Bold black and white stripes read instantly in a photograph, indoors and under poor light, which is more than can be said for most costumes built around fine detail. This one goes for the broad comic look rather than an accurate anything, and it comes in four sizes, so it stretches further up the size range than a lot of novelty outfits manage.

Sizing runs S through to XL and, as with any dog clothing, chest girth is the measurement that decides the fit. Take a tape round the deepest part of the chest just behind the front legs and check that against the guide rather than guessing from your dog's weight, because two dogs of identical weight can be two sizes apart across the chest. Getting it right is worth the minute it takes, since a costume that pinches gets shrugged off within the hour.

• Comic striped costume in black and white
• Four sizes: S, M, L and XL
• Sized on chest girth rather than weight
• One colourway across all four sizes
• Pulls on and off quickly
• Supervised wear only

Two things worth knowing. Novelty costumes are made for occasional wear, not for walks and not for warmth, so do not treat this as a coat. And a dog who has never worn clothing should meet it a minute at a time with something good happening, rather than being dressed for a whole evening at the first attempt.

What the options mean. Sizes run from M to XL — £12.99 for the smallest, £15.99 for the largest.

Who it's for: Halloween and fancy dress, on a dog who already tolerates a coat and does not mind being fussed over.