French bulldog clothes: made to measure
In short: a French bulldog rarely fits a standard size. The chest is wide (roughly 50–70 cm, or 19.7–27.6 in, in girth), the neck is massive and the back is relatively short, so a piece chosen by length presses on the chest, while a piece chosen by chest is too long. Our largest standard size, XL, is cut for a chest of up to 51 cm (20.1 in) and a neck of up to 38 cm (15 in), so for an adult frenchie we recommend made-to-measure. We sew any Feel with Fill model to your dog’s measurements in 3–6 business days; a custom size costs 15% more than a standard one.
Does a French bulldog need clothes?
Yes, in the cold season. Frenchies have a short coat and almost no undercoat, so they get cold in autumn and winter, in wind and in rain. At the same time the breed copes badly with heat, so warm clothes are for outdoor walks in cool weather only — take them off at home.
Which size to choose for a French bulldog
A standard size fits only when all three measurements — chest girth, back length and neck girth — fall into the same row of the size chart. With frenchies that rarely happens, so check more than the chest:
| Size | Chest girth | Back length | Neck girth | Which frenchie it suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | 40–46 cm (15.7–18.1 in) | 36–40 cm (14.2–15.7 in) | up to 34 cm (13.4 in) | a puppy or a young dog, if all three measurements are within these ranges |
| XL | 45–51 cm (17.7–20.1 in) | 41–45 cm (16.1–17.7 in) | up to 38 cm (15 in) | a small adult frenchie — only if the neck and back fit too |
| Custom size | your dog’s measurements | your dog’s measurements | your dog’s measurements | chest over 51 cm, neck over 38 cm, or a back shorter than the size picked by chest (15% extra) |
A typical mistake is picking XL by chest girth alone: if your frenchie’s back is shorter than 41 cm (16.1 in), an XL piece will be too long and bunch up on the back. Step-by-step instructions and the full XS–XL chart are in our size guide.
Which measurements to take
1. Chest girth — at the widest point behind the front legs (the key measurement for a frenchie).
2. Back length — from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
3. Neck girth — where the collar sits.
Once you place an order with “Custom size”, our manager confirms the measurements with you.
Why standard sizes rarely fit a frenchie
In most breeds back length, chest girth and neck girth grow together, so one size covers all three. A French bulldog is built differently: a wide chest and a massive neck on a short back. A size chosen by back length won’t close around the chest, and a size chosen by chest is too long. Sizing up “to grow into” doesn’t help either: a loose piece slips and gets in the way, while one that is tight across the chest presses and makes breathing harder — something a short-nosed breed should be spared.
Clothes that work with a harness
Frenchies often walk in a harness, because a collar can press on the airways. So check whether a model has a harness opening. At Feel with Fill you will find one on the fleece vests and “Puffy” puffer vests, the “Heaven” jumpsuits and the “Gossip-coat” fleece coats. The hood of the “Teddy” hoodie snaps on and off, so it is comfortable with a harness as well.
What to put on a French bulldog by weather
| Weather | What works |
|---|---|
| Cool weather, wind | a hoodie, a turtleneck or a vest |
| Rain, slush | an anorak or a jumpsuit |
| Cold, frost | a jacket, a coat or an insulated jumpsuit |
For exact temperatures, see our guide to winter dog clothes: it goes from +40 °F (+5 °C) down to below 14 °F (−10 °C). Keep in mind that a frenchie overheats easily: don’t dress your dog too warmly when it is above freezing, and take the clothes off as soon as you are back home.
Clothes for a French bulldog puppy
Puppies grow fast, so don’t buy clothes to grow into: choose the size by today’s measurements and re-check them every 2–4 weeks. A standard size works while all three measurements fit one row of the chart; if they don’t, we sew to measure. How to get a puppy used to clothes is covered in our guide to puppy clothes.
What to choose for a French bulldog: Feel with Fill models
Prices below are for a standard size. Any of these models can be ordered in “Custom size” for 15% more — for example, the fleece anorak costs $40 instead of $35.
Similar breeds: dachshund (also non-standard proportions) · corgi (deep chest, made to measure) · pug (wide chest, short neck) · Pekingese and Shih Tzu (short nose, low-set body) · Dog clothes size by breed
Frequently asked questions
What size of clothes does a French bulldog wear?
It depends on the measurements. With a chest of 45–51 cm, a neck of up to 38 cm and a back of 41–45 cm, XL fits. If the chest is wider than 51 cm (an adult frenchie usually measures 50–70 cm), the neck is over 38 cm or the back is shorter, you need a custom size.
Why doesn’t a size chosen by back length fit a frenchie?
Because the breed has a short back and a wide chest: a size chosen by the back won’t close around the chest. Go by chest girth, and if the back is shorter than that size allows, order made-to-measure.
Is made-to-measure more expensive?
Yes, by 15%: a fleece anorak that costs $35 in a standard size costs $40 as a custom size. Production time is 3–6 business days.
Can I return a made-to-measure item?
No — such items are made for one specific dog and cannot be exchanged or returned. That is why our manager helps you take the measurements accurately.
Do you have frenchie clothes with a harness opening?
Yes: the fleece vests, “Puffy” puffer vests, “Heaven” jumpsuits and “Gossip-coat” fleece coats all have one.
Does a French bulldog need clothes in winter?
Yes. A short coat with almost no undercoat keeps little warmth, so in frost a frenchie needs an insulated top or a jumpsuit that covers the belly and legs. What to wear at which temperature is in our winter dog clothes guide.
Will my frenchie overheat in clothes?
Put warm pieces on only for walks in cool weather and take them off indoors. In warm weather a frenchie is better off without an insulated layer.
What size should I choose for a French bulldog puppy?
The one that matches its current measurements, with no room to grow. Puppies grow fast, so re-check the chest girth every 2–4 weeks.
An adult frenchie often measures beyond XL at the chest, and then we sew to measure. How that works, and what else we have for medium breeds and up, is on the clothes for medium and large dogs page.
