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\nThe right jersey is snug enough to stay in place and loose enough that your pet can run, sit, lie down and forget about it. This guide shows you how to measure a dog, a cat and a person in a few minutes, how our sizes are organised, how to choose between two sizes, and what to do if the first size is not perfect. If you would like a personal recommendation, email your measurements and the product name to support@jerseyden.shop; we reply within 24 hours on business days.
\nA soft fabric tape measure (the kind used for sewing) is ideal. No tape? Use a piece of string or a phone charging cable, mark it with your fingers, then lay it along a ruler or a metal tape. You also need a few treats and, ideally, a second person to keep the pet still and happy. Measure in inches or centimetres, whichever you prefer; just tell us which when you email.
\nMeasure with your pet standing on all four paws, head level, on a flat floor. A pet that is sitting, lying down or stretching gives a back length that is too short or too long.
\nFind the base of the neck, the point where a collar naturally rests at the top of the shoulders. Run the tape along the spine to the base of the tail, where the tail meets the body. Do not include the tail itself. This is the most important measurement for a jersey, because it decides whether the number on the back is fully visible and whether the hem clears the tail.
\nWrap the tape around the widest part of the ribcage, usually just behind the front legs. Keep it snug against the coat without pressing into it; you should be able to slide one flat finger under the tape. For fluffy coats, gently press the tape through the fluff to the body, then let it out slightly.
\nMeasure around the neck where the collar sits. You need this for bandanas, and it helps us check the fit of the neck opening for dogs with very thick necks, such as bulldog types.
\nDecide whether the jersey goes over or under the harness. If the jersey goes over the harness, measure the chest girth over the harness. If the harness goes over the jersey, measure without it. The Leash Legend 12 jersey has a reinforced slot for the D-ring of a back-clip harness worn underneath; front-clip harnesses work with any jersey worn under the harness.
\nMeasure after a walk or play session, when your pet is calmer. Let your pet sniff the tape first. Ask a helper to hold a treat at nose height so the head stays level. Take each measurement twice and use the average; if the two numbers differ a lot, measure a third time.
\nCats rarely stand still for a tape measure, so be quick and keep the treats coming. Measure the back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and the chest girth just behind the front legs, the same way as for a dog. If your cat will not cooperate, measure a cat harness or a piece of clothing that fits well, or measure in two short sessions. A cat’s fur can make the chest look bigger than it is; press gently through the coat.
\nMost adult cats wear S or M. XS suits small adult cats, and L suits large breeds or cats with a lot of fluff. We do not recommend jerseys for young kittens.
\nOur pet sizes form a simple ladder: each size up adds both back length and chest room. That means a single measurement is rarely enough on its own. A dog with a long back and a slim chest (a dachshund, for example) and a dog with a short back and a deep chest (a bulldog type) can have the same chest girth and still need different sizes, or different cuts.
\n| What your measurements show | \nWhat to choose | \n
|---|---|
| Both back length and chest point to the same size | \nThat size. | \n
| Chest points to the larger size, back to the smaller | \nThe larger size. A tight chest is uncomfortable; a slightly long back is fine. | \n
| Back points to the larger size, chest to the smaller | \nUsually the larger size; or a sleeveless tank or vest, which is more forgiving in length. | \n
| Between two sizes and wearing it over a harness | \nThe larger size. | \n
| Between two sizes, slim build, short coat | \nThe smaller size usually stays neater; email us if unsure. | \n
| Puppy still growing | \nThe size that fits now. A jersey that is too big can catch on legs and furniture. | \n
Not sure which size your measurements point to? Email us the back length, chest girth and the product you like, and we will recommend a size within 24 hours on business days.
\nSome builds make sizing trickier. If your pet matches one of these, measure carefully and consider emailing us before ordering:
\nBandanas are sized by neck girth. Measure where the collar sits and add about two fingers of room. Size S suits cats and toy dogs, M most medium dogs, and L large and giant dogs. Bandanas tie at the back or slide over a flat collar; always tie loosely, and remove the bandana when your pet is alone or in a crate.
\nOwner jerseys and hoodies are unisex with a relaxed fit, in sizes S to 3XL. The easiest method:
\nHoodies leave room for a layer underneath; for a closer fit take your usual size, for an oversized look go one up. The raglan and ringer jerseys follow the same sizing as the jersey tee. Buying a gift? The recipient’s usual t-shirt size is the best guide.
\nIn a Pet & Owner Set you choose the pet size and the owner size separately; every combination is available. Measure the pet and check the owner’s t-shirt size before ordering. If one piece does not fit, you can exchange just that piece within 60 days of delivery.
\nA few larger sizes cost a little more because they use more fabric: pet 2XL is $3 more, owner 2XL $2 more and owner 3XL $4 more. The price updates on the product page as soon as you choose the size. The large ceramic bowl is $6 more than the small one, and the 60 x 80 in throw is $15 more than the 50 x 60 in.
\nEmail support@jerseyden.shop within 60 days of delivery with your order number and the new size you want. We send a free return label and ship the new size free, including for personalised jerseys, which are reprinted with the same name and number. Tell us what did not fit (too tight at the chest, too long in the back) and we will help you choose the next size. Full details: Returns & Exchanges Policy.
\nWrite your pet’s measurements down and keep them with your order email; you will want them for the next jersey, a bandana or a gift from a friend.
\n| Measurement | \nWho it is for | \nUsed for | \n
|---|---|---|
| Back length (neck base to tail base) | \nDogs and cats | \nAll pet jerseys and hoodies | \n
| Chest girth (widest part, behind front legs) | \nDogs and cats | \nAll pet jerseys and hoodies | \n
| Chest girth over harness | \nDogs wearing a harness under the jersey | \nLeash Legend 12 and any jersey worn over a harness | \n
| Neck girth | \nDogs and cats | \nBandanas | \n
| T-shirt chest width and length | \nOwners | \nOwner jerseys and hoodies | \n
Email support@jerseyden.shop or use Submit a Ticket with the product name and your measurements. We reply within 24 hours on business days. More answers in the FAQs and the Help Center.
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