The Dog Bodysuit Guide › Dog Bodysuit Fabrics Compared: From Cotton Rompers to Windblock
From Houndz in the Hood, based on the fitting notes of founder Terri Goodwillie, who has made breed-fitted dog clothes in New York City since 1999. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: choose the fabric by where and when your dog wears it. Rompers (stretch cotton) for heat, sun, travel and air-conditioning; Jammies (micro chamois fleece) for sleep; Indoor/Outdoor (midweight fleece) for mild days inside and out; Heavy, Extra Heavy and Windblock fleece for winter walks, outside only.
Every bodysuit fabric at a glance
| Style | Weather (from our product pages) | Wear | Breed lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rompers (stretch cotton) | Air-conditioning, travel, sun, cool days and drizzle | Indoors and out | All lines except Pug, Boston & Frenchie |
| Jammies (micro chamois fleece) | Lounging and sleeping, day and night | Indoors | All lines except Pug, Boston & Frenchie |
| Indoor/Outdoor (midweight fleece) | Fall and spring, and all winter in mildly cold regions; 45°F and above on the Italian Greyhound page | Indoors and out | All 6 lines |
| Heavy Fleece | Cold, windy winter weather; below 45°F (Dachshund), 45°F down to the 20s (Italian Greyhound) | Outside only | All 6 lines; hooded in 4 (not Dachshund or Pug, Boston & Frenchie) |
| Extra Heavy Fleece | Freezing weather; the hooded styles say below 35°F | Outside only | All lines except Pug, Boston & Frenchie |
| Windblock Fleece | Into the 20s; 32°F to 20°F on the hooded styles; down to 15°F on the Dachshund page | Outside only | All lines except Pug, Boston & Frenchie |
| Extra Heavy Windblock Fleece | Down to single digits; 25°F to 8-10°F on the hooded styles; below 25°F on the Dachshund page | Outside only | All lines except Pug, Boston & Frenchie |
Temperatures are the ones printed on our product pages. They vary a little by breed line, so check the page for your dog’s line.
The fabrics, one by one
Rompers: stretch cotton
A full cotton bodysuit for air-conditioned houses and cars, camping trips and plane rides, and sun. Rompers give warmth on cool days, keep a dog dry from drizzle, are good for agility practice and warm-ups, and are comfortable to sleep in. They can be wetted down to help your dog stay cool in the sun. Example: Miniature Rompers ($38).
Jammies: micro chamois fleece
Light and warm, for lounging and sleeping under the covers or on top, day and night. Example: Dachshund Jammies ($45).
Indoor/Outdoor: midweight fleece
The bodysuit made to be worn inside as well as out. It resists wind and rain, suits fall and spring in northern climates and all winter in mildly cold regions, and is good for travel, hiking and camping. Example: Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits ($52).
Heavy Fleece: thick polar fleece
Thick and warm, for cold, windy winter weather. It covers the full body including the chest and legs and is designed for walking, running in the snow and going to the bathroom. It resists wind and snow. Hooded versions cover the head, ears and neck. Example: Toy & Teacup Heavy Fleece Bodysuits ($45).
Extra Heavy Fleece: very thick velour fleece
Resists the wind, repels snow and adds warmth in very cold conditions. The hooded styles say “great for weather below 35 degrees”, and the hood rolls back into a turtleneck. Example: Whippet Extra Heavy Fleece Hooded Bodysuits ($95).
Windblock and Extra Heavy Windblock
Two fleeces with a polyurethane layer between them, so the fabric is wind-blocking and water-repellent. Windblock is made for temperatures into the 20s; Extra Heavy Windblock is much thicker, down to single digits on most lines. Read what windblock fleece is. Example: Italian Greyhound Extra Heavy Windblock Fleece Hooded Bodysuits ($95).
Inside or outside?
- Made for indoors: Jammies, Rompers and Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits.
- Outside only: Heavy, Extra Heavy and Windblock fleece. Take them off when you come home so your dog doesn’t overheat.
Building a set
A practical set is two or three bodysuits: a winter fleece matched to their coldest walks, an Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit or Romper for in-between days and the house, and Jammies for bed. Sweaters and sweatshirts can be added as extras, but the bodysuit is the piece that covers the legs and belly.
Ready to choose? See the dog bodysuit buying guide for prices by line.
Ready to find your dog’s bodysuit?
Browse the breed lines (Italian Greyhound, Dachshund, Whippet, Miniature, Toy & Teacup, Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog), compare the size guides, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which dog bodysuit fabric can be worn indoors?
Jammies, Rompers and Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits. Heavy, Extra Heavy and Windblock fleece are for outside wear only.
What is the difference between Heavy Fleece and Windblock?
Heavy Fleece is a thick polar fleece that resists wind and snow. Windblock adds a polyurethane layer between two fleeces, making it wind-blocking and water-repellent, for temperatures into the 20s.
Which bodysuit is for summer?
Rompers, stretch cotton bodysuits for air-conditioning, travel and sun. They can be wetted down to help keep your dog cool outside.