Italian Greyhound Clothes Guide › Bodysuit vs Coat: Which Is Better for an Italian Greyhound?
From Houndz in the Hood, based on the fitting notes of founder Terri Goodwillie, who has made clothes for Italian Greyhounds in New York City since 1999. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: for cold weather, a four-leg bodysuit keeps an Italian Greyhound much warmer than a coat, because it covers the chest, belly and legs where Iggies lose the most heat. A coat is quicker to put on but leaves those areas bare.
If you have been searching for an Italian Greyhound onesie or jumpsuit, a bodysuit is the same garment: a one-piece suit with four legs.
Side by side
| Four-leg bodysuit | Back-only coat | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Chest, belly and all four legs | Back and sides; chest and legs often bare |
| Stays in place | Yes, the legs hold it on through running and play | Can twist or slide on a deep-chested dog |
| Closures | None on ours: it stretches sideways to go on | Usually velcro, buckles or zippers |
| Harness and leash | Opening on the back (and on the hood of hooded styles) | Varies |
| Bathroom | Cut to allow all bodily functions | Not an issue |
| Putting it on | Takes a little practice (see our how-to) | Fast |
When a bodysuit is the better choice
- Your Iggy shivers on walks even in a coat
- It is windy, snowy or below freezing
- Your dog runs, plays in the snow or rolls, and coats keep twisting
When something lighter is enough
For mild days or a short trip outside, a Heavy Fleece Sweater covers the chest and front legs, and Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits work inside and out from 45°F up.
Why we started with the bodysuit
In 1998 the coats our founder could find for her Iggy, Matisse, came in 3 generic sizes and only covered his back. His chest and thin legs were freezing. The first Houndz in the Hood Bodysuit covered his whole body, stretched sideways instead of using zippers, velcro or buttons, and had a harness opening on the back. That is still the design today.
Next: which bodysuit for which weather.
Ready to find your Iggy’s fit?
Browse all Italian Greyhound clothes, check the Italian Greyhound sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bodysuit or a coat better for an Italian Greyhound?
For cold weather, a four-leg bodysuit is warmer because it covers the chest, belly and legs, where Italian Greyhounds lose the most heat. A coat is faster to put on but leaves those areas exposed.
Can my Italian Greyhound wear a harness with a bodysuit?
Yes. Houndz in the Hood bodysuits have an opening on the back for a harness or leash, and hooded styles add a second opening on the hood.
Can my dog go to the bathroom in a bodysuit?
Yes. The bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions.