Two sizes is what separates this from most novelty pet hats, which are sold as one size and consequently fit almost nobody properly. A small and a large mean a cat and a labrador are not being asked to wear the same object. It is the plain orange pumpkin, with no face and no gimmick attached, and that is the version that still looks right in a photograph three autumns running.

The strap under the chin is soft rather than thin elasticated cord, and that difference matters more than the colour does. A narrow cord digs in and gets scratched at within seconds, while a wider soft strap sits without pressure and is far easier to fasten loosely. Fasten it with enough slack to slide a finger underneath. If the hat only stays on when the strap is pulled tight, it is the wrong size for that head.

• Plain orange pumpkin shape, no printed face
• Soft chin strap rather than thin cord
• Two sizes, small and large
• Suits both cats and dogs
• Soft-bodied, so it stores flat between years

On sizing: Between sizes, the larger with the strap taken up is the safer choice.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants the straightforward orange pumpkin in a size that genuinely fits the animal wearing it.