UK demand for dog coats rises as cold, wet weather boosts sales

The market for dog clothing in the UK has surged this winter, with coats topping retailers' lists as increasingly cold and wet weather drives demand, industry figures say. Luxury pet shop Pawelier lists bestsellers including a £135 four-leg puffer coat with a fuzzy hood and toggle detailing and a £110 reversible down-filled jumpsuit.

John Lewis reports searches for dog coats are up 33% year on year, with its bestseller a £22 tangerine puffer jacket with a utility-style belt. Rob Newsome, director of sales at Leeds-based Danish Design, says Britains increasingly cold and wet weather is driving sales; the firms current bestseller is a 3-in-1 coat with a waterproof and windproof outer layer and a detachable inner fleece.

Oli Port, editor-in-chief and founder of Dogue magazine, says social media has made dogs "the ultimate fashion icons" and notes brands including Burberry and Louis Vuitton have included dogs in recent campaigns. Some dogs have become influencers, the piece says, citing Samantha, an Afghan hound in Edinburgh who has worked with Jimmy Choo and Tommy Hilfiger.

Brands such as Barbour, Carhartt and Ralph Lauren sell matching dog-and-owner coats, and Port says puffer jackets are a top choice this winter, with an increase in trench-style coats for city dogs.

Key Topics

Business, Dog Clothing, Pawelier, John Lewis, Danish Design, Puffer Jackets