, some are printed designs on quality fabric, and some are just colored fabric with a few things sewn onto them.

Check what the costume actually is before buying it.

9. What Are The Best Dog Costumes For Your Money?

The safest costumes in our opinion in terms of getting what you paid for are the ones that are simply fastened around your dog’s neck – like the Lion Mane Costume For Dogs (on Amazon) for example.

You don’t have to worry too much about leg holes or body sizing.

Having said that, there are some fantastic dog costumes on the market that include leg holes, headpieces and the sizing is somewhat accurate.

You can find different themed dog costumes on this website by typing ‘costume’ into the search bar on the top right.

Large breed costumes can be harder to find, but you can check out some good large dog costumes here.

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