Pug, French Bulldog and Boston Terrier Clothes Guide › Bodysuit vs Coat (or Sweater): Which Is Better for a Pug, Frenchie or Boston?
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: a four-leg bodysuit is the better choice. It covers the chest, belly and all four legs, stays in place on a wide-chested dog, and goes on without any closures. A coat, sweater or sweatshirt leaves some of those areas bare.
Side by side
| Four-leg bodysuit | Back-only coat | Sweater or sweatshirt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Chest, belly and all four legs | Back and sides; chest and legs often bare | Chest and front legs; belly and back legs bare |
| Stays in place | Yes, all four legs hold it on | Can twist or slide on a wide chest | Front legs only |
| Closures | None on ours: it stretches to go on | Usually velcro, buckles or zippers | Our sweaters have no velcro or zippers |
| Harness and leash | Discreet opening on the back | Varies | Opening on the back on ours |
| Bathroom | Cut to allow all bodily functions | Not an issue | Not an issue |
Why the bodysuit wins for these breeds
- Full coverage. Our bodysuits cover the whole body, including the chest and legs.
- A fit that holds. Pugs, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs have a chest several inches larger than their back length. A coat has little to grip on that shape; a bodysuit is anchored by all four legs.
- Nothing to come undone. No velcro, zippers or clasps to pull open across a wide chest.
- Made for activity. The Heavy Fleece Bodysuits is designed for walking, running in the snow and going to the bathroom.
Which bodysuit instead of a coat?
- Cold, windy winter walks: Heavy Fleece Bodysuits ($60). Thick, warm fleece that resists wind and repels rain and snow. Outside wear only.
- Chilly days, mild winters, the house and travel: Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits ($52). Midweight fleece that resists wind and rain, comfortable inside and out.
Even on a mild day, choose the Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit rather than a sweater. It gives the same easy wear with full coverage.
Where sweaters and sweatshirts fit in
Our Heavy Fleece Sweaters ($42) cover the chest and front legs with a close-fitting turtleneck, and our Heavyweight Sweatshirts ($32) are heavy fleeced cotton. They are nice extras for variety, but they don’t cover the belly or back legs, so for walks we recommend a bodysuit.
Common worries, answered
- “Can my dog go to the bathroom?” Yes. Our bodysuits are cut to allow all bodily functions.
- “What about the harness?” It goes on first, and the ring comes through the opening on the back.
- “Will it fit my dog’s chest?” The line is sized by both length and chest, in 3 sizes, and the Heavy Fleece Bodysuit stretches sideways for dogs of different weights.
Isn’t a bodysuit hard to put on?
It takes a little practice the first few times. Our bodysuits stretch for easy on and off, and with practice it becomes a quick routine. See how to put on a bodysuit.
Next: which bodysuit for which weather.
Ready to find your dog’s fit?
Browse all Pug, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog clothes, check the Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog 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 a French Bulldog?
A four-leg bodysuit. It covers the chest, belly and all four legs, stays in place on a wide-chested dog, and has no velcro, zippers or clasps to come undone.
Is a sweater enough for my Pug?
We recommend a bodysuit instead. A sweater covers the chest and front legs only. For chilly days, the Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuit covers the whole body and can be worn inside and out.
Can my Boston Terrier wear a harness with a bodysuit?
Yes. Houndz in the Hood bodysuits have a discreet leash and harness opening on the back.