No matter the occasion, a dog in a costume can be adorable. There are just as many costumes out there as costumes ideas, though, so selecting one can be difficult. After all, most are designed to look unquestionably delightful on any canine.
That said, not all costumes are made equal. Some are difficult to put on, while others are not durable. Since most dogs will complain about the costume even if it is perfect, you must choose the best option available.
Here, we created reviews of 10 of the best dog costumes. These should provide you with many ideas and hopefully, help you choose the best one for your dog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2023 Update
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Formal Pet Tuxedo
Versatile
Bowtie included
Hook-and-loop fasteners
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Best Value
Frisco Jingle Bells Collar
Easy to put on
Features festive bells
Different sizes available
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Premium Choice
Frisco Front Walking Santa
Two separate pieces
Elastic ear and chin strap
Hook-and-loop fasteners
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Rubie’s Sushi Pet Costume
Two pieces
Clear design
Different sizes available
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Rubie’s Hula Girl Costume
Three pieces
Easy to put on
Fun and obvious costume
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The 10 Best Dog Costumes
There are many great costumes out there, but the Frisco Formal Dog & Cat Tuxedo is one of the best. This costume is versatile, so your dog can likely wear it more than once. It is comfortable and designed to be worn during special occasions.
Material: Polyester, cotton
Features: Leash opening
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The suit jacket is directly attached to the shirt flap, providing a realistic look while still being easy to get on your dog. A bowtie is already sewn onto the outfit, so that is one less piece that you have to worry about. The hook-and-loop fasteners are easy to close and won’t open without human intervention, making it difficult for your dog to remove this costume by themselves.
Gold button accents provide added detail to the costume and make it look high-quality.
This costume is available in many different sizes, so you can choose the best size for your pup. Be sure to check the sizing chart to ensure that you order the correct one.
This option is easily the best overall dog costume available based on these features.
Pros
Hook-and-loop fasteners
Versatile
Bowtie included
Different sizes available
Leash hole included
Cons
Sizes run small
As a simple collar, the Frisco Jingle Bells Dog & Cat Holiday Collar With Bells contains much less material than most other options out there. Therefore, it costs less. We consider it to be the best dog costume for the money.
Hook-and-loop fasteners
Versatile
Bowtie included
Different sizes available
Leash hole included
- Hook-and-loop fasteners
- Versatile
- Bowtie included
- Different sizes available
- Leash hole included
Sizes run small
- Sizes run small
Material: Polyester
Features: N/A
This festive collar has bells and comes in red and white. It is easy to slip onto your pet’s neck without much of a problem. If your dog usually wears a collar, then this option will probably be one of the least stressful out there. If your dog refuses most other costumes, you may want to give this one a try.
You can even put this over your dog’s standard collar so you can continue to use their leash.
There are different sizes available. Therefore, you should be able to find one to match your dog’s size with ease.
Pros
Inexpensive
Features festive bells
Easy to put on
Different sizes available
Cons
Small
The front-walking costumes are among the most popular (and hilarious) options out there. The Frisco Front Walking Santa Dog & Cat Costume is a simple Santa costume that goes on the front of your dog’s body. Therefore, it looks like your dog is walking around as Santa.
Inexpensive
Features festive bells
Easy to put on
Different sizes available
- Inexpensive
- Features festive bells
- Easy to put on
- Different sizes available
Small
- Small
Material: Polyester
Features: Adjustable cord
It comes in many different sizes, from X-small to XXX-large. With so many different sizing options, you’ll likely find the perfect size for your pup.
The body and headpieces are separate for comfort and ease of use. Since it is two different pieces, it is much easier to put on. It also comes with a detachable beard.
The top piece has elastic ear and chin straps to help keep it in place. Therefore, you just have to slide it onto your dog’s face. The chest piece is attached with hook-and-loop fasteners.
Since there is so much material involved, this costume is a bit more expensive than some other options out there.
Pros
Two separate pieces
Many sizes available
Hook-and-loop fasteners
Elastic ear and chin strap
Cons
Expensive
For a fun and exciting costume, you may want to consider the Rubie’s Costume Company Sushi Dog & Cat Costume. This costume comes in two pieces, including a soft bodysuit. Together, these pieces make the dog look like a rice roll with orange fish and seaweed. It even has a headband with a rising sun design to make it clear what your dog is trying to be.
Two separate pieces
Many sizes available
Hook-and-loop fasteners
Elastic ear and chin strap
- Two separate pieces
- Many sizes available
- Hook-and-loop fasteners
- Elastic ear and chin strap
Expensive
- Expensive
You can use this for Halloween or just as a fun costume for your dog.
That said, this costume is a bit more challenging to get on than some others. It is a bodysuit, so you have to squeeze your pet into it. This isn’t easy to do in many cases, as you might imagine.
There are a few different sizes available.
Pros
Different sizes available
Two pieces
Versatile
Clear design
Cons
Difficult to put on your pet
Design does not sit straight on your dog’s back
The Rubie’s Costume Company Hula Girl Dog & Cat Costume is a fun and obvious costume. No one will be wondering what your dog is dressed as when you put them in this.
Different sizes available
Two pieces
Versatile
Clear design
- Different sizes available
- Two pieces
- Versatile
- Clear design
Difficult to put on your pet
Design does not sit straight on your dog’s back
- Difficult to put on your pet
- Design does not sit straight on your dog’s back
This costume comes with three different pieces: a “coconut bra,” leaf skirt, and a flower lei. Since it contains so many pieces, it takes a little longer to put on. However, this also makes it easier to put on because there is less material that you have to wrestle onto your dog at one time.
There are four different sizes available. You should be able to find the correct size for your canine using the sizing chart provided by the company.
That said, this costume is a bit more expensive than most other options out there. If you’re looking for a budget choice, this costume is not for you.
Pros
Fun and obvious costume
Three pieces
Easy to put on
Cons
Expensive
- Frisco Formal Dog Wedding Dress
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Material: Polyester
Features: Machine washable
The Frisco Formal Dog Wedding Dress is quite elegant and can be utilized in many situations. For instance, you can use it during an actual wedding or put it on your dog for Halloween. There are many different sizes available, though they aren’t that accurate. The sizing chart can help you figure out exactly what option is best for your canine.
Fun and obvious costume
Three pieces
Easy to put on
- Fun and obvious costume
- Three pieces
- Easy to put on
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Material: Polyester
Features: Machine washable
This dress has lace floral embellishments. Beading, a layered tulle skirt, and a satin bow provide elegance and set this costume apart from other options.
On top of being made entirely with polyester, this dress is comfortable. You can even shove the whole thing into the washer between uses.
Pros
Versatile dress
Elegant details
Easy to put on
Cons
Sizes don’t necessarily match what you’d expect (use the sizing chart!)
Somewhat expensive
- Rubie’s Costume Company Multi-Colored Dog & Cat Sombrero
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Material: Hay
Features: Only one piece
The Rubie’s Costume Company Multi-Colored Dog & Cat Sombrero is designed for pets that tend to be fussy about their costumes. It only has one piece, which is a sombrero. Since it is so simple, it can be paired with other costume pieces quite easily. You can put this on your dog by itself, or you can use it as part of a bigger costume.
Versatile dress
Elegant details
Easy to put on
- Versatile dress
- Elegant details
- Easy to put on
Sizes don’t necessarily match what you’d expect (use the sizing chart!)
Somewhat expensive
- Sizes don’t necessarily match what you’d expect (use the sizing chart!)
- Somewhat expensive
Material: Hay
Features: Only one piece
An elastic chin-strap works to keep this hat in place while your dog wears it. This strap is quite comfortable and easy to use. You just slip it over your dog’s head.
There are various size options. However, since it only goes on your dog’s head, it typically isn’t a huge deal if you get the wrong size.
That said, this hat isn’t the most durable outfit. It is also relatively easy for many animals to take off, so you may have trouble getting your dog to wear it for an extended period.
Pros
Inexpensive
Easy to put on
Easy sizing
Cons
Not that durable
Difficult to keep on
If you’re looking for a unique and funny costume, then the Rubie’s Costume Company Lederhosen Hound Dog Costume may be suitable for you. It features a bright green hat, a scarf, and a suit, making it a complete costume that doesn’t require any other purchases.
Inexpensive
Easy to put on
Easy sizing
- Inexpensive
- Easy to put on
- Easy sizing
Not that durable
Difficult to keep on
- Not that durable
- Difficult to keep on
Material: Polyester
Features: Complete costume
The hat comes with an elastic strap that is easy to put on. However, this strap is also easy to take off. Therefore, if your pet is known for pawing at their costume, this option may not be suitable for them.
The suit has fasteners that are easy to use and more secure than most other options.
This costume is made in multiple sizes, so you can choose the best option for your canine.
Pros
Complete costume
Easy to put on
Multiple sizes available
Cons
Hat is easy to take off
Large size isn’t that large
- Rubie’s Costume Company Menorah Dog Hat
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Material: Polyester
Features: Adjustable cord
The Rubie’s Costume Company Menorah Dog Hat is exceptionally inexpensive. However, there is a reason for this: There are only two sizing options available, making the fit somewhat tricky.
Complete costume
Easy to put on
Multiple sizes available
- Complete costume
- Easy to put on
- Multiple sizes available
Hat is easy to take off
Large size isn’t that large
- Hat is easy to take off
- Large size isn’t that large
Specifically, this costume only seems to be made for small dogs, despite coming in a “large” size.
This hat can also come off fairly quickly if your dog paws at it, as it is only kept on with an elastic strap.
That said, this is a unique costume, and you probably aren’t going to find many like it on the market. If you’re looking for a Jewish dog costume, this is one of your few options.
Pros
Unique costume
Easy to put on
Inexpensive
Cons
Made for small dogs only
Only two sizing options
The Rubie’s Costume Company Donut & Coffee Dog Costume is made to look like a donut, with a hat that looks like a coffee cup. This costume is versatile and can be used in various situations. Plus, it is incredibly adorable.
Unique costume
Easy to put on
Inexpensive
- Unique costume
- Easy to put on
- Inexpensive
Made for small dogs only
Only two sizing options
- Made for small dogs only
- Only two sizing options
Material: Polyester
Features: None
This costume comes in two pieces, and you shouldn’t need anything else to complete it.
The donut is kept on using hook-and-loop fasteners, as well as a belly strap. Therefore, it is easy to put on but relatively difficult for your dog to take off. However, the hat is only kept on with an elastic strap. It tends to fall off easily. Your dog can quickly reach up a paw, grab it, and pull it down.
Pros
Versatile and complete
Donut section is easy to put on and take off
Cons
Hat doesn’t stay on
Expensive
Versatile and complete
Donut section is easy to put on and take off
- Versatile and complete
- Donut section is easy to put on and take off
Hat doesn’t stay on
Expensive
- Hat doesn’t stay on
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Costume
There are tons of costumes on the market. Companies come up with new ideas every year for dogs to wear. Unfortunately, most costumes are only available for a limited time. Therefore, if you see something you love, be sure to purchase it. You don’t know when it’ll be back in stock again.
That said, you don’t need to purchase everything on the market. There are some costumes that your dog won’t wear, and that’s okay.
We put together a guide to help you make educated decisions on which costumes to purchase.
Costume Ease of Use
Preferably, you should only pick costumes that are easy to get on your dog. Even the most laidback dog is only going to put up with getting dressed for so long. Therefore, you want a costume that can easily be put on your dog.
Hook-and-loop fasteners are easy for you to put on and take off of your dog, but they are difficult for your canine to take off themselves. Therefore, they are excellent for dog costumes.
Plus, this sort of fastening device is automatically somewhat adjustable, so you can make it looser or tighter as necessary.
Difficult for Your Dog to Get Off
Most dogs will attempt to take off the costume if they can, even if they are well behaved and used to being dressed. For this reason, you want a costume that will stay on.
An elastic neck strap is a great way to keep a dog’s hat on. However, since it slides under your dog’s neck, it’s easy for your dog to pull it off with their paw.
Basically, if your dog pulls at a hat that is only kept on with an elastic strap, it will probably come off.
Instead, we recommend choosing costumes that can stay on a bit better. Some hats come with ear straps, which are a bit more difficult for your canine to take off.
Most body pieces are going to be substantially more difficult for your dog to take off because they can’t just pull them off with a paw. That said, the costume should be able to withstand rolling and jumping. Sometimes, your dog may even chew on it if they can reach it.
Dog Costume Price
Most costumes are inexpensive. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a budget. Some costumes may cost $3, while others may cost upward of $30.
Typically, the company that creates the costumes does matter. There are quite a few out there that mass-produce straightforward costumes. These are cheap, but they may be lacking in quality. Some companies have better reputations than others, so be sure to do your research.
Some boutique companies also make dog costumes. Just like with human clothes, you’ll have to pay more for these. These costumes are often high-quality, but this isn’t always the case. Therefore, you should always research the company and read reviews.
Of course, you are the only person who knows your budget. If you’re just looking for a laugh or a costume that your dog will only wear once on a not-so-special occasion, then you should consider purchasing something cheap.
Big events, like weddings, may call for an expensive costume, though.
Dog Costume Durability
Often, costumes are only worn a few times. Therefore, many costumes are not built to be durable. This can be a problem if you want your dog to wear the costume more often.
If you’re planning on using the costume frequently, you’ll likely need to choose a high-quality item, which may lead to a high price tag.
Either way, you’ll need to consider how durable you need the costume to be based on how often you plan on using it. Then, choose an appropriate costume.
Dog Costume Completeness
Many costumes are complete when you purchase them. They come with all the accessories needed to make it a costume. Therefore, you won’t need to spend more money on putting something together.
But some costumes are not well put together. They may be an accessory themselves and not designed to be worn alone. Or, the costume can be so poorly designed that it requires accessories to be complete.
Remember, if you need to add more stuff to a costume, you’ll end up spending more money. Keep this in mind when you’re purchasing, and be sure to compare it to your budget. If you need more accessories, it could drive the price up substantially.
Conclusion: Best Dog Costume
There are tons of different costumes out there. You can turn your dog into basically anything.
That said, some costumes are better than others. We particularly recommend the Frisco Formal Dog & Cat Tuxedo. This costume comes complete and ready to go. It is available in many different sizes, and a bowtie is already included.
For those who want a cheap costume for a few laughs, consider the Frisco Jingle Bells Dog & Cat Holiday Collar With Bells. This collar features festive bells for use during the holidays. It is also easier for sensitive dogs to tolerate because it is designed to fit just like a collar.
We also like the Frisco Front Walking Santa Dog & Cat Costume. It is a humorous costume that is easy to put on but difficult for your dog to take off. It comes in two pieces and is durable enough for many uses.
That said, there are many other quality costumes in our reviews list. We hope that one of them suits you and your canine.
- Related read: Do Dogs Like Wearing Clothes? What Do They Prefer?
Featured Image Credit: Mahlebashieva, Shutterstock
