Designing for Personality, Not Just Fit: Why Style Matters in Dog Wear Design

Jill Bartlett Author

Jul 17, 2025 |

Design dog wear that fits and reflects personality. Learn how small choices turn basic patterns into bold, expressive, unforgettable pieces.

Prefer to soak things in while walking the dog or sewing your next project?

This post is based on Episode 15 of the Thank Dog We Made It podcast, where I talk about what it means to design dog wear that doesn’t just fit—but actually feels right. From small design tweaks to bold personality choices, you’ll learn how to make your patterns stand out without overcomplicating them.

🎧 Listen to the episode + view show notes here

Because the best-fitting coat still falls flat if it doesn’t feel like them.

When most people start sewing dog wear, they’re focused on one thing: fit. And yes—fit matters. A lot. But once you’ve got that handled, it’s easy to overlook what actually makes a coat memorable. That extra layer of something. The vibe. The design that makes someone stop and say, “That’s so them.”

That’s where designing for personality comes in. Because fit covers the body. Personality? That’s what makes your dog—or your product—stand out.

Function Isn’t the Enemy of Style

One of the most common assumptions I hear is that if something’s functional, it has to look boring. But practical doesn’t mean plain. You can absolutely create dog coats that are warm, weatherproof, and easy to wear—while still reflecting the personality of the dog (and the maker behind it).

Think about your favourite pieces of clothing. Odds are, they fit you and feel like you. That same principle applies to pet wear.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Design

Before you choose your fabric or start sketching, ask yourself:

• Am I designing for a “let’s go hiking” dog or a “nap by the fire” dog?

• Do they like movement or coziness?

• Are they anxious? Confident? Playful? Reserved?

These questions help you move from designing by measurement to designing by identity. They also guide your creative choices—like what kind of fabric feels right, what colours align, or how structured the shape should be.

And if you're designing for other people's dogs? Having a variety of styles that reflect different dog personalities is a great way to make your work stand out.

Start Small: One Element is Enough

Designing for personality doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the entire pattern. You can start with one small element:

• A quirky collar shape
• A bright lining only the owner sees
  
• A fabric that shows off their bold side—whether that’s badass, frilly, or free-spirited
• A name that adds instant attitude—think Marley Davidson or Easy Rider

These little details can completely shift the tone of a piece—and give your customer (or your own pup) something to connect with.

Real-Life Examples: From Badass to Boho

Two of my most popular designs came from this exact mindset. The Marley Davidson coat was made from faux leather—sourced from my favourite deadstock shop, of course—with a strong, structured silhouette and bold colour blocking. It wasn’t complicated—but it gave off a kind of unapologetic, badass energy. The kind of coat that makes people feel like their dog could hop in a motorcycle sidecar and own the highway. People connected with that.

Same goes for the Easy Rider, a faux suede design with loads of fringe—think retro hippy jacket. A woman saw it at a Christmas market and came back later with her dog to try it on.

It fit beautifully, but more than that? Her dog strutted with it on. People were oohing and aahing, and the vibe was undeniable. That dog had swagger.

And here’s the kicker: both of those started with the same simple base pattern—the Cozy Coat. That’s the power of small design choices. The base didn’t change, but the personality did.

It’s Not Just About the Dog—It’s About You

Whether you realize it or not, your designs say something about you. Are you a minimalist? Do you love vintage details? Do you prefer contrast, symmetry, softness?

Your design style will naturally start to show through in your choices—fabric, colour, shape, even closures. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s what makes your work yours.

So don’t shy away from that. Lean into it. Your design identity is just as important as the dog’s.

Want to Explore Your Style?

If this blog has you thinking about how you could push your designs a little further—beyond just fit—then I’ve got something to help you do exactly that.

👉 Download the free Dog Coat Sketch Templates

These printable templates help you sketch out your design ideas—even if you don’t think of yourself as an artist. Front and side views, space for notes, and a few prompts to get you thinking like a designer. Perfect for hobbyists and aspiring pet wear entrepreneurs alike.

Final Thoughts

Designing for personality doesn’t require a design degree. It just takes attention, intention, and a little bit of play.

So whether your dog is a marshmallow in motion or a tiny boss in boots, your designs can—and should—reflect that. Because dog wear that fits is great. But dog wear that feels right? That’s unforgettable.

Categories: : Blog, Pattern Making, Sewing