Most dogs don’t need pajamas, but a soft, well-fitting PJ can help keep hairless and short-coated dogs warmer, and it can make a family photo morning a lot more fun. If you dress your dog, choose a size that fits without pinching, stay with your dog the whole time it’s dressed, and take the PJ off when your dog is crated, left alone, too warm or clearly unhappy.
Below, we walk through when clothing makes sense for a dog, how to measure for fit, and how our Gisele Printed TENCEL™ Modal Pet PJ works with matching family sets.
Does your dog actually need pajamas?
For most dogs, a coat of fur does the job. Sweaters, shirts and coats are most useful for keeping hairless and short-coated dogs warm and comfortable in cold weather.
- Good candidates: hairless or short-coated dogs in a cool house, and dogs who already tolerate wearing a sweater.
- Skip it: in warm weather or a warm room. Dogs can overheat easily, so a layer that is welcome on a cold morning isn’t on a hot day.
- Keep it short: dress your dog only for short periods.
If your dog has a health condition that affects how it handles cold or heat, ask your veterinarian before adding a layer.
Safety rules for dressing a dog
Pajamas are for supervised moments, not for unattended naps.
- Supervise every minute. A dog wearing clothes should always be supervised.
- Take it off before crating or leaving. Remove clothes when your dog is crated or unattended, because they could snag and become a choking hazard.
- Get the fit right. Clothing should fit well without being too tight, which can be uncomfortable, while oversized clothing can make a dog trip or get caught on something.
- Keep the face, eyes and legs free. Avoid anything that covers the nose, mouth or eyes or stops your dog walking, toileting or resting normally.
- Watch for chewing. Small attachments can be pulled off and swallowed. If your dog chews buttons or trim, take the PJ off.
- Read the signs. Difficulty moving normally, freezing in place, struggling to remove the garment or anxious panting are signs to stop. Never force a dog to wear clothes if it shows discomfort or stress.
How to measure your dog for pajamas
Measure with a soft measuring tape while your dog is standing. Three measurements help:
- Neck: around the base of the neck, where a collar sits.
- Chest (girth): around the largest part of the rib cage.
- Back length: along the top of the spine, from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
When measuring around the neck and chest, slip two fingers between the tape and your dog so the fit isn’t too tight. If your dog falls between sizes, the larger size is usually the more comfortable choice. Then compare your numbers with our pet PJ size guide:
| Size | Chest | Neck | Length | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18–22 in | 10–14 in | 9.5 in | 8–12 lbs |
| M | 21–25 in | 12–16 in | 12 in | 12–18 lbs |
| L | 24–28 in | 14–18 in | 13.5 in | 18–25 lbs |
| XL | 27–31 in | 16–20 in | 15.25 in | 25–35 lbs |
| XXL | 30–34 in | 18–22 in | 16.75 in | 35–45 lbs |
Chest and neck matter most; weight is a rough guide, so always measure your dog.
The Eberjey pet PJ, in detail
The Gisele Printed TENCEL™ Modal Pet PJ ($58, sizes S–XXL) is our Gisele pajama made for four-legged family members. Here is what the product page says:
- Fabric: 95% LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane. Eberjey describes it as buttery soft and says the fabric is verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
- Design: a fitted PJ with short sleeves, a button-down front, a notch collar, a chest pocket and contrast piping throughout.
- Care: turn inside out, machine wash cold with like colors on a gentle cycle, use only non-chlorine bleach when needed, and tumble dry low.
Because the pet PJ has a button front, do up every button before your dog wears it, and check now and then that none are loose. You’ll find every available print in the pet PJs collection.
Matching the whole family
Eberjey says the pet PJ is meant to pair with matching Gisele and kids PJs. In the Hollyberry print, a full set can look like this:
| Who | Style | Fabric | Regular price | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Gisele Printed TENCEL™ Modal Pet PJ | 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane | $58 | S–XXL |
| Women | Gisele Printed TENCEL™ Modal Crewneck PJ Set | 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane | $148 | XXS–XL |
| Men | Henry Printed TENCEL™ Modal Long PJ Set | 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane | $168 | XXS–XXL |
| Kids | Kids Printed TENCEL™ Modal Unisex Long PJ Set | 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane | $72 | Kids 2–10 |
For more ideas, see our guides to matching family Christmas pajamas and the Santa Paws pajamas, or browse matching family pajamas for every season.
Helping your dog get used to pajamas
Some dogs take to clothes right away and others need time. Start somewhere quiet: let your dog sniff the PJ, reward interest, hold it near the body before putting it on, and go back a step if your dog seems stressed. Introduce clothing gradually, with treats and praise.
- Start with a few minutes indoors, then build up.
- Pair the PJ with something your dog loves, like a treat or a game.
- Take photos early, while your dog is still relaxed, then take the PJ off.
Frequently asked questions
Should my dog wear pajamas?
Only if your dog is comfortable in them and you can supervise. Clothing helps most with hairless and short-coated dogs in cold conditions; take clothes off when a dog is crated, unattended, overheating or stressed.
Can my dog sleep in pajamas overnight?
It’s safest not to. Remove clothes when a dog is crated or unattended, because they could snag and become a choking hazard, and keep dressing to short, supervised periods.
How should dog pajamas fit?
Snug enough not to slip or trip your dog, but loose enough that you can slide two fingers under the neck and chest. Clothing that is too tight is uncomfortable, and baggy clothing can cause tripping or snagging.
What sizes does the Eberjey pet PJ come in?
The Gisele Printed TENCEL™ Modal Pet PJ comes in sizes S–XXL, for dogs from about 8 to 45 lbs. Size S fits an 18–22 in chest and XXL a 30–34 in chest. Measure your dog’s neck and chest, compare them with the pet PJ size guide, and size up if your dog is between sizes.
How much is the Eberjey pet PJ?
The Gisele Printed TENCEL™ Modal Pet PJ in Hollyberry is $58 at regular price.
How do I wash my dog’s pajamas?
For the Eberjey pet PJ: turn it inside out, machine wash cold with like colors on a gentle cycle, use only non-chlorine bleach when needed, and tumble dry low.
What are signs my dog doesn’t like wearing clothes?
Watch for difficulty moving normally, freezing in place, trying to pull the garment off and anxious panting. If you see any of these, take the pajamas off.
