How to build a capsule wardrobe for your Italian Greyhound
It might seem surprising, given we spend our days making Italian Greyhound clothing, but I rarely shop for clothes myself. I like the 'essentials' - versatile, purposeful pieces that I can mix and match, that last a long time, and feel as flattering worn alone as they do dressed up for an evening out. Also known as a 'capsule wardrobe'.
It wasn't a conscious decision; I've just grown to enjoy the simplicity of not having too much choice, and owning pieces of a quality that make me feel good and comfortable in what I'm wearing. I think there's a beauty in timeless, everyday pieces that serve you well through life.
And, we all know that feeling when something doesn't fit right, that feels restrictive, itches, or simply doesn't 'spark joy' (in the wise words of Marie Kondo).
After my Italian Greyhound, Twiggy, broke her leg years ago, I realised how tricky it was to dress her comfortably. There weren't many practical clothing options thoughtfully designed for the breed's unique frame, and even fewer made with the kind of quality and simplicity I look for in my own wardrobe and genuinely feel good about from a design perspective as a dog owner.
It felt natural to bring those principles into The Hound Edit. The design approach of our Italian Greyhound clothes naturally became an extension of that way of living - timeless, functional, and built to last.
So, what does a capsule wardrobe look like for them?
Why a capsule wardrobe makes sense for Italian Greyhounds
Our Italian Greyhounds are creatures of comfort. Their fine coats, lean build, and love for warmth mean they benefit from layers that move with them, not against them.
A capsule wardrobe allows you to keep things simple yet beautiful. A few well-made pieces that cover every season, rather than a drawer full of options that never quite fit or last.
It’s a more sustainable way to buy, too. By choosing garments made from durable, high-quality fabrics, you're reducing waste and creating a collection of pieces for your Italian Greyhound that can be worn and re-worn for years to come.
That’s the thinking behind our Italian Greyhound clothing - and it was front of mind for our AW25 collection: a small edit of everyday, functional pieces for the cooler and wetter months, designed to work together or alone.
The three layers of an Italian Greyhound's wardrobe
1. The everyday outdoors fleece
Essentially, the equivalent of your everyday knit. Something soft, easy to wear, and versatile.
A good fleece keeps your Italian Greyhound warm without bulk, offering freedom of movement and breathability. Look for fleeces that are designed to fit the Italian Greyhound's frame, ideally with raglan sleeves to avoid restriction. Because they extend in one piece to the collar rather than cutting across the shoulder, they let Italian Greyhounds move freely and comfortably.
The idea is the fleece supports and moves with them - whether they're running at full speed or curled up on your lap at the pub.
Pieces like The Marnie and The Frankie are designed exactly for that balance of function and freedom of movement. Made from Oeko-Tex certified recycled fleece, they’re not just kinder to the environment than virgin polyester — they offer the same warmth and endurance, only with a noticeably softer feel (and we tested many varieties to find it).
2. The raincoat
Especially if you live in the UK, every capsule wardrobe needs a layer that keeps you dry underneath, but dries quickly afterwards. Ideally, it protects you on those windy days too.
For Italian Greyhounds, that means a coat that’s protective, easy to pop on and off, and shaped for their slim build. Because outerwear fabrics have little to no stretch, choosing coats with fastenings that make dressing easier - especially when you're heading out the door or on-the-go when the weather is up and down.
The Arlo is an evolution of our bestselling full-body coat, The Rae. Made from the same performance softshell and balancing elegance with function, The Arlo is our sleeveless, layerable design that pops on and off in seconds.
We use poppers to fasten the coat - the same quality you'll recognise from your own coats. We intentionally avoid Velcro; it tires over time and collects fluff, but also, its rough texture just doesn’t feel like the right match for an Italian Greyhound’s thin, sensitive skin. Poppers provide a gentler, longer-lasting, and more beautiful alternative.
3. The comfort layer
Not everyday calls for fleece, but a layer might still be called for, be it for a touch of warmth, or even just comfort. In some environments, Twiggy is more confident wearing a layer than not.
A good cotton jumper bridges the gap between seasons - naturally breathable, soft against the skin, and offering just the right amount of warmth for everyday wear. It’s the layer that keeps your Italian Greyhound comfortable at home, during travel, or during those milder-weather walks when fleece might feel too heavy.
Pieces like The Jean-Pierre, The Steve, and The Bernadette are designed with this versatility in mind. Fabrics made from organic and/or Oeko-Tex certified cotton, they’re gentle on sensitive skin, easy to care for, and durable. Refined yet functional, they're the kind of staples that become part of your dog's year-round rotation - worn on their own, or layered under a coat when the chill sets in.
It doesn't have to mean neutral colours
Capsule doesn't have to mean muted. It can be bold. I personally float between understated black minimalism and the occasional bright statement piece that I keep coming back to.
For me, capsule is less about sameness, and more about the pieces that you'll keep coming back to because they feel and look good for a long time, and fill a genuine need in the wardrobe.
We started our collection with two jumper designs in black and one coat in bright yellow. What they share - and what we've carried through every design since - is a balance of elegance, comfort, and purpose.
Care and longevity
Good design deserves good care.
I wash Twiggy's clothes on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air-dry them flat. If I can spot clean, I will, to avoid over-washing.
The more you care for them, the longer they’ll serve you and your Italian Greyhound.
Hidden on the inside of every garment we make at The Hound Edit, you'll find a soft cotton tag so you can hang your Italian Greyhound's coat or jumper next to yours by the front door. Just like our own coats, it also helps with ventilation and drying the garments after a walk.
The best thing about a capsule wardrobe
The best wardrobes are built from the core pieces that make us feel our best selves.
The ones we reach for without thinking.
That’s what a capsule wardrobe is really about: fewer things, better made, designed to make the things we do together more comfortable (and beautiful).
Explore The Hound Edit’s AW25 collection - a conscious foundation for your Italian Greyhound’s capsule wardrobe.
