How to choose the best raincoat for Italian Greyhounds and Whippets

Lola has always been happy to walk... right up until the rain starts.

Like many iggies, she feels every drop. While many longer-coated breeds can shrug off a passing shower, sighthounds have very little natural protection against cold, wet weather. That's why choosing the right raincoat can make such a difference.

The best raincoat for an Italian Greyhound or Whippet is one that suits both your dog's needs and your own. It should allow completely unrestricted movement, protect the back, chest and neck from rain, and be made from materials that balance weather protection with comfort. A well-designed raincoat should stay securely in place without rubbing, allow your dog to run naturally, and help prevent overheating by using appropriate breathable materials alongside the waterproof outer where needed.

Where this advice comes from

Tailoring has been part of my family for generations. My great-grandfather was a tailor, and I grew up watching my mother, who has more than forty years of professional tailoring experience, draft patterns, solve construction problems and make garments built to last.

When I started designing clothing for Italian Greyhounds and Whippets, I applied those same principles to dogs. Every raincoat begins with my own Italian Greyhound, Lola, who acts as my fit model through multiple rounds of prototyping, real walks and adjustments.

Many of the observations in this guide come directly from that process.

Do Italian Greyhounds and Whippets actually need a raincoat?

In many situations, yes.

Italian Greyhounds and Whippets have very short coats, no insulating undercoat and relatively little body fat compared with many other breeds. Unlike double-coated dogs, they have very little natural protection against cold rain.

Longer-coated breeds often trap a layer of air within their coat, slowing the rate at which rain reaches the skin. Italian Greyhounds or Whippets don't have that advantage. Rain reaches their skin much more quickly, and once their coat becomes wet, evaporating water draws heat away from the body. Wind makes this effect even stronger.

Exactly when an Italian Greyhound needs clothing depends on the temperature, weather conditions and the individual dog. I cover this in much more detail in my guide, When do Italian Greyhounds actually need clothes?, including practical temperature guidance and how to tell when your dog is becoming uncomfortable.

When it comes to rain specifically, not every wet walk requires the same type of protection. A brief summer shower calls for something very different from a cold, windy walk in November, which is why choosing the right raincoat matters just as much as deciding whether your dog needs one in the first place.

What makes a good raincoat for an Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

A good raincoat should almost disappear once it's on.

Your dog shouldn't have to change the way they walk, run or turn because they're wearing it. Instead, the coat should move with the dog rather than against them.

The essentials are surprisingly simple:

One thing I noticed while prototyping Lola's raincoat was that adding just a few millimetres of ease around the shoulder dramatically changed how freely she could extend her front legs while running. On paper, those adjustments seemed almost insignificant. In practice, they transformed how naturally the coat moved with her.

That experience reinforced something I already knew from garment construction: comfort isn't usually created by one dramatic design feature. It's created by dozens of tiny pattern adjustments that work together.

The raincoat should also provide good protection across the back, chest and neck while remaining light enough that the dog forgets they're wearing it. The fit should feel secure but never tight, and there should be enough room for unrestricted movement whether your dog is strolling through town or sprinting across a field.

Comfort matters just as much as weather protection. Rough coatings, coarse inner surfaces or stiff fabrics can become uncomfortable surprisingly quickly, particularly around the neck and under the front legs where friction naturally occurs during movement.

After dozens of fittings, I found that dogs rarely object to the waterproof fabric itself. They're much more likely to dislike rubbing around the armpits or neck.

That's often what owners interpret as their dog "hating coats", when in reality they're reacting to discomfort rather than the concept of wearing clothing.

Choosing a raincoat therefore isn't just about keeping water out. It's about balancing protection, freedom of movement and long-term comfort so your dog can simply enjoy their walk.

What is the difference between a waterproof and a water-resistant dog raincoat?

The difference is simple: water-resistant fabrics slow water down, while waterproof fabrics are designed to stop it from passing through. Which one is best depends on the weather, how long you'll be outside, and how your dog will wear the coat.

Many owners assume waterproof is always better, but that's not necessarily the case.

For a short walk in light drizzle, a lightweight water-resistant coat may be perfectly adequate while offering greater flexibility and comfort. For prolonged walks in heavy rain, however, a properly waterproof outer fabric provides much better protection.

Water-resistant raincoats

Water-resistant fabrics repel light rain, but they aren't designed to withstand prolonged exposure to water.

Eventually, moisture begins to soak into the outer fabric, making it heavier and allowing water to work its way through over time.

Common examples of showerproof fabrics include:

Softshell deserves a special mention because it's particularly popular for dog clothing.

It combines warmth, wind resistance and water resistance exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for cooler autumn or spring weather. However, it's important to understand that most softshell fabrics are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so they will eventually become saturated during prolonged heavy rain.

Waterproof raincoats

Waterproof fabrics are specifically designed to prevent water passing through the material.

Many achieve this by using coatings, laminated membranes or waterproof films that create a barrier against rain.

Common waterproof fabric examples include:

One important point that's often overlooked is breathability.

Many waterproof fabrics used in dog clothing reduce breathability compared with ordinary woven fabrics. The less breathable the outer fabric, the more important it becomes to have a soft, breathable lining that allows air to circulate between your dog's body and the coat.

Some high-performance waterproof membranes are specifically engineered to remain breathable while keeping rain out, but these are generally more expensive and are less commonly found in everyday dog raincoats.

A comfortable lining helps reduce friction against the coat, improves comfort during movement and creates a more pleasant wearing experience, particularly during longer walks.

During prototyping I rejected several waterproof fabrics because, although they kept rain out extremely well, they became noticeably stiffer in colder weather and restricted movement more than I'd like.

For me, weather protection is only half of the equation. If a raincoat changes the way a dog naturally moves, it's solving one problem while creating another.

Ultimately, the best raincoat isn't necessarily the most waterproof one. It's the one that provides the level of protection your dog actually needs while allowing them to stay comfortable throughout the walk.

What features should you look for in a high-quality sighthound raincoat?

A raincoat should do far more than simply keep your dog dry.

Italian Greyhounds and Whippets have unique proportions, long necks, deep chests and athletic movement patterns that require thoughtful pattern cutting. A well-designed raincoat considers the whole dog, not just the weather.

When comparing different raincoats, these are the features I would prioritise.

Good coverage where it matters

The coat should comfortably cover the back, shoulders and chest without interfering with movement. The neck should also be protected, particularly for Italian Greyhounds whose long, slender necks are exposed to wind and rain. Good chest coverage is especially valuable because it's one of the first areas to become wet while walking through rain or long grass.

Freedom of movement

Protection should never come at the expense of mobility. Your dog should be able to walk, trot, stretch and sprint exactly as they would without wearing a coat. Look for generous shoulder movement rather than oversized garments. Good pattern cutting creates freedom through shape, not simply by making everything larger.

A comfortable lining

If the raincoat uses a waterproof outer fabric with limited breathability, a comfortable lining becomes even more important. Depending on the purpose of the coat, breathable mesh, lightweight technical fabrics or soft natural fibres can all improve comfort by creating a gentler surface against the dog's skin. The lining should never feel rough or abrasive, particularly around sensitive areas like the neck, chest and armpits.

How should a raincoat fit an Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

Because most raincoats are made from fabrics with little or no stretch, getting the fit right is even more important than with knitted jumpers or fleece clothing. A raincoat should sit securely on the dog without feeling restrictive. As a simple rule of thumb, you should comfortably be able to slide two fingers between the coat and your dog's body.

That small amount of ease creates space for natural movement without leaving the coat loose enough to twist, flap or catch on branches. If the coat feels tight when your dog reaches forward with their front legs, it's probably too small. If it rotates around the body or shifts dramatically while walking, it's probably too loose.

Pay particular attention to the underarm area. Because waterproof fabrics generally stretch very little, pressure or rubbing beneath the front legs can quickly become uncomfortable during longer walks.

The belly strap is another area worth checking carefully. A very wide, stiff belly strap may appear secure, but if it sits directly against sensitive skin or restricts movement around the waist, it can become uncomfortable surprisingly quickly.

A well-fitted raincoat should feel balanced. It shouldn't slide backwards, pull forwards or constantly need adjusting throughout the walk. When it's fitted correctly, most dogs simply get on with exploring the world instead of thinking about the coat they're wearing.

What type of raincoat is best for different weather and seasons?

The best raincoat depends just as much on the weather as it does on your dog. A coat that's perfect for a wet November afternoon may be completely unsuitable for a warm summer shower.

Rather than looking for one raincoat that does everything, think about how and when you'll use it.

Many softshell raincoats provide a useful combination of warmth, wind resistance and water resistance, making them an excellent choice during cooler spring and autumn weather.

However, I wouldn't recommend using that same style of coat once temperatures climb above around 16°C, particularly if your dog is active. Even though Italian Greyhounds and Whippets feel the cold more than many breeds, they can still overheat surprisingly quickly when exercising.

For warmer weather, I prefer lightweight raincoats made from thinner fabrics that protect against rain without enclosing the entire dog.cIf you already own jumpers or fleece clothing, another practical approach is layering. A lightweight waterproof shell can often be worn over existing clothing during colder weather, giving you much greater flexibility than relying on one heavily insulated raincoat all year round.

What should you avoid when buying a raincoat for an Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

A raincoat can have excellent materials and still be uncomfortable if the pattern hasn't been designed around how sighthounds actually move.

These are the things I'd avoid:

Coats that restrict movement

This is probably the biggest one. The front of the raincoat shouldn't interfere with your dog's stride. On horse blanket-style coats, for example, the front hem should generally finish around the level of the elbows. If it hangs significantly lower, there's a risk your dog could catch a front foot on the coat during movement. If your dog changes the way they walk because of the coat, something isn't right.

Tight underarms

Waterproof fabrics don't usually stretch very much. If they're cut too close beneath the front legs, the repeated movement of walking can create rubbing around the armpits, one of the most sensitive areas on a sighthound. Even a beautifully waterproof coat won't be enjoyable to wear if it causes discomfort after ten minutes.

Thick or stiff belly straps

The belly strap keeps the coat secure, but it shouldn't become the thing your dog notices most. Very wide, stiff straps can rub against sensitive skin, particularly during longer walks. The best belly straps are secure enough to keep the coat in place while remaining soft and flexible.

Heavy, inflexible fabrics

Not every waterproof fabric behaves the same way. Some coated fabrics become noticeably stiff, particularly in colder weather. A raincoat should move with the dog rather than resisting every step they take. If the fabric constantly fights against movement, it can make even a well-fitted coat feel uncomfortable.

Poor breathability

Waterproof protection is important, but so is airflow. If a coat is worn directly against the body and uses a waterproof outer with limited breathability, it should ideally include a breathable lining that helps improve comfort during wear.

Noisy fabrics

Some waterproof fabrics produce a noticeable rustling sound as the dog moves. While many dogs quickly ignore it, others can find constant noise distracting or unsettling, particularly if they're naturally more sensitive. Whenever possible, choose fabrics that remain soft and relatively quiet during movement.

Cheap construction

Look beyond the marketing photographs. Pay attention to stitching, finishing, reinforcement around stress points and overall construction quality. A thoughtfully made raincoat is likely to stay comfortable and functional for much longer than one built primarily around appearance.

Which raincoat is best for your Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

There isn't one perfect raincoat for every dog. The best choice is the one that suits both your dog's lifestyle and the conditions you walk in most often. If you regularly walk through muddy parks or woodland, prioritise fabrics that resist staining and are easy to clean.

If you already own jumpers and like layering clothing throughout the year, a lightweight waterproof shell may be the most versatile option. If most of your walks are short trips around town, comfort and ease of putting the coat on may matter more than maximum weather protection.

These are the same principles that guided the design of the Strela raincoat. Rather than trying to create the warmest or most technical coat possible, I focused on building a lightweight outer layer that allows Italian Greyhounds and Whippets to move naturally while staying protected from wet British weather. If you're looking for that type of raincoat, you can explore the Strela Lightweight Raincoat Collection.

Above all else, the raincoat should never become something your dog has to tolerate. It should feel comfortable, move naturally with them and quietly do its job in the background.

After spending months designing and refining Lola's raincoat, I came away with one conclusion more than any other - the best raincoat isn't the one with the longest list of features. It's the one your dog forgets they're wearing.

Raincoat buying checklist

Before buying a raincoat, ask yourself these questions:

✓ Can my dog walk, trot and run at full stride without restriction?

✓ Can I comfortably fit around two fingers between the coat and my dog's body?

✓ Does the coat protect the back, chest and neck without limiting movement?

✓ Is there enough room around the shoulders for full extension of the front legs?

✓ Does the coat avoid rubbing under the armpits and around the belly?

✓ Is the outer fabric appropriate for the weather I usually walk in?

✓ Is it breathable?

✓ Are the materials soft, flexible and comfortable against the dog's body?

If you can answer "yes" to all of those questions, you're probably looking at a raincoat that has been designed with your dog's comfort, rather than just appearance, in mind.

Looking for a lightweight raincoat?

If you're looking for a lightweight raincoat designed specifically for Italian Greyhounds and Whippets, you can explore our collection.

Each piece is designed in London, prototyped on my own Italian Greyhound, Lola, and refined through multiple rounds of testing to prioritise comfort, freedom of movement and protection from unpredictable British weather.

Browse our collection of Italian Greyhound and Whippet raincoats here.