By the Nini's Choice Team · Updated November 2026
Christmas sweaters for cats and dogs make a holiday card instantly festive, as long as they fit well and the photo session stays short and kind. This guide covers how to measure, what “comfortable” should look like, and the holiday knits and cozy layers we carry right now.
These apparel pieces are sold at their regular prices and are not part of the Holiday Sale (15% off select pet gifts through December 1). For more seasonal accessories, see the Holiday collection and our How to Take Christmas Photos of Your Dog guide.
Sweater, costume or winter coat?
It helps to be clear about what you're buying:
- Decorative holiday knits and outfits (turtlenecks, “ugly” sweaters, pajamas, elf shirts, hats and scarves) are for short, supervised wear and photos. They are not a substitute for a weather-ready coat on a long winter walk.
- A fleece-lined winter coat is a warmth layer for cold outings. Measure carefully, and still supervise until you know how your dog moves in it.
How to measure before you order
Use a soft tape measure while your pet is standing, and compare your numbers with the size chart on the product page. Don't guess from a breed name or from another brand's size.
- Neck. Measure around the base of the neck where a collar sits. You should be able to slip two fingers under the tape.
- Chest. Measure the widest part of the rib cage, usually just behind the front legs.
- Back length. Measure from the base of the neck (where a collar sits) to the base of the tail.
If your pet is between sizes, read the chart notes on that product page and email us at hello@ninischoice.com if you want a second pair of eyes before you order. We'd rather help you choose than have you guess.
Fit and comfort checks
The AKC advice on dressing dogs up is written for costumes, and the same standards apply to Christmas sweaters: a garment should not interfere with seeing, hearing, breathing, walking or resting comfortably. After you put it on:
- You should be able to slip two fingers under the neckline.
- Your pet should be able to sit, lie down, walk and use the litter box or go out to potty without the fabric pulling tight.
- Legs, if they're in sleeves, should move freely. Nothing should rub the armpits raw.
- Take it off if your pet freezes, hides, pants, tries repeatedly to back out of it, or can't move normally.
- Never leave a pet unsupervised in a sweater, costume or coat, and take accessories off when the photo is done.
Christmas sweaters and outfits for cats (and small dogs)
These four pieces are listed for cats and small dogs. Check each product page for current sizes and colors.
- Cat Christmas Sweater – Navy Knit Turtleneck: A simple navy knit turtleneck. Sizes run from XXS to L. XXS through M are $13.90; L is $16.90 (prices as of November 2026).
- Ugly Christmas Sweater for Cats: A navy holiday knit jumper with a louder Christmas pattern. Sizes S, M and L are $12.90; XL and XXL are $13.90 (prices as of November 2026).
- Cat Christmas Pajamas – Buffalo Plaid Fleece Onesie: A buffalo-plaid fleece onesie in red-and-black or white-and-black, sizes S to XL, $13.90 (November 2026).
- Cat Christmas Costume – Elf Outfit Shirt: An elf outfit shirt with a printed belt and candy-cane design, in several colors, sizes XS to L, $9.90 (November 2026). Confirm the current color options on the product page.
More cat gift ideas, including toys and practical helpers, are in Christmas Gifts for Cats and Cat Lovers.
Cozy layers and photo accessories for dogs
- Dog Winter Coat – Fleece-Lined Quilted Puffer: A fleece-lined quilted puffer vest for cold walks. Prices run from $14.90 to $18.90 depending on size (November 2026). Check the product page for available colors and the size chart.
- Christmas Pet Knitted Scarf: A knitted holiday scarf in Santa and reindeer styles, $14.90. A soft photo accent that is usually easier for dogs who dislike a full sweater.
- Dog Christmas Hat: A warm plaid cap with earmuffs, $10.90. Use it for a few photos, then take it off.
- Reindeer Antlers for Dogs: An adjustable reindeer headband, $11.90, for a quick festive portrait.
- Christmas Dog Bandana – Santa & Snowman Prints and the Christmas Plaid Dog Bandana, Collar or Bow Tie: Easy on-and-off neckwear if a sweater feels like too much.
The hat, antlers, Santa-and-snowman bandanas and knitted scarf are in the Holiday Sale. The winter coat and the cat/small-dog apparel are not.
Photo-day tips
Put the sweater on right before you shoot, keep treats ready, and stop while your pet is still comfortable. Natural light near a window, shooting at your pet's eye level, and a short session usually beat a long, formal shoot. We walk through this in more detail in How to Take Christmas Photos of Your Dog, alongside AKC tips for taking photos of your dog.
When to order
Our products ship from overseas fulfillment partners, so delivery usually takes longer than domestic shipping, and items in one order may arrive separately. We don't promise specific delivery dates. If a gift needs to arrive by a certain date, email us at hello@ninischoice.com before you order and we'll tell you honestly what we know. Shipping options and costs are shown at checkout; see our FAQ.
FAQ: Christmas sweaters for cats and dogs
Will a Christmas sweater keep my dog warm on a walk?
A decorative holiday knit is meant for short indoor wear and photos. For cold outings, use a properly fitting winter coat and watch your dog for shivering or lifting paws, which can mean they're too cold.
My cat hates clothes. What should I do?
Skip the sweater. A short play session, a favorite treat, or a simple bandana that comes straight off is kinder than a tense photo. Many cats never enjoy garments, and that's fine.
How do I clean a pet sweater?
Follow the care notes on the product page. In general, a gentle wash and a full dry, away from a heat source that could shrink knit fabric, is the safe starting point. Don't put a damp sweater back on your pet.
What if the size is wrong?
Email hello@ninischoice.com with your order number and, if you can, a photo of your pet in the garment. If an item arrives damaged or is the wrong item, contact us within 30 days of delivery for a refund or replacement, with no return needed. See the FAQ.
This article is for general information and isn't veterinary advice. If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away. Questions about an order? Email us at hello@ninischoice.com or see our FAQ.