Whippet Clothes Guide › Why Whippets Are So Hard to Fit
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 Whippet’s chest is bigger than its back length, its waist tucks up high behind the chest, and its legs are long, so clothes sized for an “average” dog either won’t close over the chest, hang loose at the waist or leave the legs bare. A four-leg bodysuit cut to the Whippet’s shape follows the body instead.
The Whippet shape
- A tall, slender frame. Height and length are close: on our size chart, a size 22 Whippet is 21-22" long and 21-22" tall.
- A deep chest. Most Whippets have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length.
- A high tuck. The belly curves up sharply behind the ribs, so a loose garment gaps there.
- Long legs that are hard to keep warm if they are left uncovered.
What goes wrong with generic sizes
Many dog clothes are sized by back length alone. On a Whippet, a size that fits the chest is usually too long and loose at the waist, and a size that fits the length won’t close over the chest. Back-only coats also twist on a deep-chested dog and leave the chest, belly and legs uncovered.
How a breed-fitted bodysuit is different
Every Houndz in the Hood pattern starts from AKC breed measurements and is refined on real dogs, the way a dressmaker fits a client. The Whippet line is contoured for Whippets and breeds with deep chests, long legs and higher tucks, so the suit follows the body instead of hanging loose like a generically sized coat.
A bodysuit solves the fit problem better than any other style, because the four legs anchor it. It can’t slide sideways or ride up, it covers the chest, belly and all four legs, and it stretches to go on, with no velcro, zippers or clasps to rub. A discreet opening on the back lets you clip on a harness or leash.
Within one breed, dogs share a shape but not a size, which is why the Whippet line comes in sizes 20, 22 and 24.
Not a Whippet?
The Whippet line is also a good fit for large Italian Greyhounds, Xolos, Vizslas, Salukis, Afghans, Wheaten Terriers and Pit Bulls. Compare your dog’s length, girth and height with the chart, and tell us the breed or mix when you order.
What a good fit looks like
- The suit lies smooth along the back and chest, with no gap at the tuck.
- The leggings reach down the legs instead of riding up.
- The harness ring comes through the opening on the back.
- Your dog can walk, run and go to the bathroom without the suit shifting.
Our Heavy Fleece Bodysuits also stretch sideways for dogs of different weights, which helps a slim Whippet and a sturdier one share a size.
Next step: learn how to measure your Whippet.
Ready to find your Whippet’s fit?
Browse all Whippet clothes, check the Whippet sizing guide, or send us your dog’s measurements (or email admin@houndzinthehood.com) and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't normal dog clothes fit my Whippet?
Many dog clothes are sized by back length only. Most Whippets have a chest 2 to 2.5 inches larger than their length, a high tuck and long legs, so generic sizes gap at the waist or won't close over the chest. A four-leg bodysuit cut for the breed follows the body.
What other breeds fit Whippet clothes?
The Whippet line also fits large Italian Greyhounds, Xolos, Vizslas, Salukis, Afghans, Wheaten Terriers and Pit Bulls. Compare your dog's length, girth and height with the size chart.
What sizes does the Whippet line come in?
Three sizes: 20, 22 and 24, based on length, chest girth and height.