A Guide to Ruffwear's Apparel Fit
Since 1998, Ruffwear has been designing performance apparel that stands up to the elements and keeps dogs moving. From our first soft-shell jacket to today’s full line of technical layers, every piece of Ruffwear apparel is built with the same goal: to extend the adventure by giving dogs freedom of movement and reliable protection in demanding conditions.
Read on to learn more about Ruffwear’s signature active fit, our three apparel styles, and how to find the right size for your partner in adventure.
The Ruffwear Active Fit
Every jacket, vest, and coverall starts with our active fit: a tailored cut that rides close to the body and moves with your dog’s natural range of motion. This performance fit keeps gear secure (no shifting or flapping in the wind) while minimizing chafing during high-output adventures.
Think of it like your own technical layering system — streamlined to shed weight and bulk, but dialed in to move with you. Depending on your dog’s build and the weather conditions, one of our jacket, vest, or coverall styles may suit your needs better.
Ruffwear Apparel Styles
Ruffwear’s apparel comes in three distinct styles — jacket, vest, and coverall — each engineered for specific environments and dog builds:
Vests: Rugged simplicity. Sleeveless construction maximizes mobility and ventilation, while side-release buckles mean fast on/off when conditions shift. Ideal for dogs with broad shoulders or deep chests where fit can be a challenge.
Jackets: Streamlined coverage. Full-length zippers and articulated sleeves create a dialed-in fit that balances warmth and freedom of movement. A go-to for cold, variable conditions.
Coveralls: Maximum protection. Full-body coverage with articulated front and rear sleeves and a chest zipper for easy on and off. Designed for deep snow, biting wind, and canines who need more protection (short-haired dogs who need extra coverage or long-haired dogs who are prone to snowballs on their underside).
Getting the Right Fit
Finding the right size apparel for your dog can make or break the gear’s functionality and performance out on the trail. Ruffwear apparel is sized by girth — the widest point of your dog’s rib cage, just behind the front legs.
How to measure:
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Wrap a tailor’s tape (or a piece of paracord/string) around your dog’s rib cage at its widest point
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Mark the length and measure against a standard tape measure
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Match the measurement to Ruffwear’s sizing chart to lock in the perfect fit
Whether you’re scaling snowy mountains or going on a wet-weather hike, finding the right apparel and fit for your dog is the key to keeping the adventure going.
Need more guidance? Check out our guide to choosing the right dog jacket and compare our styles to find the best one for your canine companion.
