The pet industry has changed a lot in the last ten years. What used to be just collars and beds has turned into a whole lifestyle category, and pet clothes are now a global trendsetter. Pet owners, especially millennials and Gen Z, are treating their pets like family members and dressing them like it too, from Halloween costumes to winter coats.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global pet clothing market was worth more than $5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $7.2 billion by 2028. The U.S., U.K., and parts of Western Europe have the most demand, but markets in Asia-Pacific, like Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are quickly catching up.
Wholesalers, retailers, and trade buyers can stand out in the growing market for custom pet clothes by offering unique, brand-driven designs. And the secret to that? Working with the right pet clothing manufacturers.
In a crowded market, ready-made designs don't usually stand out. Custom designs let you make unique styles that show off your brand's personality, whether you own a small store in Paris or run a pet brand on Amazon or Shopify.
For example, the U.S. brand BARK has holiday-themed pet clothes that have become very popular with dog owners because they are trendy, funny, and unique.
You can do the following with custom pet clothing:
In Europe, fabrics that are good for the environment, like organic cotton, are becoming more popular.
In Canada and the UK, functional pet clothes like raincoats and reflective vests are very popular.
In Japan and South Korea, matching outfits for pets and their owners are all the rage. Custom production keeps you flexible. You can change designs, fit regional tastes, and even run limited drops for niche audiences when you work directly with pet clothes factories.
Most people who buy things for their pets go beyond just basic tees and hoodies. They want:
With custom design partnerships, you can easily add new products to your line and try out new ideas without having to rely on big-name suppliers.
Choosing a suitable pet clothing manufacturer is the most important step in making your product. Here are some things to look for:
A good manufacturer will have:
A few years of experience working with pet clothing (not just regular textiles)
A portfolio that has clothes for dogs and custom-made cats
Knowing how different markets work, like EU compliance and North American sizing
Before moving forward, ask for catalogs, client references, and samples of the products.
Not every factory is the same. Check for:
It's not just about stitching quality; it's also about:
Also, make sure their products meet safety standards like:
For the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
For the EU, REACH compliance
It is important to talk to each other clearly.
Do they understand English well (or your language)?
Give a detailed timeline for sampling?
During production, do they offer visual updates (photos/videos)?
A good factory will show you how to:
To make sure everything goes smoothly, you should know how the usual custom workflow works.
To begin, share:
Your mood board or design sketch
Target types of pets (dog, cat, size of breed)
Preferred color or fabric palette
End use (everyday, special occasion, seasonal)
Pro Tip: Show off your visual layouts on sites like Canva, Figma, or Adobe Illustrator. Many companies that make clothes for pets like clear pictures, even simple ones.
Factories will send you samples or pictures of the materials they have. Important things to think about:
Comfort and stretch (for pets that are active)
Breathability, especially in hot weather
Thickness and warmth (for gear in the winter)
Choices that are hypoallergenic or good for the environment
Some popular fabrics are:
Cotton blends
Fleece made of polyester
Nylon that doesn't get wet
Bamboo fiber (a green choice)
The factory makes the first prototype after the designs and materials are set. Take a close look at this example:
Check the sizes (use the breed measurements of your target market)
Check the strength of the seams and the feel of the fabric.
If you can, try it on real pets.
Most factories let you make changes 1–2 times. If changes need to be made, give detailed notes with measurements and pictures.
After the sample is approved:
Check the amount, price, and packaging
Give the final invoice and production schedule for your approval.
Depending on how complicated it is, production should take 3 to 5 weeks. It's a good idea to do your own quality checks at factories, but they usually do them themselves.
Get a third-party QC agent to check your work (especially for first-time orders).
If you're selling in markets with a lot of rules, ask for lab tests.
Working with manufacturers to get pet clothes at wholesale prices
Here's what you need to know if you want to buy in bulk.
When you order in bulk, you get:
This is especially good for:
National stores that have physical locations
Sellers on Amazon FBA
Brands that send you subscription boxes (like BarkBox and Chewy's Goody Box)
A lot of companies that make pet clothes let you make your own brand. Inquire about:
This not only makes the product seem more valuable, but it also helps people remember the brand.
Considerations are:
Find freight forwarders who know about textiles and can help you with duties in the U.S., Canada, or the EU.
Use sites like:
WhatsApp or WeChat to stay up to date quickly.
Email for official papers and approvals
Zoom for talks or walkthroughs
During the production phase, set up a single point of contact and plan regular updates.
This includes:
Make a Product Specification Sheet (PSS) and have both sides sign it.
Manufacturers put a lot of value on repeat customers. They did the following over time:
The custom pet clothing business is lively, changing quickly, and full of chances, especially for retailers and wholesalers who want to make products that modern pet owners will love. But picking the right pet clothing manufacturer and keeping an eye on the process are the first steps to success. You can make your pet clothing collections stand out by paying attention to quality, working with others, and keeping an eye on market trends. This could be custom cat clothes, themed dog hoodies, or a whole private-label line.
It's time to take your pet brand to the next level.
You can start by looking at B2B sites like Alibaba or Global Sources, or by going to pet trade shows like Global Pet Expo in the US or Interzoo in Germany. Get samples, check the certificates, and read the reviews.
Most manufacturers have minimum order quantities (MOQs) of 100 to 500 pieces per design, depending on how complicated it is and what materials are used.
Yes. Many companies make both types of products, but you'll need different size charts and maybe even different cuts for cats.
It takes 7 to 14 days to sample. After approval, bulk production can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the amount and difficulty of the design.
For comfort, use cotton blends; for warmth, use fleece; for rain gear, use waterproof nylon; and for eco-conscious shoppers, use bamboo or organic cotton.
