The Best Pirate Costumes for Dogs, We Checked

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: November 15, 2022
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Best forProduct
Best Pirates of the Caribbean CostumeMikayoo Pet Costume Pirates of The Caribbean
Best for Girl PirateRubie’s Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume
Best T-shirt CostumeParisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs
Best T-shirt CostumeParisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs

Even though Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t technically a Halloween movie, it has produced some of the best costume ideas over the years. While these costumes are great for humans, they’re even better for our furry friends! So, if you are looking for a swash-buckling sailor’s outfit as a costume for your pup, look no further.

Finding the right costume for your pup can be difficult, as there are so many options out there today. Multiple variations of pirate costumes for dogs exist, and deciding which one will provide the best fit and best design isn’t easy. We’ve put together this review of some of the best pirate dog costumes on the market to help make your decision a little easier!

  1. Mikayoo Pet Costume Pirates of The Caribbean

    •Realistic Pirates of the Caribbean costume for dogs

    •Step-in, velcro behind neck

    •S-XL sizes

    Check Amazon
  2. Rubie's Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume

    •Girl pirate costume for dogs

    •Dress with corset back

    •Matching bonnet

    •S-3XL sizing

    Check Amazon
  3. Parisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs

    •Graphic pirate t-shirt for dogs

    •Unique design

    •S-5XL sizing

    •Breathable, flexible, washable

    Check Amazon
  4. Graphics and More Pirate Skull Crossed Swords Dog Bandana

    •Skull & Crossbones Bandana for dogs

    •Adjustable, breathable

    •2 color options


    Check Amazon

The Top Picks for the Best Dog Pirate Costume

#1 Best Overall: Mikayoo Pirates of the Caribbean Dog Costume

If you’re going for an authentic Pirates of the Caribbean look with your pet then check out our best overall pirate costume — Mikayoo Pirates of the Caribbean Dog Costume.

This costume includes a lot of details for a more realistic appearance, from the black pirate hat with skull and crossbones to the white ruffled shirt, large belt, tattered clothing, and, of course, the signature hook for a hand. A black cape is also included to cover the dog’s back and ties the whole look together.

This costume features a step-in design which means you can have your pup ready to go in a matter of minutes and it fastens around their neck and chest for a secure fit using a simple Velcro closure for ease.

This pirate costume is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. The small size is designed to fit dogs with a height around 7.9 inches and a neck girth of 11.8 inches, and the extra-large should fit dogs around 17 inches tall with a neck girth of 20.5 inches. You can refer to the sizing chart from Mikayoo for dogs with measurements that fall between these two sizes.

Although this costume has got a lot going for it, pup parents have reported that the sizes can run small and the hat doesn’t stay in place very well.

Pros and Cons of the Mikayoo Pirates of the Caribbean Dog Costume

ProsCons
This costume features the signature pirate look with hat, shirt, cape, belt, and a hook for a hand.The sizes run small.
It has a simple step-in design.The hat doesn’t stay in place very well.
It fastens behind the neck with Velcro.
Best Overall
Mikayoo Pet Costume Pirates of The Caribbean

•Realistic Pirates of the Caribbean costume for dogs

•Step-in, velcro behind neck

•S-XL sizes

Check Amazon

2. Best for Girls: Rubie’s Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume

If you are looking for a more ladylike version of a pirate’s costume for your dog thenwe suggest Rubie’s Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume.

This costume is designed with a red and black dress with a corset back. The dress features a lace bottom and comes with a matching lace headpiece. This costume fastens with easy-to-use Velcro closures.

This costume is available in five sizes: small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and XXX-large. The small size should fit most Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and other similarly-sized breeds, while the XXX-large is good for Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and other larger dogs. Rubie’s Costumes offers a sizing chart to help you select the ideal fit for your pup using their neck-to-tail and chest measurements.

Unfortunately, some customers found that the sizes ran small, while others reported that there were looks threads from the bonnet, which also had the ear holes in the wrong place for some pets.

Pros and Cons of Rubie’s Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume

ProsCons
This costume features a black and red dress with a matching lace bonnet.The sizes run small.
It fastens with easy-to-use Velcro closures.The bonnet has loose threads from the lace material.
There are five sizes available to fit most dogs.The ear holes in the bonnet are in the wrong place for some dogs.
Best for Girl Pirate
Rubie's Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume

•Girl pirate costume for dogs

•Dress with corset back

•Matching bonnet

•S-3XL sizing

Check Amazon

3. Best T-Shirt Costume: Parisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs

We believe the Parisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs is the best of its kind.

This costume has a unique design of a fancy swash-buckler’s jacket with intricate gold detailing and revealing the tie-neck undershirt of classic attire. The jacket even features a skull & crossbones.

The t-shirt costume is highly practical and is made from a cotton/polyester blend that is breathable and flexible to ensure your pups comfort. It’s even washable too! Plus, it really easy to put on. You simply have to pull the t-shirt over your dog’s head to put it on or quickly remove it if necessary.

This costume comes in sizes from small to 5XL, meaning it fist a variety of breeds and sizes. However, some customers reported that the manufacturers sizing guide was not accurate as the sizes run a little small.

Pros and Cons of the Parisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs

ProsCons
This costume features intricate detailed designs.The sizes run small.
It is made from a cotton/polyester blend so the material is breathable and flexible.
It is available in sizes from small to 5XL to fit most dogs.
Best T-shirt Costume
Parisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs

•Graphic pirate t-shirt for dogs

•Unique design

•S-5XL sizing

•Breathable, flexible, washable

Check Amazon

4. Best Bandana Costume: Graphics and More Pirate Skull Crossed Swords Dog Bandana

If you have a pet that doesn’t like wearing a full costume then the Graphics and More Pirate Skull Cross Swords Dog Bandana is the perfect choice.

With this bandana you can instantly transform your dog into a pirate pup without the hassle or bulk of a full costume. It’s a great choice for dogs that don’t enjoy wearing heavy costumes and can also offer a good solution if you live in a warm climate and don’t want your dog to overheat.

This bandana features a skull and crossbones design on the front which can be tied around the front of the neck or resting on their back if you prefer. The costume can be put on a dog or taken off of them with ease. Bandanas make for great costumes for dogs because they do not require a lot of effort and they are lightweight. These are perfect for dogs who can not stand a lot of material on them or like to chew moving parts.

You can choose from a white bandana with black details or a black bandana with white details. The bandana is inherently adjustable, so it should fit a range of sizes of dog.

There are almost no drawbacks to this product, with the only report being that rambunctious pups can chew through the material if they can get hold of it.

Pros and Cons of the Graphics and More Pirate Skull Crossed Swords Dog Bandana

ProsCons
This bandana is perfect for pets that don’t like wearing a full costume.The material is not chew-proof.
It is lightweight and breathable.
There are two color options available.
One size fits all dogs.
Best T-shirt Costume
Parisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs

•Graphic pirate t-shirt for dogs

•Unique design

•S-5XL sizing

•Breathable, flexible, washable

Check Amazon

Our Criteria: How We Chose the Best

Every dog owner knows the excitement of taking your dog with you on adventures, including trick-or-treating. One of the most fun parts about this is that you can dress your dog up to match your own costume or in a way that portrays them as your favorite characters or other animals. While dressing them up might be an exciting time for you, make sure that your pet is also experiencing the same fun and happiness you are, and not stress or anxiety.

To ensure your pet has as much fun as you do, make sure they are comfortable in their outfits, meaning that it fits well, the fabric is breathable and they aren’t overheating, and that nothing is irritating their skin or pulling their fur. Our process in researching the best costumes involves narrowing down by not only looks, but based on the factors of practicality, comfort, fabric, and style. We make sure to choose options that vary in all of these to fit the needs of different dogs. However, for each choice, we make sure it fits the comfort aspect first and foremost. No dog costume is complete unless it is comfortable.

Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Pirate Costume

We’ve put together a brief buying guide to share some important factors to consider as you are looking for the right pirate costume for your dog. Take a few moments to read through this guide to assist you during your search.

Appearance

There are a number of pirate dog costumes on the market and each offers a slightly different appearance. Think about the overall look you’re after for your dog, and choose a costume that will help you achieve this look. Consider the costume colors, overall design, and any accessories, such as a hat or hook, that may be included.

Personality

When choosing an outfit for your dog, it is easy to forget their attitude towards strange materials and attire, as this is often overshadowed by our desire for the perfect look or outfit for our dogs. Certain dogs might not have the personality to wear costumes, such as those that get anxious easily or like to chew anything in sight. Other dogs are more relaxed and don’t really care what they wear on their bodies. Make sure to keep in mind how your dog may react to certain costumes and choose accordingly.

Ease of Use

Next, think about how easy each costume will be to use. Does the design seem like it should be easy to get your dog dressed up and remove the costume quickly when they’re had enough? Can you hook up your dog’s leash to their harness or collar without covering up most of the costume? These are important questions to consider when choosing a costume. If your dog doesn’t mind the costume, this might not be an issue. However, if you think you may need to remove the costume quickly, make sure to get one that is step-in or simply ties around their neck, like a bandana.

Size

You will also want to ensure that you choose a costume that will provide a good fit for your dog without being too loose or too tight. Costume manufacturers including a sizing chart to help individuals choose a costume that will fit correctly. Each sizing chart is different, so a size medium from one manufacturer may be significantly smaller or larger than a medium from a different costume manufacturer.

You’ll need to use measurements of your dog’s length, neck circumference, and chest circumference to determine which size is best from each manufacturer.

Comfort

Last, but certainly not least, think about how comfortable each costume will be your for dog. Soft materials will keep a costume from irritating a dog’s skin and enhance their overall comfort. You should also keep in mind that dogs can overheat more easily than we can, especially if the weather is warm. Also, don’t forget that long-haired dogs will overheat more quickly than others, so a lighter weight, breathable material is necessary. For dogs with allergies or sensitive skin, it is also best to have light costumes and to extensively research the materials to make sure they won’t flare up your dog’s already reactive skin.

Up Next…

Best forProduct
Best Pirates of the Caribbean CostumeMikayoo Pet Costume Pirates of The Caribbean
Best for Girl PirateRubie’s Big Dog Pirate Girl Dog Costume
Best T-shirt CostumeParisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs
Best T-shirt CostumeParisian Pet Pirate Costume for Dogs
About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

The Best Pirate Costumes for Dogs, We Checked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do I determine what size costume to buy my dog?

To choose a costume that will fit your dog correctly, refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Depending on the specific costume you’re looking at, the sizing chart may include a range of measurements for a dog’s length, weight, chest girth, or neck girth. You will want to use a flexible tape measure to record these measurements for your dog before shopping. This will allow you to purchase the costume that will offer the best fit.

Will my dog like wearing a costume?

It is possible that your dog will enjoy being dressed up. Some dogs seem to like wearing clothing or costumes and may get excited when their owner pulls out something for them to wear.

On the other hand, some dogs do not like getting dressed up. Some may even get anxious or stressed if you try to get them to put on a costume. If you haven’t tried a costume with your dog before, you can still give a pirate costume a shot. But, if you notice your dog is nervous or scared, we wouldn’t recommend forcing them into the costume. This can exacerbate their anxiety and lead to other behavioral or health problems.

Are costumes safe for dogs?

Costumes can pose potential safety concerns for a dog. Any small pieces that could tear off or be chewed off could cause a dog to choke or get swallowed and cause digestion issues.

Bulkier costumes may also become stuck on a bush outside or furniture inside. This could cause a dog to become trapped or otherwise injured.

While these are potential risks, as long as you are watching your dog and keeping them within your sight when they’re dressed up, you should be able to step in and prevent any injuries.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.