Choose the fit before the colour.
A shirt that fits well looks like a decision. A shirt that fits badly looks like a costume, whatever it cost. The difference is in four places: the shoulder, the collar, the closure and the length. This is how we look at each one.
The shoulder
Close, but never tight. A dog's shoulder moves through a wide arc with every step, and a shirt cut too narrow pulls across the chest each time. Cut well, it follows the shoulder and settles. A tailor cuts a man's shirt this way, close at the shoulder, and a dog's shirt asks for the same discipline.
The collar
A clean collar is what makes a dog shirt read as a shirt. It should lie flat at the neck, without riding up behind the ears and without gaping at the throat. Structured without stiffness: enough body to keep its line, enough give not to get in the way.
The closure
Ours is concealed, so the line of the shirt stays unbroken from collar to hem. It is a detail that is easy to miss in a photograph. It is what keeps the shirt looking composed from every angle.
The length
The shirt should cover the back and stop where the dog's movement begins. Too short, and it rides up when the dog sits. Too long, and it gathers over the hindquarters. Length is the measurement most often overlooked, so measure the back first.
How to measure
Use a soft tape and take three measurements: the neck, the widest part of the chest just behind the front legs, and the back, from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Keep the tape snug, not tight. Then compare with our size guide. The Epuré runs from XXS to XL. Our guide to measuring your dog goes through each step.
If your dog sits between two sizes, write to us on WhatsApp and we will advise. A dachshund has a different shape: use the Teckel size guide and the Teckel Margaux, which is cut for the dachshund.
Cotton, by the day
The fabric is the second decision. The Epuré is a fine striped cotton, handmade in our Paris atelier. The Muslin is lighter, made for summer, and certified GOTS. The Marinière, a striped Breton polo, is the one for the days in between.
Then, the colour
Once the fit is right, choose the colour by the day: red for Christmas, navy for Sunday lunch, pink for a baptism, sky blue for an aperitif, yellow for Easter, sage green for a garden party. Our guide to six occasions explains each one.
See all our luxury dog shirts, or go straight to the Epuré.
Fit first. Colour second.
