Pup-and-coming: dog clothing market soars amid cold, wet UK weather

Britain's chilly and wet winter weather has kicked off a canine fashion revolution, with dog owners clamoring for stylish coats for their four-legged friends. From luxury brands like Pawelier to budget-friendly options from high-street retailers like John Lewis, the demand for dog clothing is soaring.

Designers are cashing in on the trend, with some even offering matching owner-coat sets. "Dogs have become the ultimate fashion icons," says Oli Port, editor-in-chief and founder of Dogue magazine. Brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton have featured dogs in their advertising campaigns, while some dogs have even become social media influencers.

The UK's cold and wet weather is cited as a major driver behind the trend, with sales increasing by 33% at John Lewis this year alone. Luxury pet accessories shop Pawelier has reported bestsellers include a £135 four-legged puffer coat and a reversible down-filled jumpsuit in cornflower blue and cappuccino brown.

However, not all dogs need winter coats, according to Julian Hoad, president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Dogs with thin coats or short legs may struggle in cold weather, while breeds like malamutes and German shepherds can handle chilly temperatures due to their thick fur coats.

The trend is also driven by the growing bond between dogs and their owners, who increasingly consider them as part of the family. "As young people are having fewer children, dogs are getting closer to being family members who understand you," says Louise Nindi, co-founder of Mutts dog lifestyle store.

While some may see the trend as unnecessary, Port argues that just like human children, dogs need protection from cold weather without compromising their comfort. "Most of the time dogs are naked, but as they're participating more in our lives, they need clothes," he says.
 
I'm thinking about getting a dog coat for my pup this winter 🐶🧥, I mean I just got her a new sweater last year and she looked so cute! But now I've seen all these fancy coats online and I'm like, does she really need one? Like, isn't it cold outside already? Maybe it's just me but I think my dog is more of a "snuggle bug" than a fashionista 🐾💤. What do you guys think, should dogs wear coats in the winter or are they overrated?
 
Dude I'm loving this doggy fashion trend 🐾💕! I mean, who doesn't want to dress up their furry BFFs for winter? But seriously, it's kinda cool that brands are getting into the game and offering matching owner-coats, that'd be so lit 😎. And I'm with Oli Port on this one, dogs have totally become fashion icons, they're like little style experts 🐶👗. My pup would def rock a Burberry coat in an instant, lol! But for real though, it's great to see people making a case for dog clothes, I mean, can you imagine if we just left them out in the cold? ❄️♂️😨 Anyway, I'm all for it, let's get this pup party started 🎉!
 
omg, i just got a dog last month and i had no idea they needed coats 🐾❄️ i mean, my pup is still rocking the whole "naked and adorable" thing lol, but i can see how it's getting cold outside now... 33% increase in sales at john lewis? that's crazy! i guess dogs are basically the new kids on the block when it comes to fashion trends 🤣 and yeah, i get what oliver port is saying - our furry friends do bring so much joy to our lives that we wanna keep them cozy too 💕
 
omg 🤯 I'm so down for a doggy coat trend! who wouldn't want to dress up their adorable pup in matching outfits with them? 💕 but at the same time, i do feel bad for those dogs that don't need coats, like malamutes and german shepherds - they're literally built for cold weather 😂. and i'm all about that dog family vibes too, but let's be real, not every pup is ready for a designer coat just yet 🤑. maybe it's just me, but i think this trend is more about us wanting to spend quality time with our dogs and make them feel extra special. whatever the reason, can we talk about how cute those matching owner-coat sets are tho? 👗
 
I'm loving this canine fashion revolution 🐾💕! It's hilarious to see luxury brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton featuring dogs in their ads - who knew Fido would be the next big influencer? 😂 But seriously, it's so true that dogs are part of our family now, and we want to keep them warm and cozy during the winter months. I mean, have you seen those adorable £135 four-legged puffer coats from Pawelier? 🤣 My pup would totally rock one of those! 💁‍♀️ On a more practical note, it's interesting to see designers catering to dogs with thin coats or short legs - they definitely need extra care during the cold weather. But overall, I think this trend is all about embracing our furry friends and giving them the same comfort and protection we want for ourselves. 🐾❤️
 
I gotta say, this canine fashion thing is wild 🤣! On a deeper level tho, it's like our relationship with our pets has become more emotional and instinctual 🐾❤️. We're putting them on par with human family members, which is both adorable and wise 💡. I mean, think about it, just like how we need protection from the elements, dogs do too, even if they don't always show it 😂. It's a reminder that our furry friends rely on us for more than just love and care - they also need us to look out for their well-being 🐾💕.
 
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