How to Measure a Dog for a Blank Pet Shirt Before Decorating
In this guide
To size a blank dog shirt, follow the selected style's measuring instructions and compare the dog's chest, neck, and back measurements with its size chart. Do not choose by breed or weight alone. Check the undecorated garment's openings, length, and freedom of movement before adding a design, since customization makes correcting a poor fit more difficult.
Start with the exact product chart
MONAG's pet apparel range includes different garment shapes, including tees and tank tops. Those shapes may not fit identically. Use the chart and instructions for the exact style you plan to buy, and clarify whether listed dimensions describe the animal or the garment.
A garment measurement is not necessarily the same as a body measurement. A flat width may need a different interpretation from a circumference, and a size label such as “medium” has no universal meaning across pet clothing brands.
Record three measurements
| Measurement | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Circumference at the point specified by the chart, commonly the broadest area behind the front legs | Helps assess room through the body |
| Neck | Circumference at the chart's indicated neckline | Helps assess the opening |
| Back length | Length between the chart's stated start and end points | Helps assess coverage and garment length |
Use a flexible tape without pulling it tight into the coat. Keep units consistent and repeat uncertain measurements. If the dog will not stand comfortably for measuring, stop and try again later rather than forcing the process.
Resolve between-size cases before decorating
If measurements fall into different sizes, ask for guidance using all three measurements and the selected style. Automatically choosing the largest size can create a garment that is too long or loose in another area. A different cut may be a better answer than simply sizing up.
Try an undecorated sample where practical. Check the neckline, front-leg openings, belly length, and whether the shirt shifts or restricts ordinary movement. Remove it if it causes discomfort or the dog resists wearing it. A shirt should not interfere with the normal use of any required walking equipment.
Place the design on the usable panel
Lay the garment flat without stretching it and identify the available decoration area. Keep artwork clear of seams, binding, and leg openings. The back panel is often useful, but its dimensions and shape vary by style. A design approved for a human tee is not automatically suitable for a pet garment.
Check the printed sample in its worn shape as well as flat. Curved panels can make text appear distorted even when the transfer was centered on the worktable. See the print placement guide for a repeatable template process.
Keep sizing records for repeat orders
For a custom pet apparel business, record the style, size, measurements supplied, artwork dimensions, and approval notes. Recheck fit when the animal's measurements change. Care testing should use the actual blank and decoration combination; our decorated apparel care guide provides a checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose a pet shirt by breed?
Breed can provide context, but individual proportions vary. Measurements and the selected style's chart are more useful than a breed-based size guess.
Should I add a fixed amount to every measurement?
Follow the manufacturer's measuring and fit instructions. Do not add an arbitrary allowance when the chart may already account for the intended fit.
Can a pet tee use sublimation decoration?
Only when the actual garment's composition, color, and construction suit the process. Check the specific product and decoration supplier's requirements; the words “pet tee” alone do not establish compatibility.
