The Miniature Dog Clothes Guide › Bodysuit vs Sweater: What Should Your Miniature Wear?
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: the bodysuit is the better choice. Our Embroidered Fleece Sweaters cover the chest and front legs, while a bodysuit covers the chest, belly and all four legs. Keep a sweater as an extra; make a bodysuit the piece your Miniature actually wears for warmth.
What the Miniature sweater does
The Embroidered Fleece Sweaters ($30) are made of soft, thick fleece with a turtleneck. They cover the entire chest and front legs, fit closely, repel moisture, won’t itch, and have a discreet leash opening on the back. They stretch to go on, with no velcro or zippers, and machine wash cool. They are a lovely piece to look at.
What a bodysuit adds
- The belly and back legs. A sweater stops behind the front legs. A bodysuit keeps going, covering the belly and all four legs.
- A fabric for your weather. Bodysuits come in midweight fleece, heavy fleece, three-layer Windblock and Extra Heavy fleece, with or without a hood.
- A fit that stays put. The legs hold the suit in place through walking, play and bathroom breaks.
Side by side
| Bodysuit | Embroidered Fleece Sweater | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Chest, belly and all four legs | Chest and front legs |
| Fabrics | Midweight to Extra Heavy fleece, Windblock, hooded options | Soft, thick fleece |
| Closures | None, stretches on | None, stretches on |
| Leash opening | On the back (and hood on hooded styles) | On the back |
| Price | $45 to $66 | $30 |
Our recommendation by situation
- Chilly, windy fall walk: Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits ($45). It resists wind and rain and works indoors too.
- Cold winter walk: Heavy Fleece Bodysuits ($50), or Windblock Fleece Bodysuits ($60) when there’s wind and snow.
- A cool house: an Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit or Jammies ($40).
- Sleeping: Jammies.
- Dressing up, layering, or a gift: this is where the sweater shines, as an extra alongside a bodysuit.
Same goes for sweatshirts and shirts
Heavyweight Sweatshirts ($28) are heavy fleeced cotton for a chilly house or a transitional day, and Lightweight Shirts ($27) are breathable stretch cotton. Both are nice extras. When you want warmth or coverage, choose the bodysuit: an Indoor/Outdoor or winter fleece bodysuit for cold, Rompers for heat, sun and air-conditioning.
Why we still make sweaters
Plenty of owners love a sweater for photos, visits and holidays, and the embroidered fleece makes it a beautiful extra. We simply don’t want it to be the only thing between your dog and the weather. Pair a sweater with an Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit or a winter fleece bodysuit, and your Miniature is covered for both style and warmth. If you buy one piece this season, make it the bodysuit.
Sizing is the same
Sweaters, sweatshirts, shirts and bodysuits all come in Miniature size 12, so one set of measurements covers everything. See how to measure.
Ready to find your Miniature’s fit?
Browse all Miniature dog clothes, check the Miniature sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sweater or a bodysuit warmer for a small dog?
A bodysuit covers more. The Miniature Embroidered Fleece Sweater covers the chest and front legs; a bodysuit covers the chest, belly and all four legs, and comes in fabrics for every kind of winter.
Do Houndz sweaters itch?
No. The Embroidered Fleece Sweaters are made of soft, thick fleece and will not itch.
Can a Miniature wear a sweater over a bodysuit?
A sweater is best worn as an extra at home or for fun. For warmth outside, choose a bodysuit in the right weight for your weather.