When Sarah first measured her Golden Retriever, Leo, for a wedding tuxedo, she made every mistake in the book. The chest girth was two inches too loose. The back length somehow included the tail. The suit didn't fit — and the rush tailoring fee was already paid.
This guide exists so you don't repeat Sarah's mistakes.
Whether you're ordering a custom handmade dog shirt for a casual outing or a full tuxedo for a formal event, getting the right measurements is the single most important step. Here's exactly how to do it.
What You'll Need
A soft fabric measuring tape. The kind used for sewing — flexible, about 60 inches long. A metal tape measure or a piece of string will not give you accurate results.
A helper. Two people are better than one. One person holds the dog steady and offers treats; the other takes measurements.
A notebook or a note on your phone. Don't rely on memory. Write each measurement down as you take it.
The 5 Essential Measurements
A properly fitted custom suit requires five numbers. Each one serves a specific purpose in the tailoring process.
1. Chest Girth (Most Important)
This is the measurement that determines whether the suit will button comfortably.
How to measure: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog's ribcage, just behind the front legs. The tape should be snug — not tight enough to compress the fur, but not loose either. You should be able to slip two fingers between the tape and your dog's body.
Common mistake: Measuring too far forward or too far back. The widest part of the ribcage is usually about one hand-width behind the front legs. Take this measurement twice to confirm.
2. Back Length
This determines the overall fit of the jacket or shirt body.
How to measure: Find the base of the neck — where a standard collar sits — and measure straight along the spine to the base of the tail. The tape should follow the natural curve of the back.
Common mistake: Including the tail in the measurement. Stop exactly where the tail meets the body. Also, do not stretch the neck — let the dog stand naturally.
3. Neck Circumference
This determines collar comfort.
How to measure: Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, where a collar normally sits. Slide one finger underneath to ensure comfort.
Note for long-haired breeds: Compress the fur gently when measuring. What feels snug over fluffy fur will be loose once the fur settles.
4. Leg Circumference (For Full Suits)
Required only if you're ordering a full suit with pant legs or a bodysuit-style garment.
How to measure: Measure around the thickest part of the front leg, just below the elbow joint. Do the same for the back legs. Record each leg separately.
5. Weight
Not a measurement in the traditional sense, but essential context for the tailor.
Why it matters: Weight confirms whether the other measurements are plausible. Our craftsmen at Lovavia use weight as a cross-check against the tape measurements to catch inconsistencies before cutting fabric.
Breed-Specific Notes
Deep-chested breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Dobermans): Measure the chest girth generously — these breeds need extra room around the sternum.
Short-legged breeds (Corgis, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs): Back length often feels proportionally longer relative to height. Take the back measurement carefully.
Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds): Gently press the fur down when measuring — otherwise the suit will be one full size too large once the fur settles.
Small breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians): Small dogs move differently and may be more sensitive to garment fit. Measure twice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring after a meal. A full belly adds 1-2 inches to the chest girth. Measure when your dog has not eaten for at least two hours.
Measuring a sitting or lying dog. Dogs change shape when they change position. All measurements must be taken while the dog is standing.
Relying on a single measurement. Always take at least two measurements of each dimension.
Guessing based on a store-bought size. A size M from one brand is not the same as from another. Custom garments follow exact measurements, not sizes.
Skipping the neck measurement for cats. Cat owners frequently overlook this. Cats need a comfortably snug neck.
From Measurements to Perfect Fit
At Lovavia, each set of measurements is reviewed by a garment specialist before a single piece of fabric is cut.
1-3 day review period. The specialist checks the measurements against breed averages, weight benchmarks, and the specific garment type.
Allowance built in. Lovavia's patterns include a small amount of "ease" — extra room for movement, breathing, and comfort — typically 1-2 inches in the chest.
Fabric-specific adjustments. A wool-blend tuxedo has different drape than a lightweight linen shirt. Our seasonal collection uses fabrics selected for each season.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
☐ Chest girth measured twice
☐ Back length measured from base of neck to base of tail
☐ Neck circumference with one-finger comfort gap
☐ Leg circumference (only if ordering pants/bodysuit)
☐ Current weight recorded
☐ Dog standing on all four paws during all measurements
☐ All numbers written down (not memorized)
☐ Breed specified in the order notes
Ready to Order?
Browse our collection of custom handmade pet apparel — from daily wear to formal occasion wear — and submit your measurements when you order.
A custom suit that actually fits isn't a luxury. It's the standard.
Lovavia is a bespoke pet couture brand. Start your order.
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