Whippet Clothes: A Fit Guide for Deep Chests and Narrow Waists
Whippet clothes fit when they are cut for three things most dog patterns ignore: a chest that drops almost to the elbow, a waist that tucks up sharply behind the ribs, and a long, arched neck. Measure your whippet's neck, chest, back length and leg length, choose pieces built for a 20 to 22 inch back, and expect the best fit from made-to-measure clothing rather than a generic size chart.
Italian Greyhounds are our specialty, and we also make outfits for whippets and full-size greyhounds. Here is why standard dog clothing fails a whippet, what to measure, and which pieces in our shop are made for the whippet frame.
Key takeaways
- A whippet's deep brisket and sharp tuck-up are why off-the-rack dog clothes gap, twist or slide.
- Measure neck, chest, back length and leg length; weight alone will not size a whippet.
- Our Whippet size is built around a back length of 20 to 22 inches.
- Fleece bodysuits, 2-legged jumpers, XL fleece vests, walking coats and raincoats all come in whippet versions.
- Custom pieces are made to your measurements and typically ship in about 4 weeks.
Why Off-the-Rack Dog Clothes Fail Whippets
Most dog clothing is drafted for a body shaped like a barrel, roughly the same width from chest to hips. A whippet is shaped more like a wedge. The AKC breed standard for the whippet calls for a very deep brisket that reaches nearly to the point of the elbow, a definite tuck-up of the underline, and a long, muscular, well-arched neck. Each of those features breaks a standard pattern in its own way.
A chest that drops to the elbow
If a garment fits the widest part of a whippet's chest, it is far too roomy behind it. If it fits the waist, it will not go over the ribs. Generic sizing has to pick one.
A tuck-up that leaves a gap
Behind the ribs, the underline sweeps up toward the loin. A straight-cut belly floats well below the body there, letting cold air in and letting the garment twist as your dog trots. A good whippet top narrows with the body.
A long neck and a wide size range
Collars on standard patterns often sit too low on that long neck, so they gape and slide toward the shoulders. Size also varies a lot within the breed. The AKC lists whippets at 19 to 22 inches tall for males and 18 to 21 inches for females, at 25 to 40 pounds, and the American Whippet Club notes that males tend to run one to two inches taller and three to six pounds heavier than females. That spread is why weight-based sizing rarely works, and the AKC points out that two dogs of the same weight can have very different measurements.
The UK veterinary charity PDSA says longer dogs such as greyhounds, lurchers and whippets need coats designed for their dimensions, because others are unlikely to fit correctly. Our founder spent more than 40 years sewing and tailoring human clothing before she began designing for Italian Greyhounds in 2012. She wrote this about Iggies, and it holds just as true for whippets:
"Italian Greyhounds have such unique bodies that getting the fit just right is very important not only for warmth and protection but also for safety."
What to Measure Before You Buy Whippet Clothing
Four numbers tell us almost everything: neck, chest, back length and leg length. Our step-by-step measuring guide walks through each one, and the method is the same for a whippet as for an Iggy. In short, measure the neck where a collar naturally sits, the chest at its widest point just behind the front legs with your dog standing, and the back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Leg length matters for anything with sleeves or legs. On our whippet and greyhound tops we ask for the leg length from the spine to where you want the fabric to stop, and the listing warns that people usually measure the legs too long.
Our larger standard sizes line up like this. Read the size details in each product description too, and check our full size guide before you order.
| Size | Back length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Large (Iggy) | 17 to 18 in | 16 to 20 lb |
| Whippet | 20 to 22 in | Not listed |
| Greyhound | 26 to 28 in | Not listed |
Back length sets the size, but not the fit. Two whippets with the same back length can have very different chests, which is why our custom listings ask for every measurement. If your dog falls between sizes, go custom. For all three sighthound breeds side by side, see our Italian Greyhound vs whippet vs greyhound comparison.
Whippet Onesies and Fleece Bodysuits
A four-legged bodysuit, the piece most owners call a whippet onesie, covers the chest, back, belly and all four legs. The AKC notes that bodysuits are especially beneficial for lean-bodied dogs with longer legs who are susceptible to cold weather, which describes a whippet well.
Our custom whippet and greyhound fleece bodysuit is made in anti-pill plush fleece and custom fit so your dog can move comfortably. These details from the listing matter most for the whippet shape:
- Cuffs snug around the ankles, so the legs stay where they belong.
- You choose a hood or a snood at the neck, and the hood is removable.
- The underside is finished with soft fold over elastic, which adds to the trim fit.
- There are no snaps, Velcro or buckles. It slips over the head, then the front legs, then the hind legs.
- You can pick the body color or pattern plus a complementary color for the snood, cuffs or hood.
We also make a fleece bodysuit for Iggies, whippets and greyhounds in fleece or luxury fleece, with a snug collar and cuffs. If your dog is larger than the sizes listed there, the listing asks you to request a custom order so we can work out the details. Browse colors on our fleece swatch page and our luxury fleece swatches.
Whippet Shirts, Tops and Jumpers
A 2-legged top covers the chest, back and front legs and leaves the hind end free. It is one of the easiest layers to put on and take off. Our custom greyhound or whippet 2-legged top comes in cotton knit for a little extra coverage or fleece for an added layer of warmth. You can choose different colors for the body, sleeves, cuffs and collar, or keep the whole top in one fabric.
To order, you will need neck and chest circumference, back length from the base of the neck to just above the tail, and leg length. That last number is what makes a whippet shirt look tailored rather than borrowed.
For bright days, our custom UV t-shirts and sleeveless turtlenecks are cut from UPF 50 fabric that the listing says blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. For a larger pup, whippet or greyhound, the listing asks you to name an alternate print in case there is not enough of your first choice. Why thin-coated dogs benefit from sun-blocking fabric is covered in our post on the benefits of UV blocking tops.
Stripes deserve a mention. Striped knit is hard to find, and the listing for our custom striped long-sleeved tops says Iggies and whippets look adorable in them. If your household includes both breeds, our I am not a Whippet striped shirt is made for the Iggy who is tired of strangers getting the breed wrong.
Vests and Outerwear for Whippets
A sleeveless vest is the quickest layer to add on a cool evening. Our ready to wear XL fleece vests are soft turtleneck vests in plush anti-pill fleece, with leg openings finished in soft elastic. The listing gives the finished size: neck 14 inches, chest 24 inches, length 19 inches. Compare those numbers with your tape measure; if your whippet's neck or chest is bigger, go custom.
For walks, two pieces cover most whippet weather. Our blanket style fleece walking coat is a double layer fleece coat made to your dog's measurements, with a turtleneck or a drawstring snood, a double Velcro closing for a secure fit, and an optional leash opening that can be aligned with an existing harness ring. Our whippet and greyhound blanket style raincoat handles wet days.
How to layer these for real cold is its own topic. We cover it in whippet coats and jumpers for cold weather, and rain gear in our raincoat guide for greyhounds and whippets.
Custom or Ready to Wear for a Whippet?
Our Ready to Wear listings come in standard Iggy sizes, so for most whippets the custom side of the shop does the heavy lifting. Here is how the two compare.
| Question | Custom | Ready to Wear |
|---|---|---|
| How it is sized | Made to your dog's measurements | Standard sizes, plus the XL fleece vest |
| Your choices | Fabric, colors and style | As shown in the listing |
| Timing | Typically ships in about 4 weeks | Ships the next business day |
| Good to know | Made to order and not returnable | Most styles in limited supply |
Custom production time varies with how busy the shop is, quantity and complexity, and an order ships when its longest-production item is ready. Browse everything made to order in our custom collection, or see what is in stock in the Ready to Wear collection.
Once a piece arrives, check the fit before the first long walk. Your whippet should be able to walk, run, jump and go to the bathroom normally. The PDSA notes that biting or scratching at a coat, or rubbing against the floor and furniture, is a sign it does not fit right, and the AKC adds that clothing should never be so loose that a dog could get tangled in it. Our post on how dog clothes should fit has the full checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size clothes does a whippet wear?
Our Whippet size is built around a back length of 20 to 22 inches, measured from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Neck and chest matter just as much, so read the size details in each product description and check the size guide. If your measurements do not fall neatly into a size, a custom order is the safest choice.
Can a whippet wear Italian Greyhound clothes?
Usually not. Our largest standard Iggy size is built for a 17 to 18 inch back and 16 to 20 pounds, while the AKC lists adult whippets at 25 to 40 pounds. Most whippets need whippet-sized or custom pieces.
Do whippets need clothes?
Many do in cold, wet or windy weather. The AKC names whippets among the naturally lean, short-coated breeds that can quickly become cold in winter. If you are unsure what your dog needs, ask your veterinarian.
How should a whippet onesie fit?
Close to the body without limiting movement. The cuffs should sit snugly at the ankles, the neck should not gape, and your dog should be able to sit, lie down and stretch out normally. Rubbing under the front legs or twisting around the waist are signs of a poor fit.
How long does custom whippet clothing take?
Custom items typically ship in about 4 weeks, though timing varies with how busy the shop is and how complex the design is. Because custom pieces are made to measure, they are not returnable, so double-check your numbers before you order.
Ready to Dress Your Whippet?
Start with a tape measure and the size guide, then pick a base layer for the house and something for walks. If your whippet has an unusual build, or you want a piece we do not list in whippet sizes, send us the details through our free Custom Order Quote form. You can also see what we have made for other breeds on our non-Iggy outfits page.