Best Dog Costume Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
Who said wearing the best dog costumes calls for a special time of the year? Be it Christmas, Halloween, Easter or a regular Sunday, dressing up your dog represents the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your pet, laughing and playing. And, if you’re looking for the right costume, we have selected some styles that will fit your pooch, regardless of its weight or breed. Out of all the dog costumes we have reviewed, we reckon that the Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane Realistic is a great choice. It is available in two colors and features a realistic design that will instantly turn your dog into the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz. The product is specifically designed for medium-sized breeds and is made of wool fibers, being easy to clean. If this item doesn’t fully represent what you have in mind for your dog, perhaps the California Costume Collections UPS Pal Dog Costume would be a more suitable choice.
Comparison table
The product is made of high-quality polyester fibers and is designed to perfectly fit medium to large-sized dogs. It is perfect for a wide array of costume parties without feeling too tight or too much. The costume consists of a brown wig and a tail attachment that will make your pet look like a fearless lion. Not all dogs are meant to be lions and that’s OK. If your pet doesn’t seem to enjoy wearing the costume, it would be best not to force it. These head and tail accessories make for a great lion costume, especially for Labs. The silky fabric on the inside won’t irritate your dog’s skin or fur, meaning it can be worn for hours. The item is available in four sizes, meaning it suits most small and medium-sized dogs. It is made of 100% soft polyester fabrics that won’t cause itchiness or skin irritations. The shirt has sleeves for the front legs and easily fastens around the neck with an adjustable Velcro strap. The UPS box is made of cardboard that you have to cut and paste together, which will take plenty of time. The costume also feels flimsy. Turn your dog into a true helper during the holiday season with this delivery man costume. The product is easy to put on and adjustable thanks to the Velcro straps, ensuring a comfortable fit. The instant your pet will put this Wonder Woman costume on, it will feel like a hero ready to save the world. It is available in six different sizes, suitable for almost all dog breeds, big and small. You’ll get one full dress complete with a blue and white stars skirt, as well as an elasticated headband. It is comfortable to wear. The product might run on the bigger side, so make sure to carefully measure your pet before placing your order. Go one size up. Made of quality materials that won’t scratch or itch, this costume is perfect for a Halloween party. The back cut-out allows your pet to eagerly wiggle its tail every time it greets a new person.
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Also To Consider
10 Best Dog Costumes (Updated Reviews) in 2023
Finding the best dog Halloween costumes could prove a difficult task, especially with so many options available on the market. If you’re having a hard time deciding which outfit will best go with your dog’s personality, we have some suggestions for you. Showcased below you can find some critically acclaimed funny dog costumes that will suit a wide array of parties and events.
- 1. Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane Realistic
- 2. California Costume Collections UPS Pal Dog Costume
- 3. Rubie’s DC Comics Wonder Woman Pet Costume
- 4. RYPET Dog Bat Wings Cosplay Costume
- 5. NACOCO Pet Dog Costume Pirates of The Caribbean
- 6. Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Cosplay Costume
- 7. Malier Halloween Dogs Cats Furry Giant Spider
- 8. Nacoco Pet Guitar Player Dog Costume
- 9. Impoosy Christmas Pet Dog Shirt Wizard Costume
- 10. Pandaloon Panda Puppy Pet Costume Set
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane Realistic
Allow your pet to express its inner beast with the help of this cool lion costume. In just a couple of minutes, you can turn your pet into a ferocious King of the Jungle or go for the softer approach from the Wizard of Oz. No matter the case, you can rest assured that your pet will have a great time wearing lion mane dog costumes like this one.
The item is made of 100% polyester fabrics with a silky touch on the inside to prevent itches, rashes, and skin irritations, even when worn for many hours in a row in hot temperatures. The costume is made of two parts – a woolen mane that is easy to clean and a tailpiece that can be easily attached.
It is compatible with most medium and large-sized dogs and will help your pet stand out in the crowd, regardless of what party it has to attend.
The item is made of two different pieces that can be easily attached to your pet’s fur.
Both pieces are made of 100% polyester fibers with silk linen that won’t cause skin irritations, rashes or redness. Therefore, they can be used by more sensitive dogs as well.
The product is durable and easy to clean, providing your pet the perfect costume for Halloween, special photo shootings or costume parties years after years.
The mane is specifically designed for medium and large-sized dogs, with a neck size ranging from 60 to 80 cm.
Not all dogs will enjoy wearing a costume so you shouldn’t force your pet to wear it if it doesn’t feel comfortable with it after a few minutes.
You may want to pay extra attention to the tailpiece as it doesn’t seem to stay in place for a long time.
2. California Costume Collections UPS Pal Dog Costume
If you’re looking for some cute dog costumes and Halloween ideas, this adorable outfit is worthy of your attention. Dress your pet as a UPS delivery man and you will never have to collect your Amazon Prime boxes from your neighbor’s porch.
The product is available in four sizes, ranging from extra small to large, so make sure to pick the right one according to your dog’s weight and height. It may run on the larger size, so we strongly recommend to measure your pet carefully so you won’t end up with a costume that is too big and baggy to wear.
The shirt is made of 100% polyester that is breathable and soft enough to prevent skin irritations and rashes even when worn for many hours. It features ¾ sleeves for the dog’s front legs and can be easily fastened around the neck with the help of a Velcro strap.
Available in four different sizes, this dog costume has better chances of fitting your pet properly, regardless of its weight, height or breed.
The product is made of polyester fibers that are breathable and soft, so they don’t cause rashes, skin irritations or increase your dog’s body temperature up to an uncomfortable point.
You can easily put on and take off the costume thanks to the adjustable Velcro strap around the neck area and the shirt’s sleeves designed for the dog’s front legs.
When the dog becomes the mailman, you stand better chances of being excused for losing your homework or any other important paper you had to deliver.
Don’t forget to carefully measure your pet instead of just choosing the size according to its weight. Unlike other medium dog costumes, this one seems to run a little on the bigger side, so you should order a size down.
3. Rubie’s DC Comics Wonder Woman Pet Costume
Unlike many small dog costumes that focus on one, two sizes maximum, this Wonder Woman Halloween prop is available in sizes ranging from Small to 3X, meaning you’ll have a better chance of finding the right fit for your pooch, regardless of its breed or weight.
This officially licensed DC Comics costume comes with all necessary accessories to turn your regular pup into a true superhero, worthy of the red and blue symbols. It is completed with a red dress with the character’s symbol and an adjustable headpiece.
The dress features large holes for your pet’s front legs and can be easily adjusted thanks to the Velcro straps on the back. Thus, you can keep the costume as loose or tight as your dog feels comfortable with. The headpiece comes with an elasticated band to match most dog breeds without bothering their ears.
The shiny fabric adds that “wow effect” to the ensemble while also keeping rain or snow away from your pet’s fur.
The costume is complete with a full dress and a headpiece for the ultimate Wonder Woman experience. Put it on and your pet will immediately feel like a hero.
The item is made of sturdy fabrics and features large holes for easily fitting the pet’s front legs. The dress ties on the back with adjustable Velcro straps.
The headpiece features an elasticated band to fit most dogs, regardless of their breed or weight.
You can determine the perfect size for your dog according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Also, this costume is available in six different sizes and is suitable for bichons, huskies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Labs, Pugs, and other breeds.
It runs a little on the bigger side, so you might want to order a size down. For a better fit, carefully measure your dog and compare its measurements with the ones provided by the manufacturing company.
4. RYPET Dog Bat Wings Cosplay Costume
If your pet is still struggling to learn how to fly, this set of bat wings won’t help too much but they will make for a cool cosplay. The costume is available in two sizes, S and M, suitable for most small and medium-sized dog breeds.
The wings are made of 5mm thick-felt cloth to maintain their firm shape and not bend in time. The lightweight and soft fabric is smooth on touch, ensuring maximum comfort for your pet even when the wings are worn for many hours in a row. They won’t cause itchiness, rashes or skin irritations either and, thanks to the adjustable Velcro straps on the neck and belly, they won’t fall easily.
An effortless approach to regular small dog Halloween costumes, this batwing design will help your pup stay disguised without being wrapped in countless layers of fabrics. Allow your pooch to join Dracula’s army for one night and run the costume party like a pro.
This set of bat wings is made of durable, lightweight, and high-quality fabric that is 5mm thick to maintain its sturdy shape and design for many years.
It is available in two sizes, so pick the right one according to your pet’s belly and neck girth. A detailed sizing guide is available on the manufacturer’s website and the back of the package.
The wings can be easily attached thanks to the two Velcro straps and adjusted to perfectly fit your dog’s needs, without feeling too tight or too loose.
Less is more this Halloween and this product is the right one to prove that your dog doesn’t need a full costume with skirts, vests, shoes, headbands, and other accessories to look cool and ready to party.
Make sure your doors are wide enough for when your pooch runs from one room to another wearing these wings as they are pretty wide and might break if they bump into too many walls.
5. NACOCO Pet Dog Costume Pirates of The Caribbean
Arrr, Jack Sparrow, where’s the Black Pearl arr? Johnny Depp himself would be envious of this full pirate costume, complete with a hook and a headpiece. One of the most appreciated little dog costumes available on the market, you can easily turn every pup into a fearless pirate in just a couple of minutes.
The product is available in four sizes, ranging from XS to Large, and is mainly designed for small and medium-sized dog breeds. The pirate costume features an open back and a large Velcro closure for easy dressing, providing maximum air ventilation at the same time.
Both the body and the headpiece are easy to wash and clean, so your pet can wear them as often as it wants. The costume is worn on your dog’s forelegs, leaving the back and the tail open for maximum freedom of movement.
This product is available in four sizes, fitting most small and medium-sized dog breeds, from Chihuahuas and Pugs to Beagles, Corgis, and even big breed pups.
Both the body and the headpiece are made of durable, breathable, and lightweight fabrics that ensure great air ventilation.
The easy-to-put-on design features a cut-out back and a Velcro strap around the neck area to adjust the costume’s size according to your dog’s needs.
You might actually have a chance of finding the Dead Man’s chest with this true Pirate of the Caribbean by your side.
Make sure to carefully measure your dog’s height to see if the lower part of the costume fits properly. The company does provide a size chart but it would be best if your pawed friend could try on the costume first.
It appears that this product runs on the small side, so we suggest ordering a size up for a good fit.
6. Mogoko Funny Dog Shark Cosplay Costume
Why go through countless dog costumes reviews when this ultimate shark costume has everything it needs for your pet to win every contest? Available in five different sizes, the costume is designed for most dog breeds, weighing between 3 and 33 pounds.
This shark costume is made of a unique blend of velvet and microfiber and is perfect for late fall or winter. It will keep your pup warm and cozy throughout the day, especially if you plan multiple outdoor activities. It is also easy to wear and put on thanks to the four-button closure and elastic.
The costume comes complete with a shark Jaws hat to make your pooch look more ferocious. The shark hood will protect your pet from rain and heavy winds, keeping its head and ears warm even when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Therefore, it looks more like a full winter suit than a regular Halloween costume.
Fun, playful, and adorable, this shark costume is available in various sizes, for all dogs from 3 to 33 pounds.
It is made of durable yet breathable materials that ensure proper air ventilation and keep your pet warm during the cold fall and winter days.
It can be easily washed and cleaned maintaining its fabric thickness and softness.
The product features a Jaws-like hood with a double purpose – make your pet look more dangerous and protect its ears and neck from cold temperatures and heavy winds at the same time.
Make sure to carefully measure your pet’s neck, chest girth, back length, and body weight before ordering the costume to pick the perfect size and fit. Not all dogs are the same so you may have to alter the costume in some parts or choose a looser fit to help your pooch feel more comfortable when wearing this outfit.
7. Malier Halloween Dogs Cats Furry Giant Spider
Who said your dog must look cute for Halloween? For a truly frightening experience, check out this full spider costume, complete with eight realistic and furry legs. The product is available in two sizes, small and medium, perfect for cats, pups or small-breed dogs.
It features an adjustable size thanks to the Velcro closures, making it convenient to wear regardless of your pup’s size or weight.
The costume is made of a breathable-felt fabric that is lightweight at the same time, ensuring proper air circulation and preventing overheating or making your pet irritated. It can be easily put on and taken off, so you won’t spend more than a couple of minutes completely transforming your pawed friend into a creature of the night. Besides, the costume won’t cover entirely your pet’s back, leaving enough room for its tail to freely wiggle.
It is made of breathable and lightweight fabrics, meaning it will ensure maximum air ventilation and won’t add pressure on your pet’s body.
It can be easily dressed and adjusted thanks to the two Velcro straps around the neck and the belly.
The open-back design ensures enough space for your pet’s tail to move freely, without any trace of discomfort.
It represents the perfect choice if you’re tired of all those cute big dog costumes and you want something that will truly inspire the fright on Halloween night.
Keep in mind that the costume is specifically designed for cats or small dog breeds, so don’t expect it to fit an Australian Shepherd, even if you order the bigger size. There is an adjustable Velcro closure around the belly but you need to measure your pet’s girth before ordering to make sure it fits.
The product does seem to run on the small side, so you might want to order a size up.
8. Nacoco Pet Guitar Player Dog Costume
Every vocalist needs a cool guitar player to enhance their songs, and you won’t have to wait for Christmas to send a letter to Santa to fulfill this wish for you. All you need is your pet and this costume to make for the best musical duo in the world.
The full guitarist costume is available in three sizes, ranging from M to XL, fitting dogs and other pets up to 22 pounds. Thus, it represents a great choice if you own a small-sized dog breed like a poodle, pug, French bulldog or even a cat.
It is made of cotton, meaning it won’t cause irritations or skin rashes to your pet even when being worn for many hours. Also, it is breathable and lightweight, ensuring a comfortable fit. The costume goes over the front feet and around the neck and can be easily put on in one minute.
Made of cotton fabrics, this item is breathable and lightweight at the same time, making it suitable for Halloween, Christmas, costume parties or special photo shootings.
Complete with a sewn-in guitar and a set of hands, you will make your pet irresistible with the help of this outfit. Who knows, it may be the beginning of a fruitful musical collaboration.
It doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes to put on and even less to take off thanks to the adjustable Velcro closure around the neck. This means that you won’t stress your dog too much and it might enjoy wearing the costume.
It makes for the perfect Halloween or costume party all-year-round.
You can’t wash the product as the guitar is not made of the same fabric as the rest of the costume and you can’t take it off.
Not all dogs will enjoy wearing a costume that has attached hands so watch out for any fuss or signs of irritation. If your pup feels uncomfortable, immediately take off the costume.
9. Impoosy Christmas Pet Dog Shirt Wizard Costume
Let your pet channel its inner Harry Potter with the help of this cute wizard costume. It is available in various sizes, ranging from Small to X-Large, suitable for dogs of almost all breeds, regardless of their weight or size.
It is the perfect costume for photoshoots, Christmas, costume parties or Halloween and you can match it with yours to bring more magic to any event.
The product is made of high-quality and soft fabrics that won’t cause rashes, redness or itching. It is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable at the same time, preserving your pet’s regular body temperature.
It can be easily put on and adjusted thanks to the Velcro straps so you can ensure your pet will feel comfortable wearing it. Add the included pair of glasses for a complete transformation!
If the product gets dirty or your dog spills food on it, you can just put it in the washing machine and have it cleaned in half an hour.
The costume comes with a cape and a pair of glasses for a complete wizard transformation. All you need is the right book of spells and your pup is ready for a full night out for Halloween.
The outfit is made of soft and breathable fabrics and won’t cause redness, rashes or itching, even when wearing it for hours.
It is also lightweight and comfortable so it won’t add too much pressure on your pet’s body, unlike other large dog costumes.
You can purchase it in four sizes, based on your pet’s neck girth that ranges between 12 inches and 23 inches. You can also consult the manufacturer’s detailed size chart for the best fit for your doggo.
Going through some product reviews, you will find out that the costume runs on the bigger side, so you should consider ordering a size down for a proper fit.
10. Pandaloon Panda Puppy Pet Costume Set
Turn your pooch into an adorable Panda bear with the help of this amazing Halloween costume. The set includes a full-length hoodie costume and a bamboo accessory, as well as detailed fit instructions to always purchase the right size for your pet. And, speaking of sizes, you can opt for one out of the four available.
The product is made of high-quality plush fabric and features reinforced feet, making it a great choice for the late fall and winter days. The adjustable Velcro closures at the face and back provide the perfect teddy bear illusion, turning your pet into an adorable walking toy.
The patented design is award-winning and recommended by thousands of happy customers. Keep in mind that this is a front-facing costume, meaning the back is open to maximize your pet’s comfort. The drawstring cords can be tied in a bow for easy dressing or tucked under for a clean look.
The item is designed to fit most small and medium-sized pets.
It is made of quality plush fabric that will keep your pup warm during the cold winter mornings, meaning it can be used as a seasonal outfit instead of just a Halloween costume.
Choose the right size from the four available, based on your pet’s dimensions. We strongly recommend to measure your pooch carefully and compare the measurements with the ones provided by the manufacturing company for a perfect fit.
This award-winning costume is front-facing to increase your pet’s comfort and allow for maximum adjustability.
Since it is made of plush, the costume may be too warm to be worn inside or during the summertime.
Even after measuring your pet and finding the right size according to the size chart, we suggest going 1-2 sizes up as this outfit runs small.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Apart from offering their companion infinite love, pets are also the best partners in crime for their human friends. They will agree with pretty much everything and will give you a hard time once in a while, just to show you who the boss is. This means you can trick them into almost anything, including wearing the most hilarious costumes and cosplays for goofy photoshoots.
However, if you want to make sure you picked the best dog costume for your pooch, here are some aspects you should take into account.
Size & fit
As you probably know, the most important thing to consider is picking the right size and fit for your pooch. Most cool dog costumes are available in various sizes to meet the requirements of almost all breeds and ages. If you want to make sure the costume will fit like a glove, carefully measure your pet’s length and neck and head girth.
Compare your dog’s measurements with the ones provided by the manufacturer and, if your pooch falls in-between sizes, always go for the upper size. Some costumes might shrink after being washed and dried or might cause inconveniences if they fit too tight on your furball. If your dog is tiny, you might want to go for one of the available small dog Halloween costumes.
Materials used
Most pets, including dogs, have sensitive skin, meaning they can easily develop allergic reactions to chemical compounds and dyes used in cosmetic and grooming products, as well as clothes. In order to look after your pooch accordingly, try opting for dog Easter costumes made of soft and natural fibers.
Organic cotton, wool or silk would be the best options but, since most costumes are made of polyester and polyblend fibers, try to at least avoid cheap dog costumes with questionable origins.
Always test the product for a couple of hours before forcing your pet to wear it all night long to see how it reacts. If the costume doesn’t feel good or your pet starts itching or fussing, you should immediately take off the garment and apply a calming lotion.
Breathability
We know style and trends are hard to ignore, especially when you want to match your party outfit with your pet’s costume. However, your pooch should never suffer or feel uncomfortable wearing some pants or overalls just for the sake of fashion and some pretty pictures.
Your pet’s safety should always come first and this is why the costume should be made of breathable fabrics that will provide maximum air ventilation. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable dog costumes specifically designed for pooches that will keep them cool and prevent them from over-sweating or overheating.
Design
Although there are countless Halloween dog costumes available, most pet owners opt for some of the best little dog costumes which also look cute instead of the terrifying ones. The whole idea of a costume is for your pet to feel fun in it, so you don’t want it too tight or too loose. And, if you truly want to win the costume contest, make sure to match your outfit with the one worn by your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What costume size do I need for my dog?
As we previously mentioned, most dog costumes are available in various sizes, designed to match most pet breeds and weights. Choosing the perfect size and fit should be done by carefully measuring your pawed friend and comparing its size, weight, and neck girth with the measurements provided by the manufacturing company.
If your pet falls in-between sizes, you should always go a size up to allow your pet to move freely, without the costume being too tight. However, not all measurements are accurate and this is why you should always try the costume first before buying if you have the chance.
Keep in mind that some products might have interior padding which will also count for a couple of inches taken off from the total size. Besides, washing and drying the costume might cause it to shrink in time, so we strongly recommend you to choose at least one size bigger than what your dog would normally wear.
Q: Will my dog get annoyed by wearing the costume?
Most dogs have a strong personality and this is why they won’t accept everything right away. If your pet is not used to wearing clothes, chances are you will struggle to convince it to wear a costume, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes while you snap some quick photos.
The more complicated the costume it, the higher the chances for your dog to be annoyed by it and refuse to wear it. Therefore, try to stick to products made of one-two pieces maximum that are easy to put on and don’t weigh too much. Make sure all the pieces fit perfectly and that they won’t put pressure on the dog’s head, ears, belly, paws or tail.
As with all other animals, dogs cannot be forced to wear new accessories, so you need to be patient. Have your pet wear its costume for 5-10 minutes daily, one-two weeks before the event so it will gradually get used to it and accept it.
Q: How do I know it’s time to take the costume off?
Dogs have the behavior and temper of a toddler and, just like them, they will get moody and grumpy when something bothers them. Most pups won’t feel comfortable wearing garments for the first time, and this is why you need to be patient.
Some dogs will refuse to be anywhere near collars, leashes, and harnesses, so don’t expect them to be OK wearing a full costume. Some other pooches will take at least a few days until they will get used to the presence of a costume, while only a few will be excited to wear these dog costumes for Halloween immediately.
So, how do you know it’s high time you took the costume off and stopped torturing your barking friend? Signs of anger, anxiety, restlessness will become more evident, while some pooches will even get aggressive, trying to take the clothes off with their teeth.
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