The Dog Bodysuit Guide › What Is Windblock Fleece?
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: windblock fleece is a fleece with three layers: a velvety, water-repellent outer fleece, a textured inner fleece for insulation, and a polyurethane (PU) layer in between. That middle layer makes it wind-blocking and water-repellent. Regular fleece resists wind; windblock goes further for cold, windy, snowy days.
How windblock fleece is built
Our product pages describe it as a 2-layered fleece plus an inner layer of plastic:
- Outer fleece: velvety and treated to be water repellent, so it fights off the elements as well as stains.
- Middle layer: a polyurethane barrier that blocks wind and snow, while allowing moisture transmission for “breathable” comfort.
- Inner fleece: textured, adding to the insulation.
Windblock vs regular fleece
| Heavy Fleece | Windblock Fleece | Extra Heavy Windblock | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build | Thick polar fleece | Two fleeces with a PU layer between | The same build in a much thicker fleece |
| Wind | Resists wind | Wind-blocking | Wind-blocking |
| Wet | Resists snow; some lines say it repels rain | Water-repellent | Water-repellent |
| Temperatures on our pages | Below 45°F; 45°F down to the 20s on the Italian Greyhound page | Into the 20s; 32°F to 20°F hooded; down to 15°F on the Dachshund page | Down to single digits; 25°F to 8-10°F hooded |
| Care | Machine washable, dry on light | Wash in cold water, air dry only | Wash in cold water, air dry |
Extra Heavy Windblock is so thick that it feels like a jacket in the shape of a bodysuit, but it still has four legs, stretches on, and has a leash opening on the back.
Does windblock fleece keep out rain and wind?
It is water-repellent: the outer fleece is treated to repel water and stains. And it is wind-blocking: the PU layer in the middle blocks wind and snow while still letting moisture through for “breathable” comfort.
When to choose windblock
- Your walks are below freezing and windy, or you walk on open, exposed streets.
- Snow is part of your winter.
- Your dog still feels cold in a Heavy Fleece Bodysuit.
Windblock and Extra Heavy Windblock are for outside wear only and should never be worn inside. They dry in minutes after washing.
Windblock styles by line
- Italian Greyhound: Windblock ($78), Windblock Hooded ($85), Extra Heavy Windblock ($85), Extra Heavy Windblock Hooded ($95)
- Dachshund: Windblock ($68), Extra Heavy Windblock ($74)
- Whippet: Windblock ($90), Windblock Hooded ($95), Extra Heavy Windblock ($95), Extra Heavy Windblock Hooded ($105)
- Miniature: Windblock ($60), Windblock Hooded ($60), Extra Heavy Windblock ($62), Extra Heavy Windblock Hooded ($66)
- Toy & Teacup: Windblock ($52), Windblock Hooded ($55), Extra Heavy Windblock ($56), Extra Heavy Windblock Hooded ($60)
The Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog line currently comes in Heavy Fleece and Indoor/Outdoor bodysuits.
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
What is windblock fleece?
A fleece made of a velvety, water-repellent outer fleece and a textured inner fleece with a polyurethane layer between them. The PU layer makes it wind-blocking and water-repellent.
Does windblock fleece repel rain?
Yes. Windblock fleece is water-repellent: the outer fleece is treated to repel water and stains, and the polyurethane layer makes it wind-blocking.
How do I wash a windblock fleece dog bodysuit?
Wash it in cold water and air dry only. It dries in minutes.