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Maltese clothes: size, jumpsuit and coat protection

Maltese clothes: size, jumpsuit and coat protection

In short: the Maltese is a small dog with a long white coat and no undercoat. The FCI standard puts the height at the withers at 21–25 cm for males and 20–23 cm for females, with a body roughly 38 percent longer than the dog is tall. An adult Maltese has a chest girth of approximately 32–44 cm (12.6–17.3 in), which usually means size S, M or L in the Feel with Fill chart, while very tiny dogs take XS. These breed figures are approximate: dogs differ even within one breed, and the final answer comes from your own dog's chest girth. A coat without an undercoat holds almost no warmth and soaks up water and dirt fast, so clothes for a Maltese do two jobs at once — they keep the dog warm and they keep that white coat from getting dirty and matting on a walk.

Maltese clothes size: chest girth and back length

Feel with Fill has no breed-specific sizes. Every model is cut to one chart in which the chest girth decides, and back length and neck girth confirm. Here is the whole chart, so you can see where a Maltese lands.

XS — chest 27–32 cm (10.6–12.6 in), back 21–25 cm, neck up to 22 cm. For very small Maltese and older puppies.
S — chest 31–36 cm (12.2–14.2 in), back 26–30 cm, neck up to 26 cm. A size that fits a small adult of this breed.
M — chest 35–41 cm (13.8–16.1 in), back 31–35 cm, neck up to 30 cm. For a sturdier Maltese and dogs at the top of the breed range.
L — chest 40–46 cm (15.7–18.1 in), back 36–40 cm, neck up to 34 cm. For the largest dogs of the breed.
XL — chest 45–51 cm (17.7–20.1 in), back 41–45 cm, neck up to 38 cm. A Maltese rarely needs this size — it belongs to larger breeds.
Custom size — if the chest girth is under 27 cm, if the measurements do not land in one size of the chart, or if last year's piece fitted the chest but came out short over the back. It costs 15 percent more than a standard size and takes 3–6 business days to make.

An adult Maltese measures approximately 32–44 cm around the chest and approximately 24–32 cm along the back. The word "approximately" is not a formality here: the breed is not yet in our measurement table, so these ranges come from the FCI standard rather than from measured dogs. Please measure your own dog before ordering. The step-by-step method is on the size guide page, and the overview of other small breeds is on the dog clothes size by breed page.

What to do when the measurements disagree. With a Maltese this happens often: the chest falls into M (35–41 cm), say, while the back is shorter than 31 cm, which is size S. An M will then bunch up over the croup and sit long, while an S pinches in the armpits — exactly where a long coat mats fastest. Go by the chest girth, and if the gap is more than one size, order a custom piece: our manager confirms every measurement after you place the order.

How to measure a Maltese

Use a soft tape measure while the dog stands calmly on all four legs. A Maltese coat adds a few centimetres of bulk, and that is the main reason owners get the size wrong.

Chest girth — at the widest point just behind the front legs. Do not pull the tape tight: it should rest on the coat rather than flatten it. Measured "to the body", the piece comes out tight and rubs the coat constantly.
Back length — from the base of the neck, where a collar of a garment ends, to the base of the tail. A Maltese body is longer than the dog is tall, so the back often measures longer than owners of small dogs expect.
Neck girth — where the collar sits, with no tension. The neck is slender, and a neckline that is too wide slides sideways and gathers the coat into a fold.

Take the measurements after brushing, when the coat lies naturally. If the dog has just been clipped, remember that the coat grows back and the piece will then fit more closely, so do not pick a size that fits exactly. Re-measure before each season and after a change of haircut.

Maltese build and coat: what it means for clothes

Three traits of the breed shape the choice of model.

The body is longer than the dog is tall. The FCI standard puts the body length at roughly 38 percent more than the height at the withers, so a Maltese has "long format" proportions: a model that fits the chest can turn out short over the back. If a piece ends well short of the tail base, the loin stays uncovered.
Fine legs and a light frame. This is a small, light dog, so heavy, stiff clothing noticeably restricts movement. A light layer — knit, fleece, raincoat fabric — is more practical for a Maltese than anything bulky.
A long coat with no undercoat. The standard describes the coat as long, dense, glossy and pure white, but there is no undercoat — and the undercoat is the layer that traps air and keeps a dog warm. Without it a Maltese gets cold earlier than double-coated breeds, however fluffy it looks.

The same trait has a second side: a long coat with no undercoat hangs loose and touches the ground, the grass and the wet snow. That is why clothes for a Maltese are not decoration but a practical grooming tool. Who needs clothes and in what weather is covered in does my dog need clothes.

Long white coat and matting: which lining to look for

Mats form where fabric rubs the coat again and again: in the armpits, on the chest, around fastenings and the neckline. The longer the coat, the faster it happens. The bad news is that a tight or coarse piece can ruin a coat in a few walks. The good news is that the choice of lining and fit solves almost all of it.

Look for a smooth lining. The fleece dog vest is lined with natural viscose that, as the model description puts it, prevents matting. The same natural viscose lining sits inside the "Brooklyn Jacket". In the "Hugme" hoodie the natural lining runs through the hood and sleeves, hiding the seams and keeping claws from catching while you dress the dog.
Check the hardware. On the fleece dog jumpsuit a hidden hook-and-loop tab adjusts the neckline and protects the coat from catching, and the zip runs along the back. On the fleece dog anorak there is a binding around the zip, so the coat stays out of it.
Do not buy a piece that fits exactly. A loose fit is the simplest way to cut down friction. If the measurements fall between two sizes, take the larger one or order a custom size.
Skip chunky knitwear. A long coat and claws catch in the loops. A smooth knit suits a Maltese better — the "Charmie" turtleneck, for instance, or the "Waffle" longsleeve.
Take the clothes off indoors. A dog should not lie in a garment for hours, because the coat flattens under the fabric. After a walk, take the piece off and brush the dog, especially in the armpits and on the chest.

How clothes save the coat on a walk

This is why a Maltese needs clothes all year rather than only in the cold months. A long white coat picks up everything on the ground: dust, sand, wet grass, puddles, leaves, slush and road salt. The belly, the inside of the legs and the "skirt" along the sides take the worst of it — the areas hardest to wash and dry.

An outer layer changes the shape of a walk. A jumpsuit covers the back, the belly and the legs, so afterwards it is mostly the paws that need washing rather than the whole dog. That matters: the less often you wet a long coat, the less it tangles, because water and drying are among the main causes of mats. For wet weather there is the water-repellent "Heaven" jumpsuit with a detachable hood and a hidden harness opening, and for frost and snow the insulated "Gossip-puffer" jumpsuit.

In summer the task changes but the principle holds. The linen dog duster breathes, does not overheat the dog, and creates an extra barrier against ticks while keeping dust and dirt on the fabric instead of the coat. The fabric is premium 100 percent linen. For walks through fields and woods that beats picking burrs out of the skirt.

Drying deserves its own note. The drying robe is made of premium terry in 100 percent natural cotton: it absorbs water after a bath, a swim or grooming and helps the coat dry faster. A belt and an extra snap under the tail hold it in place while the dog moves around. The maker recommends washing the robe before first use, because the terry absorbs better afterwards.

What a Maltese should wear in different weather

+10 to +15 °C (50–59 °F), dry. The "Charmie" turtleneck or the "Waffle" longsleeve — a light knit layer that warms the neck and back. Both work indoors and under a vest outside.
+5 to +10 °C (41–50 °F), windy. The brushed "Hugme" hoodie or the fleece dog anorak, whose water-repellent finish handles light rain.
Rain and slush. The water-repellent "Heaven" jumpsuit, which covers the back, belly and legs. If your dog dislikes jumpsuits, the "Vivienne" vest in raincoat fabric or the "Brooklyn Jacket" in water-repellent raincoat fabric will do.
0 to −10 °C (32 to 14 °F). The "Puffy" puffer vest in waterproof fabric with a quality filling, or the fleece dog jumpsuit: polar fleece holds the heat and keeps moisture out.
Below −10 °C (14 °F), snow. The "Gossip-puffer" jumpsuit, an insulated puffer jumpsuit for winter walks when a hoodie or a light vest is no longer enough. For short outings, the "Gossip-coat" fleece coat with a fur collar against the wind and an adjustable strap.
Spring and summer outdoors. The linen dog duster — protection from dust, dirt and ticks.
After a bath or a paw wash. The drying robe in cotton terry soaks up moisture while the coat dries.

More on layers and temperatures in winter dog clothes.

What to buy a Maltese for autumn and winter

The models below cover the whole range from a cool autumn to real frost. The first price is for a standard size XS–XL, the second for a custom size made to your dog's measurements.

"Heaven" jumpsuit — $71, custom $82. Water-repellent, detachable hood, hidden harness opening.
"Gossip-puffer" jumpsuit — $79, custom $91. An insulated puffer for frost and snow.
fleece dog jumpsuit — $52, custom $60. Polar fleece, a zip along the back, a hidden hook-and-loop tab at the neckline and elastic drawstrings. Available in seven colours.
"Four-Paws Bodysuit" ribbed jumpsuit — $50, custom $58. Two pieces — a snap-fastened bomber and the jumpsuit itself — so you can wear them together or separately.
"Puffy" puffer vest — $46, custom $53. Waterproof fabric with a quality filling, snap fastening, harness opening.
fleece dog vest — $38, custom $44. Natural viscose lining that prevents matting, plus a harness opening. Available in eight colours.
"Brooklyn Jacket" — $52, custom $60. Water-repellent raincoat fabric, viscose lining, corduroy inserts and a collar opening for the lead.
fleece dog anorak — $35, custom $40. Water-repellent finish and a binding around the zip. Available in eight colours.
"Hugme" hoodie — $38, custom $44. Brushed lining, with natural lining in the hood and sleeves.
"Gossip-coat" fleece coat — $66, custom $76. Fur collar, harness opening, adjustable strap.

There are more options in dog jumpsuits, dog vests, dog anoraks, dog hoodies and jumpers and turtlenecks. Garments come in sizes XS–XL and to measure, with exceptions — bandanas, for example, come in one size or made to measure — so check the size list on each product page.

Light pieces for spring and summer

In warm weather a Maltese needs clothes not for warmth but to keep the coat clean and to add a barrier against ticks and burrs. Thin pieces in natural fabrics are what help here.

linen dog duster — $42, custom $49. Premium linen that breathes and creates a barrier against ticks in spring and summer.
"Lora" T-shirt — $21, custom $24. A thin piece for hot days.
"Belle&Bow" batiste dress — $37, custom $43. Light batiste for walks and photos.
linen dog shirt — $39. A linen shirt for warm weather.
"Waffle" bandana with bows — $12, custom $14. Made in one size or to measure; this is an accessory rather than a layer.

If you like the idea of matching outfits, have a look at matching dog and owner outfits. Note how the sizing works there: the dog's half of a matching pair comes in XS–XL, while the women's shirt comes in one size or made to your own measurements.

Harness, neckline and hood

A Maltese is a small dog with a slender neck, so many owners walk it in a harness rather than a collar. That means the clothes have to work with a harness.

A harness opening is built into the "Puffy" puffer vest, the fleece vests and the "Heaven" jumpsuit, as well as the "Gossip-coat". On the "Brooklyn Jacket" the opening is on the collar, for a lead.
The neckline should sit close without pressing. On a slender neck a wide neckline slides and gathers the coat into a fold, while a tight one wears it down. On the fleece jumpsuit a hidden hook-and-loop tab adjusts the neckline, which is exactly what a long-coated dog needs.
The hood. On the "Teddy" hoodie the hood snaps on, so you can remove it if it gets in the way of a harness. On the "Heaven" jumpsuit the hood is detachable.

If your Maltese wears a harness all the time, put the clothes on over it or choose models with an opening, so the fabric does not grind the coat under the straps.

Clothes for a clipped Maltese

Many owners clip a Maltese short to make grooming easier — a puppy cut, or clippers all over. After such a haircut the dog loses even the modest warmth the long coat gave and feels cold indoors, let alone on a cool street. For that period you need a light warm everyday layer.

"Charmie" turtleneck — $27, custom $32. A soft knit that warms the neck and back.
"Waffle" longsleeve — $25, custom $29. A light cut that does not restrict movement. "Waffle" is the name of the model, not a fabric.
jumper with pompoms — $29, custom $34. An indoor option with a little decoration.
"Furry" hoodie — $39, custom $45. Mink knit that stretches well and goes on easily.
"Teddy" hoodie — $38, custom $44. Plush fabric, with a hood with ears that snaps on.
"Teddy" bomber jacket — $45, custom $51. An outer layer for cool days.

The reverse is also true: with a long coat, add a little room to your measurements, because a clipped dog measures smaller and the coat grows back into that space.

Clothes for a Maltese puppy

At two or three months a Maltese puppy often measures less than 27 cm around the chest, which does not even reach size XS. For a puppy that small, choose "Custom size": our manager confirms the measurements after the order and the piece is made to fit. Once the chest reaches 27–32 cm, move to a ready-made XS.

Do not buy clothes with a lot of room to grow. In an oversized piece a puppy trips over its own legs, the fabric gathers into folds and rubs the coat more, so the risk of mats goes up. Check the chest girth every two or three weeks while the dog grows. More in our guide puppy clothes, and for a broader overview of sizes and seasons for small breeds see small dog clothes.

Care: washing the clothes and keeping the coat white

Light-coloured pieces should be washed separately from dark ones at 30 °C, as the maker advises. Dark pieces are best washed on their own before first use to keep the colour rich. The terry robe should also be washed before first use, after which it absorbs water better.

Dry a garment fully before putting it back on. A damp inner layer against a long coat is an almost guaranteed mat.
Brush the dog after every walk in clothes. Pay attention to the armpits, the chest and the line of the fastenings.
Keep two sets for the slushy season. While one dries the other is in use, so you never put a damp piece on the dog.
Do not leave clothes on indoors. The coat flattens under the fabric, and on a white coat it shows at once.
Match the colour to the coat. The product pages note that light blue "looks especially good on white, cream and apricot" coats, while milk white is a light warm shade that photographs softly.

How to order made-to-measure Maltese clothes

Choose "Custom size" on any product page and place the order — our manager will contact you to confirm the measurements. A custom size costs 15 percent more than a standard one: the fleece vest, for example, is $38 in a standard size and $44 made to measure, while the "Heaven" jumpsuit is $71 and $82. The exact figure always appears on the product page when you select the size option.

We sew in our own Feel with Fill workshop in Kyiv, Ukraine (the brand was founded in 2023), within 3–6 business days of payment; standard sizes that are in stock ship sooner. Within Ukraine delivery is free from UAH 4,000 (after discount), otherwise at the carrier's rates; shipping abroad is arranged with the manager and usually takes 1–2 weeks. Details on shipping and payment.

One thing to keep in mind: made-to-measure pieces and pieces in a non-standard colour cannot be exchanged or returned, so take the measurements carefully. A standard-size item can be exchanged or returned within 14 days of receiving it — see exchange and returns.

Frequently asked questions

What size clothes does a Maltese wear?
Most often S, M or L. An adult dog measures approximately 32–44 cm around the chest, so most Maltese land in S (31–36 cm) or M (35–41 cm), and larger dogs in L (40–46 cm). Very small dogs take XS (27–32 cm). The breed figures are approximate, so measure your own dog's chest girth before you choose.

Do Maltese get cold?
Yes, earlier than many other small breeds. The standard describes the Maltese coat as having no undercoat, and it is the undercoat that holds warmth. Because of that the dog needs a layer in cool damp weather, not only in frost. After a short clip a Maltese feels cold even indoors.

Will clothes damage a Maltese coat?
Tight, coarse clothes will; clothes as such will not. The coat tangles where fabric rubs it constantly: in the armpits, on the chest, near fastenings. Choose models with a smooth lining — the fleece vests and the "Brooklyn Jacket" are lined with natural viscose, and the "Hugme" hoodie has a natural lining in the hood and sleeves — go for a loose fit, take the piece off indoors and brush the dog after a walk.

Which jumpsuit is best for a Maltese in rain and mud?
The water-repellent "Heaven" jumpsuit ($71, custom $82): it covers the back, belly and legs and has a detachable hood and a hidden harness opening. After a walk in it you mostly wash the paws rather than the whole dog, which saves real time with a long white coat.

What should a clipped Maltese wear?
A light warm knit for everyday use: the "Charmie" turtleneck ($27) or the "Waffle" longsleeve ($25), and on cooler days the brushed "Hugme" hoodie ($38) or the mink-knit "Furry" hoodie ($39). Chunky knitwear is best avoided, because a long coat and claws catch in the loops.

Can Maltese clothes be made to measure?
Yes, any model. A custom size costs 15 percent more than a standard one and takes 3–6 business days from payment. It is the simplest answer when the chest girth is under 27 cm or when the chest and the back fall into different sizes of the chart.

How much do Maltese clothes cost?
The "Lora" T-shirt is $21, the "Waffle" longsleeve $25, the "Charmie" turtleneck $27, the jumper with pompoms $29. Hoodies and vests are $32–46. The fleece anorak is $35 and the "Brooklyn Jacket" $52. Jumpsuits are $35–79. The drying robe is $39, the linen duster $42 and bandanas start at $10. A custom size adds 15 percent to the model price.