TL;DR / Quick overview:
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Start with accessories: Start small, like with matching bandanas/scarves, bow ties, or even jewelry.
- Coordinating Colors: Stick to neutral, or seasonal colors or monochrome looks for a subtle, chic vibe.
- Go All-In: Professionally made matching hoodies by Spark Paws or DIY tees (e.g. from our store Dog Lover Clothing) are perfect for making a statement.
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Special Occasions: Events like Christmas, weddings, or even birthdays can be used as fun excuses to twin with your dog.
- Everyday Matching: Raincoats, scarves, or bag packs/tote bags can be functional and stylish.
I’ll be honest: the first time I saw someone matching their outfit with their dog, I thought it was a bit much. But then I tried it with Max (my little Corgi) for fun, and now I’m obsessed. Whether it’s matching hoodies, coordinated colors, or just small accessories, twinning with your pup isn’t just adorable—it’s a total vibe and always guarantees the cutest family or profile pics.
Okay, but it isn’t just about snapping cute pics for Insta (though let’s be real, those photos slap). It’s such a fun way to show off how in sync you and your dog are. Plus, it’s kind of impossible not to smile when people notice and gush over how cute you two look together. Trust me, it’s the best little confidence boost. Here’s how to twin with your furry BFF in a way that’s stylish, low-key practical, and fun.
Start Small with Accessories
Not ready to go all-in on matching outfits? No problem—start with the little things. Accessories are the easiest way to twin with your dog without going over the top.
- Matching Bandanas and Scarves: This is probably the easiest way to match with your dog. You wear a scarf (or similar), and your pup gets a matching bandana. Etsy or stores like Dog Lover Clothing have tons of options in every color and pattern.
- Matching Dresses and Bow Ties: A nice summer dress for you and a fun matching bow tie for your dog is another simple but elegant way to do the matching. Bonus: It’s perfect for some nice pictures at family events or birthdays.
- Matching Jewelry: You wear a necklace or bracelet with a paw print, and your dog sports a matching charm on their collar. It’s subtle but so sweet.
Matching Bandanas for you and your dog.
Coordinating Colors (Without Going Overboard)
If full-on matching still feels like too much for you, and you are not into accessories, just stick to coordinating colors. Pick a palette and make sure both you and your dog are working within it.
- Neutral Colors Are Always Safe: This could be beige, white, black, or gray. For example: You could wear a cozy cream sweatshirt while your dog has a beige bandana.
- Seasonal Colors: Just match your outfits to the season. For fall, for example, try brown, burnt orange, or deep red tones. In spring, go for pastels like light blue or soft pink. You can pair those colors with t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, etc. for you, and leashes, collars, harnesses, or bandanas for your dog.
- Monochrome Magic: Both of you in all black? Chic. Both of you in matching soft blues? Adorable. Monochrome is easy and looks super intentional. Again, just pick the same color for your outfits and your dogs' accessories.
Get Creative with Patterns
Just like colors, patterns are another great way to match your dog while keeping things easy and lean.
- Plaid Party: You can both wear plaid in similar tones—Really cool for the fall days or for friends and family events.
- Stripes and Spots: If your dog has a naturally spotty coat, why not wear polka dots to coordinate? Or go for striped sweaters to match. Easy done.
- Floral Fun: Florals are always in style and great for holidays or the spring and summertime. For example, you could wear a nice floral dress while your dog gets a matching harness, bow tie, or bandana.
Matching Hoodies and Tees
Alright, welcome to the big leagues! If you’re ready to go all in, fully matching outfits with your dog is where it’s at. I’ll admit, the first time I tried it, I hesitated for, like, a second too…but after I convinced myself to do it, it was soooo much fun! And now I’m obsessed. There’s just something about stepping out in matching hoodies with your pup that makes you feel like the ultimate duo. It’s ridiculously cute, a total head-turner, and honestly? It’s way more fun than I expected. There are a few options on how to pull off a matching outfit:
- Spark Paws Matching Hoodies: Max and I wore these for our yearly family photos, and I got so many compliments! They’re comfy, well-made, and come in tons of color options. The dog variants of these hoodies are specifically made for the needs of dogs and come in different sizes, so you will get a professionally made matching outfit that feels good for your dog—although it comes with a price tag, of course.
- Custom Graphic Tees, Easy DIY Variant: T-shirts are an easy option for full matching outfits without going overboard with the budget. They are relatively lightweight, won't heat up your dog too much, and come in various sizes so they probably will fit dogs of all sizes—Pro tip: Rather go a size up than down, your dog probably won't like it when something hinders their movement. So make sure to take some measurements before you buy. Get a shirt in your favorite size and color with a design you love (e.g. your favorite band, a funny slogan, or something personalized) and a matching one for your dog (same color, comfy size). Done. It’s an easy, playful way to match.
Matching hoodies from Spark Paws.
Matching for Special Occasions
Now that you're all set let's bring your new skills to the test. Special events are the perfect excuse to go all out with matching outfits.
- Holiday Photos: Twinning for Christmas cards, Halloween pictures, or even Valentine’s Day photos are extra memorable and they make it clear that your dog is part of your family. Try matching pajamas or festive sweaters for these occasions—they are always a hit.
- Weddings: If your pup is part of your wedding party, consider coordinating their outfit with yours. A bouquet for you and a matching floral collar for them? Perfection.
- Birthdays: Celebrate your dogs' big day by dressing up together in colorful party hats, matching T-shirts, or even coordinated accessories.
Practical Matching for Everyday Life
But matching doesn’t have to be all about special occasions—it can be functional for your daily routines too.
- Weather Gear: If it’s raining, you can both wear coordinating raincoats. Ruffwear and other brands make great dog-friendly options, for example.
- Cold-Weather Layers: Like matching puffer jackets, sweatshirts, or scarves and bandanas for those colder morning walks.
- Travel Sets: Not really matching outfits but also super cute: match a bag for you with one for your dog (like a travel backpack for you and a tote bag for your dogs' essentials). Practical and adorable.
Why Matching Outfits Matter
Obviously, matching outfits are cute. And they’re also a way to deepen the connection you share with your dog. There is just something special about feeling so close to your little furry BFF and with matching outfits, this feeling will definitely come to you—at least from my personal experiences. So please have fun together, enjoy that bond, and celebrate it. Plus, let’s not forget how much joy it brings to see people’s reactions when they notice you and your dog are twinning.
Where to Find the Best Matching Pieces
If you’re ready to dive into this trend, here’s where I’d start:
- Etsy: For custom pieces like matching bandanas or tote bags, Etsy has endless options to explore.
- Dog Lover Clothing: Our “Diehard Dog Moms Club” hoodies and tees are perfect for matching moments. They’re cozy, stylish, and made with premium fabrics that both you and your pup will appreciate.
- Spark Paws: Their matching hoodies are super popular and a must-have for twinning with your pup.
Final Thoughts
Matching outfits with your dog is about celebrating your unique bond with your dog and having fun with fashion in a way that feels personal (and let’s be real, also looks super adorable). Whether you’re going all out with coordinated hoodies or just matching colors with a scarf and bandana combo, it’s all about expressing the love you have for your furry bestie.
So, have you tried matching outfits with your dog yet? Or are you still unsure? Leave a comment below or send a picture of your best matching style. I'm always happy to hear from you. And trust me, once you're in the matching outfits game, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Max and I fully approve.
