For those of us not blessed with dogs who don’t shed, the struggle is real. I’m the stereotypical New Yorker dressed all in black. My pup is the color of fried chicken. My answer to “What are you wearing?” is usually, “Dog hair.” If your dog is a darker shade, and you had to kick him out of your wedding party, you feel me.
This pup looks like he doesn’t shed that much.
Of course, there are many methods of removing pet hair from your clothing and furniture. Regular brushing and grooming of your pup is helpful. You could always hang your clothes up. (I’m still working on that one.)
Here’s a list of apparel materials ranked from least to most dog hair-attracting. Find out where your wardrobe ranks on a scale of “I didn’t know you had a dog!” to “Chewbacca.” Whether you dress in pastels or the darkest hues, decrease your lint-roller usage by consulting this list. (Alternatively, match your pooch to your clothing palette.)
Exhibit A: Matching your dog to your clothing, furniture, and hair
Theatrical costume designer Jenny Moore provided some insight: “Anything with a nap, which is to say, fabric with texture like velvet, velour, or corduroy, is going to attract the most hairs. Knits, the second most, and weaves the least. Natural fibers like cotton and wool will attract more than synthetics. Basically, the more texture a thing has, the more hair it will attract.”
1. Pleather / PU leather / Natural Leather
Pet hair doesn’t stick to leather and its vegan alternatives. Which is good, because it’s usually recommended to have leather professionally cleaned. You and your pup will be simultaneously classic and edgy!
2. Silk / Satin / Taffeta
Hair slips off of silk and fabrics made from it. However, these delicate materials are easy to snag with errant pup nails and teeth. Plus, silk will definitely show slobber.
3. Pawlyester / Spandex / Viscose / Nylon
Though synthetic textiles attract less hair than natural fabrics, they are prone to static cling, which can make it a challenge to remove hair. Many garments made of synthetic materials are blends, so the fur-factor varies. Nylon (like the kind used for a windbreaker) repels hair, but nylon stockings and tights are more sticky.
4. Denim
Jeans that aren’t super dark blue, black, or white are pretty safe to wear around dogs. Most dog hair colors will be camouflaged by a medium rinse jean. Denim will hold fur but is relatively easy to brush off and might not require a lint-roller.
5. Wool / Acrylic / Knits
A loose weave doesn’t attract too much fur. Still, if your dog contrasts highly with the color of your garment you will see some hair. You could always take inspiration from the people who make wool out of their dog’s own hair.
6. Velvet / Corduroy / Velour
There’s a reason those old-school black handle/red velvet clothing brushes work so well. Velvet attracts dog hair (and people hair, and dust, and cracker crumbs…) like a magnet. Corduroy and velour are a little bit better, but you’ll definitely want to keep a roller handy for that velour tracksuit.
