The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
If you’re wondering if it’s ok to dress up your dog, the answer is clearly yes! In addition to offering your dog a winter wardrobe, there is a dog hat available for almost every occasion. When choosing your dog hats, be sure to consider fit, materials, function, and whether your dog will wear it.
“Just remember that all dogs won’t wear hats. With some patience, you might get Fido to wear a hat,” pet trend and lifestyle expert Charlotte Reed told The Spruce Pets. “Reward your dog with a high-value treat every time he wears the hat, until she feels comfortable enough to wear it for longer periods of time.”
Our favorite dog hat is the Pawaboo Owner and Dog Baseball Cap Setbecause it’s made of lightweight cotton, available in multiple colors, and comes with a matching human hat so you can look adorable together. But we’ve got some other caps your dog might also look fetching in.
Best Overall
Pawaboo Owner and Dog Baseball Cap Set
Amazon
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Cute
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Comes with matching human hat
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Available in multiple colors
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Owner cap is one size fits all
The Pawaboo Owner and Dog Baseball Cap Set comes as a pair of matching hats, one for your dog and one for you! These hats are made from soft, breathable cotton and they’re nice looking too.
Your dog will like the ear holes that allow them to hear well and move their ears as usual. You can adjust the angle of the dog’s hat using the adjustable chin strap. Do measure your dog’s head according to the manufacturer instructions and use the table to make sure you get the right size.
Some noted that the chin strap doesn’t always stay clasped properly allowing the dog to shake or pull the hat off. The pet owner hat is adjustable with a Velcro closure so should fit most people.
As with most hats in our list, these should only be hand washed. They are great for every day but they can also be used as part of costumes for holiday and birthdays.
Price at time of publish: $19
Sizes: Small, medium, large and extra large for dogs | Colors: Black, pink, blue | Materials: Cotton | Adjustable: Yes
Best Birthday
Frisco Birthday Cake Dog & Cat Hat
Frisco
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Adjustable chin strap
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Larger size sometimes out of stock
You have to celebrate the birthday boy or girl, right? Unlike paper hats, the Frisco Birthday Cake Dog & Cat Hat can be reused for many years. The hat stays secure because of ear straps and an adjustable toggle that allows you to get a snug fit.
It comes in two sizes, one suitable for small breeds and the other medium or large breeds. The polyester fabric can be spot cleaned or washed by hand.
Price at time of publish: $7
Sizes: Extra small/small and medium/large | Materials: Synthetic polyester fabric and stitching | Adjustable: Yes
Best Trucker
PupLid Trucker Hats
Amazon
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So many cool designs
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Wide range of sizes
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Cute ear holes
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Hand wash only
If trucker is your vibe, you’ll love PupLid’s many styles and colors. The hardest part will be deciding which to choose. The bear cap in black would be perfect for my dog Kuma (which means bear in Japanese).
The design is classic with mesh backing, reinforced stitching, button top, lightly curved bill and chin and neck straps to help hold it on. The bill is long enough to offer sun protection for your dog’s eyes. PupLid Trucker Hats also have adorable ear holes, but you’ll want to make sure you size your dog right to ensure that the ear holes will be positioned correctly for their comfort. It would be better to purchase a size that’s too large, than too small.
The best part: PupLid offers all of these designs for humans too. So you can match or complement each other.
Price at time of publish: $24
Sizes: Tiny, extra extra small, extra small, small, medium, large | Colors: 8 designs, each available in black, blue, green, pink, or red | Materials: Polyester, cotton | Adjustable: Yes
Best Cooling
Chill Seeker Cooling Dog Hat
Canada Pooch
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No chemical coolants
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Ear holes for comfort and full hearing
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Cute!
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Some sizes out of stock
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Some breeds had trouble with ear hole alignment
Dogs don’t have sweat glands so they can’t cool themselves by sweating like humans do. They pant instead. But in the peak of summer, or when you’re on vacation in warm climes, this functional cooling hat will help keep the sun out of their eyes and prevent them from overheating. It uses the same principle as your air conditioner—evaporative cooling—to keep your dog refreshed. Simply wet the hat before placing it on your dog and then monitor its dampness. The fabric retains water so the cooling lasts while the mesh shell allows air circulation.
Ear holes mean your dog will still hear well and hopefully they’ll be less likely to try to pull it off. It can hang dry like any hat between uses and if it gets dirty, you can spot clean or machine wash inside out on the gentle cycle with cold water. It’s especially good for white and albino breeds who are prone to sunburn. They also sell matching bandanas, vests, harnesses, mat and boots with the same cooling design.
Price at time of publish: $25
Sizes: Small, medium, large, and extra large based on head circumference | Colors: Blue green, neon pink | Materials: Shell and lining: 100% polyester mesh, Interior: 80% rayon, 20% polyester | Adjustable: Chin strap
Best Winter
Canada Pooch Polar Pom Pom Hat
Amazon
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Comfortable chin tie
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Available in sizes suitable for wide range of breeds
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Well made
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Needs to be air dried
For winter holidays, tailgating parties and cold weather outings, a cozy hat is a must. They’ll be able to play a lot longer when you keep them warm with this adorable two-toned pom pom hat. Your dog will be thankful for the functional ear slits that are soft and comfortable. You can get the perfect fit by tying the braided tassels. Customers note that it's well-made and cute, especially with the pom pom on top.
Your dog will get lots of compliments on their style too. You can spot clean or machine wash inside out on the gentle cycle with cold water setting. Avoid the dryer, hang dry only.
Price at time of publish: $21
Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large | Colors: Charcoal or pink | Materials: 100% acrylic marled cable knit fabric | Adjustable: Yes
Best Cowboy
Yewong Pet Cowboy Costume
Amazon
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Durable
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Lightweight
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Affordable
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One size only
Cowboy is a classic style hat, and it also makes an excellent Halloween or birthday costume. This one isn’t just a hat, it also comes with a bandana. Because it is one size fits all and has no ear holes, it should rest mostly on top of your dog’s head. The bandana might not fit extra large breeds and dogs with thicker necks. Customers like the hat band detail with stars that really make this combo shine. They also noted that the elastic chin strap keeps the hat in place even when the dog shakes and runs.
If you have a toy breed or mix, consider this hilarious alternative cowboy costume.
Price at time of publish: $16
Sizes: Hat 5.9 x 4.7 inches, Bandana 21.7-inch square | Colors: Black or coffee hat; red or white bandana | Materials: Polyester hat, 100% cotton bandana | Adjustable: Yes
Best Holiday
Aneco Christmas Elf Headbands for Dog
Amazon
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Three styles in one pack
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Inexpensive
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Spreads the spirit
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Too big for puppies and small dogs
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Only one size
If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll like this well-rated set of three Christmas elf hat headbands. Your pet family can join in the holiday celebration.
With three different styles, you can try a different one for every occasion. The stretchy neck strap helps hold them in place and because the hat is attached to a headband, it is more likely to stay secure.
Price at time of publish: $9
Sizes: One size fits medium to large dogs | Styles: Elf with ears, red and green elf, elf with bow | Materials: Polyester fleece, faux fur, metal bell, plastic headband | Adjustable: Yes
We like the Pawaboo Owner and Dog Baseball Cap Set because it’s actually two hats, one for you and one for your dog, so you can look cute together. This cotton hat is breathable and comes in three adorable colors. In the wintertime, we also like Canada Pooch Polar Pom Pom Hatfor warmth and lovable style.
What To Look for in Dog Hats
For safety, never leave your dog unattended with their hat. Consider if they are prone to chewing. Do they destroy their toys? If so, they could remove and ingest parts of the hat. Straps can also be dangerous if they get tangled or stuck.
“Originally, hats were worn by dogs to protect their eyes. Dogs’ eyes are very sensitive to light and dog hats provide needed protection in bright conditions,” Reed told The Spruce Pets. “However, toppers can still provide protection for dog’s ears from frostbite in the colder, winter months. Most pet owners use hats as a fashion statement or an accessory to their dog’s wardrobe, especially in the colder months.”
When choosing your dog hats, be sure to consider fit, materials, function, and whether your dog will wear it.
Lots of dogs won’t wear hats, at least at first. If they are treat-motivated, you may be able to train your dog to wear them. “For hygienic reasons, most hats cannot be returned, so make sure you really want to purchase one,” cautions Reed. That means getting the recommended measurements carefully before selecting the size. That’s easily done with a flexible tape measure used for sewing. You can also look at photos in the review section to see the hat on customer dogs to help you estimate.
Consider the materials with which the hat is made. Plastic is probably the least environmentally sensitive choice, unless a hat is so poorly made that you’ll need to throw it away after one or two uses. Look for well made products. Dogs are likely less bothered by cotton or fleece fabrics that are also easy to spot clean.
“Additionally, most hats must be hand washed in cold water and mild detergent. Always line dry,” Reed said.
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How do I measure my dog’s head for a hat?
“Before buying a hat, it is important to measure your dog’s head,” Reed said. “Start by assessing the circumference of your dog’s head. Use a flexible tape measure to measure all the way around the top of your dog head. Start from the top of the head, in front of the ears, under the chin and back up. Also measure the forehead, the space between the ears, and the top of the head. Moreover, many retailers may also ask for your pet’s weight.”