The Whippet Winter Wardrobe: What you Actually Need
The mornings are darker, it's cold outside, and your whippet is already giving you the side-eye from their spot under the blanket. Dare try and suggest a walk and they'll look at you like you've suggested something absolutely unreasonable, then burrow deeper.
And don't even get me started on rainy days. The moment they see raindrops on the window, it's game over. Suddenly, they don't need the toilet anymore. They're perfectly fine, thanks. That urgent walk you were about to take? Not happening. They'll hold it for hours rather than face that drizzle.
If you live with a whippet, you know what winter means: wrap up warm season. And listen, I'm not going to pretend I've got this under control. We currently have three baskets of clothes for Moss and Mylo to prove otherwise. Fair warning to anyone just getting into this: it's a slippery slope. You buy one fleece, then suddenly you're buying a second because "this one's a different green", and if you have two, they will need to match.
But let's be honest, whippets do actually need clothing. They've got barely any body fat, thin skin, and coats that do basically nothing. They get cold. Fast. So, whether you're new to whippets or you've been wrapping up skinny pathetic dogs for years, here's what you actually need to get through winter.
The Essentials
The fleece. This is your foundation. A short-legged fleece is essential and perfect for pottering around the house or dry winter walks. When it's properly cold, you'll ideally want a long-legged one that covers their chest and legs. Two legs or four legs depends on your whippet; my boys are happier in two legs, but either way, you can literally see the relief on their faces when they realise they're not going out naked.
Next is the lightweight tee. Honestly, this is the unsung hero. Great for those weird in-between days when it's not quite fleece weather but definitely too cold for nothing. Plus, it's brilliant as a base layer. Think thermal underwear for dogs. A tee under a fleece, topped with a waterproof? That'll handle whatever British weather throws at you.
Now for the raincoat, or two raincoats. You need a lightweight one for drizzle and quick walks, and then a proper heavyweight one for when the weather's absolutely grim and your whippet looks at you like you've lost your mind. Both should fit around the chest and belly properly, and it matters more than you'd think, especially with boys with bad aim. That said, if you are on a budget, you can get away with a good lightweight coat and layering underneath.
The whole game here is layering. Whippets don't have natural insulation, so you're building it for them. Start light, add warmth, and top with waterproof if needed. Simple.
The "You Don’t Need This But You’ll Buy It Anyway" Section
Now, let's talk about the non-essentials but the "good to haves". The items that you probably don't need but will almost certainly end up buying.
The first is the puffer coat. Let's be honest, they look utterly ridiculous in them, like tiny, leggy marshmallows, but when the temperature drops below freezing, there's nothing better.
The gilet/vest. Another layering option, or good for those awkward in-between days, when a fleece is too much but naked is not an option. Plus, these are super easy to chuck on for garden zoomies or quick walks, and they look adorable.
Brands We Actually Use
Over the years, we've tried a lot of brands, some have become firm favourites that we go back to time and time again. Redhound for Dogs was always one of our go-tos; their fit was spot on, their styles timeless, and their pieces lasted for years. Sadly, they've now retired, but their designs set the bar for what good whippet wear should be. We have several pieces from Occam, and they remain a solid favourite, beautifully made, simple, and designed with function in mind. We've also been lucky enough to be gifted some lovely bits recently, including a few standout pieces. First up is Stix Dog Coats, which are quickly becoming part of our regular rotation, and we love the zip-up option. But the real game-changer for us has been the latest delivery from Sightly. Their super-soft fabrics and exceptionally made clothes have completely redefined what whippet wear can be: stylish, functional, and unbelievably comfortable. They've set a new standard in quality and craftsmanship, and honestly, we're a little obsessed.
The Reality
So, there you have it, your essential (and not so essential!) guide to wrapping your whippet up for winter. From cosy fleeces to waterproof armour, and even the occasional puffer for dramatic effect, these layers will see your hound through the cold months in comfort and style. Just don't say we didn't warn you. Once you start curating your whippet's wardrobe, it becomes less about need and more about which colour next?
Our Current Favourites
Here are a few of our favourites, old and new. Hopefully, by now you know us and know that we will only recommend what we actually use and truly believe in, and I am sure we will add to this list as we try more over time.
Must-Haves:
Nice-to-Haves:
We'll update this as we try new stuff through the season. And if your whippet has a favourite coat we should know about, let us know in the comments or over on Instagram.
