Caring for your dog's wardrobe
A little care goes a long way. From cozy pajamas and sweaters to statement outfits and accessories, proper care helps your Arlo's Closet pieces stay fresh, comfortable, and ready for the next occasion.
Wear it. Love it. Care for it. Repeat.
Simple habits that help clothes last
Start with the product label
Always check the care label or product specific instructions first. Different fabrics, trims, embellishments, and closures may require different care. If the instructions provided with an item differ from this general guide, follow the instructions for that specific product. When in doubt, choose the gentler option.
Fasten closures before washing
Close snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and zippers before washing whenever appropriate. This helps prevent snagging, tangling, stretching, and unnecessary stress on the garment.
Turn delicate pieces inside out
For printed, embroidered, embellished, or particularly delicate garments, turning the item inside out before washing may help protect the exterior finish. Always follow the individual care instructions first.
Use a mesh laundry bag
A mesh garment bag can provide extra protection for small pieces, delicate fabrics, and garments with decorative details. It also helps keep tiny dog clothes from becoming tangled with larger items in the wash.
Wash gently
Unless the product instructions say otherwise, choose a gentle cycle and cool or cold water when machine washing. Harsh washing, heavy agitation, and excessive heat can cause shrinking, fading, stretching, or damage to delicate details.
Skip the high heat
High temperatures can affect fabric, elastic, prints, coatings, adhesives, and decorative trims. Avoid hot water washing and high heat drying unless the garment's care instructions specifically allow it.
Air dry when in doubt
Air drying is one of the gentlest ways to care for most pet apparel. Reshape the garment while damp and allow it to dry completely before storing or putting it back on your dog.
Give the details a little extra care
Give the little things a little extra care
Bows, charms, appliques, buttons, embroidery, decorative patches, and other special details may require more delicate handling than the rest of the garment. Avoid pulling, twisting, or scrubbing decorative areas. If a piece is heavily embellished or you're unsure whether it can be machine washed, gentle hand washing may be the safer choice when permitted by the care instructions.
Coats, vests, and outerwear
Puffer coats, quilted vests, rainwear, and other outerwear may contain materials that react differently to washing and heat. Follow the product specific care instructions carefully, wipe away light dirt or moisture between wears when appropriate, avoid unnecessary high heat, and allow wet garments to dry completely before storage. Do not store outerwear while damp. For waterproof or coated materials, aggressive washing can affect the finish, so clean only as directed.
Collars, harnesses, and leashes
Walking accessories deserve regular inspection because they experience more tension and everyday wear than most clothing. Check them frequently for fraying, loose stitching, cracks, damaged clips or buckles, weak attachment points, excessive stretching, and loose decorative pieces. Stop using any walking accessory that appears damaged, weakened, or unsafe. Style should never come before secure function.
Keeping pieces fresh between wears
Not every outfit needs a full wash after every use. When appropriate, you can help keep pieces fresh by brushing away loose fur, spot cleaning small marks, allowing damp items to air out, and keeping clothing away from dirty or wet surfaces. Wash only as often as necessary for cleanliness and comfort, and always make sure an item is completely dry before storing it.
Storage
Store clean, dry clothing in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Fold soft garments neatly and avoid placing heavy objects on delicate pieces. Hang structured garments only when doing so will not stretch the fabric. Keep small accessories and decorative pieces somewhere your dog cannot reach and chew them.
Inspect before every wear
Before dressing your dog, take a moment to check the garment or accessory for loose threads, torn seams, missing or loose buttons, damaged snaps or zippers, frayed straps, cracked hardware, loose charms or decorations, and areas that may rub or irritate the skin. If something looks damaged or unsafe, stop using the item until it can be safely repaired or replaced.
After playtime, check the outfit and the pup
After active wear, outdoor adventures, or playtime, give both your dog and their clothing a quick check. Look for dirt, moisture, plant material, damage, or anything caught underneath the garment. Make sure your dog's skin and coat look comfortable, especially around the neck, chest, legs, and areas where fabric or straps make contact. A great outfit should leave behind compliments, not irritation.
A note on safety and comfort
- Your dog should always be able to move naturally while dressed. Clothing and accessories should never interfere with breathing, walking, sitting, lying down, vision, or bathroom use.
- Remove an item immediately if your dog shows signs of discomfort, irritation, overheating, restricted movement, or distress.
- Dogs should be supervised when wearing apparel or accessories that could become caught, tightened, damaged, or chewed.
- Decorative bows, charms, buttons, appliques, and similar details are not toys and should not be allowed to become chew items.
We're happy to help
Not sure whether a particular piece should be washed, spot cleaned, or handled a little differently? Send us the product name or a link to the item, and we'll help you review the recommended care. A little extra care keeps their favorite looks ready for more walks, naps, celebrations, and compliments.