Pets are a significant part of the lives of many individuals and families worldwide. They bring joy and companionship and are even as essential to some people as children. One study showed that there are more households with pets than there are with children. Thus, it follows that there’s an increased responsibility in taking care of these companions.
Besides medical and veterinary services, some vital provisions include food and food bowls, collars, leashes, and a place to sleep. These days, however, there’s increased availability of luxury items. Some of them include things like grooming services, furniture, toys, various accessories, and clothing. Pet owners tend to provide anything they need for themselves for their animals too.
The most usual pets to see are dogs and cats. Thus, it’s understandable that designers make many of the pet apparel lines with them in mind. That’s why we have things like designer dog clothes and accessories to be more popular than others. Some shops even make it possible to search for items you need based on the canine’s specific breed.
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Reasons for Pet Clothing Items
There are various reasons for clothing pets. Some people argue about whether it’s right or wrong to clothe animals, but it’s vital to understand that it’s not without purpose. Though not the most essential, the most prominent reason is for the adorable effect it gives. You can’t deny that picture of cuteness when you see a pet all dressed up. It’s even cuter if the owner has a matching outfit.
On the other hand, the first reason is for their warmth and comfort. We all know how we feel when we go out in winter without adequate clothing layers. The cold can be biting and inconvenient, and nobody likes that. Well, animals have feelings too and should be kept out of the cold. That’s part of the protection that clothing for dogs, cats, and other pets offers.
Another reason is to protect their fur and skin from the sun, insects, dirt, allergens, and other irritants. Many people don’t consider that, but it’s essential. There are even UV-shielding and insect-repelling clothes and sunglasses for them. That’s because they’re vital for outings like hiking or camping trips. There are also suitable swimwear and life vests for water activities.
Lastly, people dress their pets for special occasions like weddings, Christmas, the 4th of July, or even Halloween. That’s because they’re usually vital for families, and you should include these furry creatures too. Sometimes, they even have parts to play as part of a wedding train, which requires them to have on an appropriate outfit. Some people even make their favorite team jerseys for them.
The Available Market
There’s an undeniable boom in the pet clothing and accessories business. This outcome isn’t difficult to understand given the number of homes with pets, as mentioned earlier. People take them as a family and, therefore, take the responsibility of their care seriously. Admittedly, as children deserve treats and gifts, so do these adorable creatures.
With the rising popularity of this industry, it appears to be a necessary expense for pet parents. A recent study showed that it might be particularly so because of the role of millennials. They have a high pet ownership percentage, and we know them for their various characteristics. Besides that, there’s a greater demand for cat and dog clothes online.
We can see that by the increased advent of pet product designers and producers and online pet stores. The market growth is so significant that significant designers are diversifying to pet wears too. They’re coming up with more luxury items like wigs and footwear (or paw wears). Nevertheless, there’s still enough business to go around, as there are more pet owners daily.
Considerations for Choosing the Clothes and Accessories
There are several necessary things to consider when choosing clothes for pets, as there are with humans. That’s because apparel is usually meant to be both stylish and functional. It’s essential to regard the weather, whether it’s hot, cold, or warm. For example, you could have items like jackets, coats, sweaters, and head and neckwear in winter, or raincoats for when needed.
Another vital factor is size. There’ll be different ones because it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Thus, it’d be best if you know the specifications that’ll be suitable for your pet, especially if you’re shopping online. Having the right size guarantees the fitness and comfort your friend will experience. Therefore, you don’t want to sacrifice that for any reason.
Besides that, it’s essential to work with the idea of the particular occasion for which you’re going. If you wouldn’t attend a wedding in a jersey, you don’t want to do that for your pet either. The style is essential, and some people even get custom-made outfits. Most people also consider hot trends, and you could consult a professional blog or magazines for that.
Getting the right accessories also resonate with this section. Many choose from, including bows, sunglasses, scarves, shoes, and luxury collars and leashes. It’s necessary to understand pairing and know the ones that go with a particular outfit. Where you’re going or your activity determines whether to use some, like sunglasses for an afternoon walk.
Pet Fashion Trends
As people are always concerned about the latest fashion trends for themselves, so are they for their pets’ apparel. Most times, it’s the designers that determine the popular styles in a particular season or period. However, a celebrity pet could also set a pace for others to follow. It isn’t out of place to stay informed and provide the latest things for your companion.
There’s usually a pet fashion week, and you can follow it up to provide you with ideas for what’s in and what’s not anymore. You can also get inspiration to customize your outfits. As much as you want stylishness, it would be best to go with things in which the animals are comfortable. That includes the cloth materials, the colors, and the accessory combinations.
