Best Dog Costumes - Comparison and Reviews
Author: Becky Roberts
Last Updated: April 2024
If you have an upcoming party or festive celebration, you may be looking at creative costumes to wear to the event. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be just you that dresses up for the special occasion–you can also buy the perfect costume for your dog.
It’s now easier than ever to find fun and creative costume ideas for dogs. With many of the top costume manufacturers now selling animal costumes as well, there’s no shortage of options to purchase for your pet. You can even find officially licensed costumes from your favorite movies, TV shows, and comic books.
Many of the top costumes come in a variety of different sizes, which means you’ll be able to purchase an outfit that’s tailor-made to fit your dog. The best dog costumes are made from lightweight material that doesn’t retain heat and allows your dog to move freely. In many cases, your dog won’t even know it’s wearing a costume.
If you’re looking for unique dog costumes that can help you draw attention at your next party, it’s time to explore the industry’s best options. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten dog costumes currently available on the market. If you’re looking for fun and creative costumes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any other holiday, make sure to check out some of these top options!
Best Dog Costumes 2024 - Reviews
1. Mogoko Pumpkin Dog Halloween Costume
Mogoko’s dog Halloween costume will help you transform your pet into a pumpkin this Halloween. If you’re looking for a creative costume for your dog, this micro-fiber and velvet option also keeps them warm if the weather gets cold this October 31st. The costume uses a four-button design to wrap snuggly around your dog, and its velvet interior ensures he or she remains comfortable.
The back of the costume exhibits a happy pumpkin face which resembles a traditional jack o’ lantern. Most pet owners choose to use this for Halloween, but it’s also a suitable costume for Thanksgiving and Christmas. While this Mogoko costume is built primarily for dogs, some sizes will also be ideal for cats.
The company offers an extensive measurement guide, but it suggests that you always buy a size slightly larger than your pet to prevent the costume being too tight.
Pros
- Made from a comfortable mixture of velvet and microfiber
- Unique jack o’ lantern design
- Four-button design makes it easy to secure onto your dog
- Also suitable for cats
Cons
- Not suitable for larger dogs—even the XL won’t fit a larger breed
- Runs slightly small, so make sure to buy a size larger than your pet
2. Rubie’s Disney: Micky & Friends Pet Costume
Have you always dreamed of turning your dog into a Disney princess? With Rubie’s officially-licensed Disney princess costume, you can make your wish a reality. This Beauty and the Beast ‘Belle’ costume comes complete with a princess dress, necklace collar, and princess wig.
The costume uses secure straps to ensure it doesn’t dislodge or irritate your dog. You can use this Beauty and the Beast idea for Halloween, Christmas, birthday parties, or any other enjoyable time of the year. Its strap design means it doesn’t provide too much coverage— you won’t have to worry about over-insulating your dog if it’s warm outside.
Rubie’s Disney costume also provides a range of other officially licensed Disney costumes. If you’re determined to find a Disney princess outfit, you’ll also be able to find Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel at Rubie’s.
Pros
- Produced by one of the country’s most notable costume designers
- Officially licensed by Disney
- Includes three components— dress, wig, and collar
- Fits securely around your dog to prevent the costume from moving
- Four different sizes with a detailed size chart
Cons
- Strap design means the costume doesn’t provide extensive coverage or warmth
- May not be suitable for huge dogs
- The wig may be annoying for the dog
3. TOMSENN Dog Lion Mane
If you’re looking for a simple and creative costume idea for your dog, this TOMSENN dog lion mane can help you instantly transform your pet into a lion. This unique costume slips over the head of your pet and secures around the top of its neck. Pet owners have the choice between ‘orange’ and ‘brown and black.’
This costume comes with a 16-inch long mane, complete with fake ears to provide your pet with an authentic lion appearance. It also includes a tassel to place on the end of your dog’s tail for added effect. Whether you’re looking to turn your golden retriever into a lion for Halloween, or you simply want a fun birthday costume, this is an affordable and creative option.
This costume is only suitable for medium and large dogs—there’s only one size available to pet owners. TOMSENN suggests that you use this for dogs with a neck size in between 23 and 30 inches
Pros
- Extremely easy to secure to your dog
- Lightweight design means it won’t cause heat retention
- Comes in two different colors
- Includes fake ears and tail tassel
- Easy to wash for re-use
- The neck-based design ensures the costume doesn’t interfere with your dog’s movements
Cons
- It’s not suitable for smaller dogs
- With only one size on offer, it may be hard to ensure it fits your dog
4. DC Comics Wonder Woman Pet Costume
If you’re a huge Wonder Woman fan, there’s no reason that you can’t dress your dog up as your favorite DC Comics superhero. This officially licensed Wonder Woman costume is produced by Rubie’s. It includes the official branding and logos of Wonder Woman’s traditional outfit.
The costume comes with a one-piece Wonder Woman dress and skirt, as well as the official Wonder Woman headpiece. The full costume is extremely lightweight so that it won’t put any stress on your dog, regardless of the size of your pet.
With seven different sizing options, you’re sure to find an option that fits your dog— just make sure to consult the sizing charts before you make any purchases. If you’re looking for any other DC Comics favorites, Rubie’s produces a full range of officially licensed superhero costumes.
Pros
- Officially licensed product from DC Comics
- Includes main costume and headpiece
- Produced by one of the most trusted names in the industry
- Easy to slip onto your pet— stays secure
- Seven different sizing options for pets
- Affordable pricing
- The same producer offers a range of other DC Comics costumes
Cons
- Some pet owners say the material isn’t comfortable for dogs
- Sizing may run slightly smaller than officially advertised
5. Animal Planet PET20104 Triceratops Dog Costume
California Costume Collections has recently released a creative costume design that can help you transform your dog into a dinosaur. This prehistoric costume offers a triceratops headset, complete with horns and a scale-based design. Whether you’re looking for a fun party costume, or you want something unique for Halloween, this is undoubtedly one of the best options.
The costume fits snuggly on your dog’s head and is secured using a head/neckband. This is solely a headpiece: it doesn’t come with other components that impact your dog’s ability to walk or move. Its lightweight design means it won’t weigh down your dog’s head. It’s the perfect option if you want a costume that doesn’t interfere with your pet or its movements.
While California Costume Collection provides extensive information on its sizing for traditional costumes, you won’t find the same information for this headset. It may be best to confirm that it will fit your dog before you purchase this product.
Pros
- Creative design that offers the perfect dinosaur-style costume headpiece that doesn’t interfere with the rest of your pet’s body
- Affordable price point
- Soft materials
- Secure head strap to keep the headpiece in place
Cons
- May not fit your dog—product provides unclear sizing information
- Only a headset— not suitable for people seeking a full-body costume
6. Pandaloon Panda Puppy Dog and Pet Costume Set
It’s rare to find a pet costume that was made famous by a leading television show, but that’s exactly what’s on offer with the Pandaloon Panda Puppy Dog Costume. This unique costume design featured on an episode of the popular business investment show ‘Shark Tank.’
This costume resembles a teddy bear. Instead of placing it over your dog, it fits around its head. Your dog’s face will pull through a hole in the face of the teddy bear, and the rest of the costume’s body will hang down from the neck. That’s why Pandaloon calls it the ‘Walking Teddy Bear.’
The company also offers, bunnies, lions, and a range of other stuffed animals. The neck is fully adjustable, and the lightweight design prevents undue stress on your dog’s body.
The costume comes in four different sizes. The unique design of this costume means you’ll need to ensure it won’t drag along the floor— make sure to consult the full sizing chart before making any purchases.
Pros
- Unique design that will capture the attention of guests or trick-or-treaters
- Adjustable neck
- Featured on television
- Four sizes and comprehensive sizing chart
- Other stuffed animal options
Cons
- More expensive than some of the other options on our list
- While the costume is extremely lightweight, the design of the product may put stress on your dog’s neck
7. NACOCO Cowboy Rider Dog Costume
If you’re on the hunt for a creative costume from the ‘Wild West,’ look no further than the NACOCO Cowboy Rider Dog Costume. This unique costume transforms your dog into a horse or bull, complete with a cowboy saddled to its back. The saddle of the costume slips over your dog’s body, and the costume’s cowboy looks like he’s holding on for dear life.
When your pet runs, the cowboy on the back will appear to be riding at full speed. His hand holds a yellow cowboy hat for added effect. Whether it’s rodeo season or you’re simply looking for a creative costume idea, this will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.
The breathable material used to construct this costume offers a soft and comfortable touch. You won’t have to worry about this product being uncomfortable for your pet. The strap design ensures the costume doesn’t cover too much surface area when it’s being worn.
Pros
- Creative design that’s sure to draw attention
- Soft and comfortable material
- Affordable price
- Lightweight design
- Four different sizes
- Suitable for multiple breeds (smaller dogs only)
- Perfect for a range of holidays, occasions, or parties
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs
8. Rubie’s Star Wars Chewbacca Hoodie Pet Costume
If you’re a big fan of the Star Wars galaxy, it might be time to consider a Star Wars costume for your pet. ‘Rubie’s’ offers officially licensed pet costumes that are designed to emulate various Star Wars characters. This Chewbacca Hoodie Pet Costume can instantly transform your pet into one of the fantasy series’ most famous stars.
This costume fits snuggly around most of your dog’s body in the same way that a hoodie would fit onto a human. The hoodie component of the costume can flip up to cover the head of your dog. The costume also comes complete with an aesthetic satchel inspired by Chewbacca’s traditional outfit.
Rubie’s offers seven different sizing option, most of which are geared towards smaller dogs. Unlike some of the other costumes on this list, this Chewbacca option can get quite hot during the summer months. Make sure that the weather is suitable for this costume before you purchase it.
Pros
- Creative design that perfectly captures the image of Chewbacca
- Officially licensed from the creators of Star Wars
- Manufactured by one of the most reputable companies in the industry
- Made from soft, comfortable materials
- Seven different sizing options
Cons
- This might not be a suitable option during summer months— too much heat retention
9. Prison Pooch Dog Costume
While you’d never send your pet to jail, it can be funny to pretend they’re a prisoner for a day. This Prison Pooch Dog Costume from Casual Canine is the perfect prisoner’s outfit for your dog. There’s no mistaking the purpose of this costume—it’s ideal for parties and Halloween.
The costume includes a traditional prisoner’s outfit and a prisoner’s hat that sits on top of your dog’s head. The hat includes an elastic strap that helps you secure it in one place. If you’re looking for a creative option that will draw attention to your pet at your next party, it’s hard to go wrong with this option.
The lightweight design ensures the costume doesn’t retain too much heat, too. It’s extremely easy to slip over your pet’s body. There are currently six sizing options available to pet owners. Casual Canine provides sizing information for the costume.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to wear and remove
- The hat comes with a strap to secure it
- Creative costume
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Sizing information doesn’t provide extensive dimensions—may not be suitable for large dogs
10. Rubie’s Pet Costume: Mexican Serape
The last costume on our list is the ‘Mexican Serape’ from one of the largest costume producers in the world—Rubie’s. If you’re looking to add some festive flair to your dog’s next costume, it’s hard to go wrong with this Pancho-like design. It even comes complete with a sombrero.
You can dress your dog in this costume in a matter of seconds. The head hole allows you to slip the serape over your dog’s head and rest it on its neck. The mini-sombrero will rest securely on your dog’s head because of a convenient elastic band.
If you’re looking for a good costume for the summer, it’s hard to beat this option. Its lightweight design doesn’t hug your dog, so you won’t have to worry about it retaining too much heat.
There are four different sizing options available for this product. You can consult Rubie’s sizing charts to find exact measurements for your dog.
Pros
- Creative and festive design
- Produced by one of the most reliable manufacturers in the industry
- A lightweight costume that doesn’t interfere with your dog
- Fits comfortably around your dog’s neck
- Four different sizing options
Cons
- This costume doesn’t retain heat, so it won’t be able to double as a warm clothing item for your dog
- Dogs may find the sombrero annoying
How to Choose the Best Costume for Dogs
Choosing the best dog costume will depend on a variety of factors. You should consider the reason for the occasion, the size of your dog, your budget, and any other component that influences the type of costume that’s suitable for your dog.
One thing is certain, though—you have no shortage of options.
There are literally thousands of dog costumes available online even dog life jackets if you are planning to swim with your pooch.
What Things to Look for in a Dog Costume
When it comes time to choose the best dog costume for your pet, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Below, we’ll explore the core components you need to consider before you make your next costume purchase.
Costume Size that Fits the Dog
If you’re going to invest in a new dog costume, it’s essential to purchase one that will fit your dog comfortably. Buying a costume that is too small may irritate your dog or cause them to overheat. Fortunately, most costume manufacturers offer multiple sizes and include sizing charts with their products.
Still, it may be a good idea to clarify sizing with the manufacturer. Many of the leading costumes on our list run slightly small—meaning that you may need to purchase a size larger than you usually would. This is because the sizing chart offers exact measurements, and you’ll likely need to give your dog some breathing room.
Also, if you have a puppy, make sure to factor its growth into the equation. If you’re ordering a dog costume for a party two months from now, you need to ensure it will fit.
Lightweight Costumes are the Best
Many pet owners make the mistake of purchasing heavy costumes for their pets. In reality, pets hate heavy costumes, and it can often cause a large amount of discomfort. Also, heavy costumes can create heat retention problems if it’s a hot day outside.
You should always be looking at costumes that are lightweight and non-invasive. This is the best way to ensure that your pet is comfortable and happy to wear the costume. You should also consider how much surface area the costume covers. In many cases, it’s better to buy a costume that has very little contact with your dog. Of course, your dog should also be able to go potty easily when the need arises for obvious reasons.
Avoid Costumes with Small Parts
There are many different reasons that you should avoid a costume with small parts at all costs. If there are too many components that make up your costume, it becomes easier to lose parts of the outfit. This can leave you with a useless costume that doesn’t resemble the original product.
Next, small parts can also be bad for your pet. If they’re able to chew on the costume part, they may also choke on it. Dogs are also very adept at removing small parts of a costume. For example, if the costume includes shoes for your dog, you may find that your dog rips them off quickly.
Party Theme
If you’re heading to a party with your dog, you want to choose a costume that suits the theme. If it’s Halloween, almost anything will do the trick. But if you’re going to a party with a specific theme in mind, it’s important to ensure that your dog looks the part.
Fortunately, there’s no excuse for having a costume that doesn’t suit your particular party theme. There are plenty of manufacturers making all types of dog costumes for pet owners. If you can find a costume for humans, there’s a high chance there’s a counterpart for dogs.
Weather Suitability
One of the most critical components to consider when purchasing a new dog costume is the weather. If you are buying a large, warm costume like a dog coat that retains a lot of heat, you won’t want your dog wearing it during the hot summer months. It’s always important to consider climate when you’re buying any form of pet clothing.
Dogs and other pets can be particularly sensitive to weather. You may not even realize that they’re overheating. Make sure to consult with the manufacturer to ask if there are weather conditions that are unsuitable for the costume.
Manufacturer and Consumer Feedback
If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money, it’s essential that you don’t buy a faulty product. The world of modern eCommerce has seen plenty of low-grade manufacturers attempt to sell sub-standard products online. It’s always important to do some research about the product that you’re purchasing.
Buying from well-known manufacturers is often the best way to ensure that you’re purchasing a product that adheres to basic quality standards. It also means that if you have an issue with the product, you have a better chance of resolving the problem. You can typically find out more information about a particular company by looking at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Consumer Affairs—two of the country’s leading consumer watchdog groups.
If you’re purchasing a product from Amazon or another online retailer, you’ll also be able to view customer reviews for the product. Check these to see if there are any recurring quality issues.
Warranty
While many dog costumes are extremely cheap, some of the items on our list do cost a substantial amount of money. If the manufacturer has produced a faulty product, you’ll want to make sure that you’re covered by a reasonable warranty policy. You should always check to ensure that manufacturing problems are covered by an in-house warranty.
Not only does this protect you from undue costs, but it also shows that the producer believes in the quality of their product.
FAQs
We receive a range of interesting questions about dog costumes and related topics. Below, let’s explore some of the common questions consumers often ask about do costumes.
Do dogs like clothes on them?
This will depend entirely on your dog. Many dogs are perfectly happy wearing costumes, while others hate wearing clothes. The best way to ensure your dog doesn’t hate its costume is to purchase lightweight costumes that don’t restrict the dog’s movement. In any case, watch how your dog reacts and remove the costume if they are unhappy.
How do I get my dog to wear clothes?
If you want your dog to wear clothes, you need to make sure that you buy items that don’t interfere with its ability to move freely. You should always make sure a dog can walk without any form of obstruction. Also, as mentioned previously, purchasing lightweight clothes can go a long way in ensuring your dog wears its new clothes.
Are there return policies for dog costumes?
This will depend on the manufacturer. If you’re not sure if the costume will fit your dog, it’s best to purchase a costume from a manufacturer that has a solid return policy.
