Ace and I were walking back from another romp at the dog park when a window display in our local boutique pet store stopped us in our tracks. It was a chilly day, and an array of beautiful dog sweaters beckoned to us. They looked warm, cozy, and fashionable, more like clothing for children than for spoiled dogs. That’s when I learned about Fab Dog, which offers a line of apparel, collars and leashes, and other accessories for dogs and cats. In the service of introducing Dogster readers to quality dog products, I emailed the company to request some sample products to try out on Ace (yes, I do love my job!).
When I was perusing Fab Dog’s website, I noticed that they offer dog apparel in an unusual palette — colors that a human would actually wear. Have you noticed most dog clothing comes in primary colors? Fab Dog’s selection included muted earth tones and neutrals in addition to more classic colors. I appreciate this variety and find it to be unique amongst products I’ve seen.
With visions of those window display sweaters dancing in my head, I started with the Owl Turtleneck ($45 to $47). A cheerful pumpkin orange, this turtleneck sweater features a wide-eyed brown and white owl with yellow accents. Ace wore a size 14, and it accommodated her wide bully chest quite well. The sweater is made from quality materials, so like a human sweater it could stretch a bit to accommodate her mighty chest. The sweater was beautifully made of 100 percent acrylic, and is machine washable. There is a buttonhole at the neck to accommodate a leash.
For chillier days, the Reversible Moose Ski Vest ($48) seems like it would keep your pup nice and toasty. Like the sweater, the quality construction and materials of the vest were indistinguishable from human clothing (besides, you know, that it’s tiny and shaped for a dog). The vest closes with Velcro around the midsection and neck.
Ace wore a size 14, and I found that the vest fit her pretty well, though not as well as the form-fitting knit sweater.As I’ve said before, because Ace’s chest is so wide compared to her length, clothes tend to fit her weird, so the vest will probably fit other breeds well. I chose the moose vest because I love the color scheme of olive and burgundy -– so unusual for dog clothing! It also includes a small moose head logo on the bottom of the jacket, which is adorable. This vest is machine washable. I’d love to see what the Reversible Squirrel Ski Vest looks like in person.
Ace also tried the Yellow Argyle Raincoat ($32) in size medium. This garment closes with Velcro across the midsection and neck, and can fold into the external pocket for easy transport on those cloudy days that might turn rainy later. The detailing on the raincoat is pretty amazing. It is lined with mesh fabric, sort of like basketball shorts, which is nice and soft. The hood features toggle closures like a human raincoat might use. I love the argyle tag accents.
The raincoat fit Ace pretty well and is hand washable, but I was distracted by how nicely it is made! I kind of want one for myself.
Fab Dog has a large selection of collars and coordinating leashes. They are made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles and are machine washable. Ace tried the Polka Dot Collar ($20) and Lead ($24) in green. She wore a size small collar, and 5/8-inch-wide by 5-foot-long leash. These products are fantastic. The material is sturdy yet smooth, and the colors are vivid. The clasp on the leash is appropriately sized for a smaller dog. The leash has other useful features like a looped handle and a small metal loop near the handle to hold your poo bag dispenser.
The Fab Dog products Ace and I reviewed were all pretty fabulous. Interesting colors, human-grade materials, solid construction, and unique details characterized these Fab Dog products. I myself would wear them without hesitation if I could find a way to squeeze in!
Dogster Scorecard for Fab Dog apparel and accessories
- Quality: The quality construction and materials of these products were indistinguishable from human clothing.
- Style: Wearing Fab Dog, your dog will face her adoring public fabulously dressed.
- Function: I found the fit of these products to be consistent with sizing measurements. They were easy to put on and seem like they will hold up over time and washings.
- Creativity: Turtlenecks, earth tones, and interesting accents make Fab Dog a unique brand.
- Value: Given the quality and unique styling of these products, I believe they are appropriately priced.
Bottom line
If you are the jealous type, don’t buy your dog anything from Fab Dog –- she will probably be dressed way better than you are.
Dogster readers, have you found a brand of clothing that meets your high expectations for quality and style? Share your recommendations in the comments section below.
About the Author: This East Coast transplant enjoys the bounty of San Francisco, including its microclimates, farmers’ markets, and secret stairway walks. When she’s not walking with, talking about, or kissing the face of her Boston Terrier, Ace, she blogs about Ace’s adventures. Product reviews writer and guinea pig at Dogster.
