Tee, Tweater or Sweater? The Hound-Tees Warmth Guide

Understanding Warmth Factors

Not all long-dog jumpers are created equal. Some are for taking the edge off. Some are for proper winter weather. Some are for hounds who consider 18°C a personal attack.

That's why every Hound-Tees garment has a Warmth Factor — a simple way to compare our different weights and work out what your hound actually needs.

Our scale runs from Warmth Factor 1 for our lightest layers through to Warmth Factor 5 for our warmest. Sleeveless Tees are 1, Long Sleeve Tees are 2, Long Johns are 2.5, Tweaters are 3, and our warmest Sweaters are 4–5. The higher the number, the warmer the hound.

What Does the Warmth Factor Really Mean?

It's not a temperature rating because hounds aren't thermostats. A young Whippet charging around outside has very different needs from an elderly Greyhound snoozing on the couch. Think of the Warmth Factor as a way to compare garments, then choose based on your hound, the weather and what they're doing.

Our lightweight Tees are made from cotton elastane jersey. They're stretchy, breathable and designed to sit close to the body. A Warmth Factor 1 Sleeveless Tee is great for mild weather and around the house, while a Warmth Factor 2 Long Sleeve Tee gives a little more coverage.

Warmer Layers: Long Johns, Tweaters and Sweaters

Our Warmth Factor 2.5 Long Johns add four-legged coverage for chilly nights and hounds who feel the cold without moving into heavier fabrics. Although some will still insist that three blankets are also essential.

The Warmth Factor 3 Tweater is our middle ground — exactly what the slightly ridiculous name suggests. Made from mid-weight loopback French terry, it's warmer than a Tee without jumping straight into full winter territory.

Then there are our Warmth Factor 4–5 Sweaters: the heavyweights for proper cold weather and hounds who really feel the chill. They're deliberately designed with more room through the chest and body so you can comfortably layer a Tee underneath.

Finding the Right Fit for Layering

That means a Sweater in your hound's usual size will look roomier than their Tee or Tweater. That's intentional. You don't need to size up to layer, and you shouldn't size down because the Sweater looks bigger. Generally, order your hound's normal Hound-Tees size.

If your hound sits right between two sizes, that's where it can get a little trickier. Measure around the deepest part of their chest and check our size chart — or send us their measurement and a photo and we'll help.

Choosing the Right Warmth Factor for Your Hound

So what should they actually wear? For mildly cool days or indoors, start with a Tee. When things get chillier, move up to a Tweater. For proper cold weather, reach for a Sweater. Long Johns are particularly handy for bedtime, chilly houses and hounds who benefit from extra leg coverage.

Outside, don't look at temperature alone. Wind, rain, sunshine and activity all affect how cold your hound feels. A Tee might be plenty on a cool, sunny walk, while the same temperature on a windy, damp day could call for something warmer.

And remember that wet and warm are two different jobs. A warm layer won't necessarily keep your hound dry, and a raincoat won't necessarily keep them warm. When it's cold and wet, layering can help with both.

Ultimately, the best guide is the hound in front of you. If they're comfortably stretched out asleep, they're probably happy. If they're shivering, tightly curled, burrowing under every available blanket or permanently attached to the heater, it might be time to move up a Warmth Factor.

Some hounds happily sleep on top of the blankets. Others appear to be preparing for an Antarctic expedition in your living room.

Choose the Warmth Factor, then choose for the hound.

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