Buying guides
Matching Pajamas for Dog and Owner: What to Look For
The best matching pajamas for a dog and owner are the ones your dog will happily wear: snug but not tight, with nothing that can be chewed off, and in a fabric that suits your dog's coat. The matching look is the easy part. Below is how to measure, which dogs should skip clothes, and how to get a first fitting that goes well.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read2 sources
Start with whether your dog suits pajamas at all
Pajamas are a fun choice for photos and holiday mornings, but not every dog needs or enjoys clothing. PetMD says small, light-bodied dogs and dogs with very short or thin coats usually benefit from the extra layer, while large dogs with dense coats, such as Huskies, Malamutes and Saint Bernards, generally do not need one and can overheat in it.
So the first question is your dog's coat and temperature, not the print. For a short-coated terrier or a dachshund, a light cotton set suits cool evenings. For a thick-coated dog, keep the matching to a bandana or a short photo session. Browse our matching dog and owner pajamas once you know your dog is a good candidate.
How to measure so the set actually fits
PetMD advises measuring the neck, the widest part of the chest, and the distance from the neck to the waist, and noting your dog's weight. Fit should be snug but not tight: the pajamas should not slip off, drag on the ground or catch on objects, and the body should end around the waist so the belly stays uncovered.
AKC adds that tight clothes can restrict movement and lead to injury, while baggy ones can cause tripping or snagging. Check that the armholes and neck allow free movement with no bunched fabric. If a set comes in several sizes, go by the chest measurement first, since that is where the fit usually goes wrong. Many sets list sizes by weight ranges, so compare your dog's numbers to the size chart rather than guessing from the breed.
Fabric and fastenings: what is safe for dogs
For nightwear, soft washable cotton or a cotton blend is the practical choice. PetMD notes that wool can itch and needs frequent washing, and a washable blend is often easier. A set that goes through the washing machine is worth a lot when you will wear it again and again, so check the care label.
Look at the fastenings. PetMD says to avoid zippers, hooks, buttons or tags that a dog could chew off and swallow, and to choose pieces that are easy to put on and take off without pulling tightly over the head. Simple pull-on or hook-and-loop styles are easier to manage. A gingham pet pajama set and a cotton print dog pajama set are examples of the simple cotton style to look for, though you should still check each one's trims.
Matching with your own pajamas
Matching sets are usually sold either as a dog set plus an adult set in the same print, or as a dog set that coordinates with pajamas you already own. Because the dog's pieces and yours are sized separately, you can choose each size on its own measurements, and nobody has to settle for a bad fit to keep the look.
If you want more than pajamas, the wider range of matching dog and owner outfits and matching dog and owner Christmas sweaters follows the same fit rules. A smaller dog may suit a set from our pajamas for small dogs range.
Getting your dog comfortable in them
AKC suggests working at your dog's pace in a quiet room: let your dog sniff the item on the floor, reward interest, bring it up to the body, then put it on gently with praise and treats. Build up wearing time indoors before you add distractions. If your dog seems stressed or frustrated, take the clothing off right away and try again later from an earlier step.
Always supervise. AKC advises removing clothing when your dog is crated or unattended, because it can snag or become a choking hazard. That means pajamas are for evenings and mornings when you are watching, not for leaving on overnight in a crate.
What to avoid
Avoid sets with loose trims, dangling ties, tiny buttons or anything your dog could pull off and swallow. Avoid heavy fabrics for thick-coated dogs and sizes bought to grow into. If your dog is a determined chewer, a bandana may be safer than full pajamas.
If your dog scratches, develops red or irritated skin where the fabric sits, or tries to pull the set off repeatedly, take it off and speak to your vet if the skin looks sore. When you are ready to shop, see our dog pajamas and the matching pajama sets.
Common questions
Do dogs really need pajamas?
Most do not. Small, short-coated and thin-coated dogs may benefit from warmth, but dense-coated large dogs can overheat. Pajamas are mainly a fun extra for evenings, photos and holidays, worn only under supervision.
How do I measure my dog for pajamas?
Measure around the neck, around the widest part of the chest, and from the neck to the waist, then note your dog's weight. Compare these to the size chart, and choose by chest measurement first.
Can my dog sleep in pajamas overnight?
It is safer not to. AKC advises taking clothing off when a dog is crated or unattended because fabric can snag or become a choking hazard. Use pajamas while you are awake and watching.
What fabric is best for dog pajamas?
Soft, washable cotton or a cotton blend is practical for most dogs. Avoid scratchy fabrics and anything with zippers, buttons or small trims that your dog could chew off and swallow.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
