The 5 Best Grooming Smocks For Primping Your Pooch
When it's time to wash your pup or give her coat a clip, pop on a grooming smock to ensure that you stay neat and clean.
Whether you’re a professional dog groomer or you just want to spoil your pooch flying water droplets when your beloved pet starts to shake. Additionally, they help prevent small, stiff hairs from getting stuck in your clothing and provide an extra barrier in case your dog starts to scratch at you while you’re trimming her nails. To help you find the perfect smock for any kind of grooming, we’ve done the research and rounded up the best options available.
Best Grooming Smocks to Consider
When it comes to picking a grooming smock, you’ll want to make sure that it’s made from durable, water-resistant material. After all, you need it to hold up through plenty of baths and blow-drying sessions. Nylon or polyester fabric are usually great choices since they’re strong and easy to clean when you’re finished. Plus, they’re water-resistant so that droplets bead off rather than soaking in, and they dry quickly if they get damp.
Picking a smock that’s machine washable is also a must — no one wants to hand-wash a shirt that’s covered in fur, soap scum, and slobber. Most smocks should be safe to wash in a machine, but be sure to double-check the care tag for specific fabric recommendations. Washing a grooming smock in hot water when it’s supposed to be washed in cold water, for example, can weaken the fabric and make it less effective in the long run.
Finally, think about fit and comfort. You’ll want your grooming smock to be large enough that it fits comfortably over your clothes, but not so big that it gets in your way while you’re working. Smocks come in a huge variety of styles, from sleeveless vests to full-length jackets, so think about what kind of grooming tasks you’ll be doing and which style will be the most convenient.
DHXYZZB Waterproof Dog Grooming Smock
Loose, lightweight, and comfortable, DHXYZZB’s dog grooming smock is a great all-around option for everything from trimming your pup’s toes to giving your pooch a colorful dye job. It’s made from anti-static nylon, which means that loose fur and dander are easy to brush away. This means you can get away with using it a few times between washes, but when it’s time to launder you can simply pop it into your washing machine and let it air dry.
The tunic style is loose-fitting, but if you want a closer fit it’s easy to adjust the sizing with the two tie straps. This gives you plenty of room in case you’re wearing something bulky, like a sweater, underneath your smock. Additionally, the smooth, full-length zipper makes it easy to take the smock on and off — there’s no need to undo the ties or awkwardly pull it over your head.
Pros:
- Hair is less likely to stick to the anti-static fabric
- Equipped with apron-style ties for the perfect fit
- Has two large pockets
- Breathable fabric
Cons:
- Runs small, so consider ordering a size up
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
Noverlife Pet Grooming Workwear with Full Zipper
Whether you’re a professional groomer or you just want to look a little more official while you’re bathing your dog, Noverlife’s pet grooming smock is a sleek and stylish choice. The shirt’s sides are a cheerful purple that stands out beautifully against the black front and back, and the shirt is even decorated with two cute poodle designs. Since the designs are embroidered rather than printed, you don’t need to worry about them wearing off in the wash.
Besides looking great, this polyester grooming smock repels fur and water like a charm. Its high collar helps keeps stray droplets from dripping down to your clothes, and the elbow-length sleeves keep your shirt dry without getting in your way while you work.
Pros:
- High collar for added protection
- Side vents give you the freedom to move
- Looks very professional
- Full front zipper
Cons:
- Doesn’t have pockets
- A bit narrow, so you may want to size up if you have wide hips
Ladybird Line Poodle Print Waterproof Dog Bathing Jacket
When it comes to selecting work clothes, comfort is key. Ladybird Line’s waterproof bathing jacket comes in sizes ranging from extra-small to 4X-large for the perfect fit, and the back straps help you adjust the sizing even further. Since the straps are connected with a sliding buckle, you just give them a tug to loosen or tighten them. This also ensures that they stay in place, and there’s no bow that might come untied while you’re hard at work.
This grooming smock is also lined with mesh and has a full mesh back for unparalleled breathability. The front, however, is made from waterproof material that holds up to heavy splashes. Even if you’re bathing a frisky, muddy dog who just came in from playing with his favorite outdoor toy, you’ll be able to stay clean and dry.
Pros:
- Mesh back for great air circulation
- Adjustable sizing
- Highly water-resistant
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- A bit pricier than other options
- Fur tends to stick to the fabric
Noverlife Long-Sleeve Pet Grooming Workwear
Short-sleeved grooming smocks are great when you’re bathing a dog, but when you’re brushing your pup and the fur is flying a full-length smock can be a better choice. Noverlife’s long-sleeve pet grooming smock offers more protection, and the static-free polyester keeps hair at bay. You can opt for a 31.1” or 34.6” length, which helps protect your pants from dander as well.
The full front zipper is strong and opens smoothly, so it’s very easy to put the smock on and take it off without accidentally getting grime on your clothes. The full-length sleeves also mean you can wear a long-sleeved shirt or sweater without having to push them up. When it is time to bathe your dog, the elasticized sleeves will stay in place around your elbows, and the fabric is thin enough that it won’t bunch up and get in your way.
Pros:
- Elasticized sleeves stay put if you push them up
- Made from smooth, quick-drying polyester
- The pockets are large enough to fit your phone or grooming tools
- Repels hair and water well
Cons:
- Doesn’t come in a wide range of sizes
- Not equipped with ties, so you can’t adjust the fit
Ladybird Line Waterproof Grooming Vest
If you frequently find yourself up to your elbows in sudsy water, Ladybird Line’s vest-style grooming smock may be the way to go. The completely sleeveless design leaves your arms free, which gives you a full range of motion and keeps you from accidentally drenching your cuffs while you’re wrestling with a water-soaked dog. Plus, the waterproof front offers great protection from splashes and splatters.
The vest has two large pockets that are perfect for holding tools, and each one has a zipper at the bottom. This lets you open the pockets completely, making it super easy to clean out any hair or treat crumbs that may have gotten stuck during your grooming session. Finally, the smock is lined with a lightweight mesh fabric and has a mesh back to keep you from overheating during your stint at the doggy day spa.
Pros:
- Available in sizes XS to 6-XL
- Buckled back lets you adjust the fit without tying a bow
- Resistant to fur, bleach, and water
- Mesh lining keeps you cool
Cons:
- Patterned, which some people might not like
- May gape a bit around the arm holes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a dog grooming smock?
A smock might not be an absolute necessity if you’re grooming your pup at home, but it sure does beat wearing an old cotton T-shirt that soaks up water and odors while you bathe your dog. Plus, they usually have built-in pockets that are ideal for holding combs, brushes, and mini treats for your good boy or girl. If you’re a dog groomer or you participate in dog shows, a properly fitted smock not only protects your clothing through hours of grooming well but helps you look more professional as well.
What type of fabric should I look for?
The two most common fabric types for grooming smocks are nylon and polyester. Nylon is a great all-around choice, because it’s lightweight, water-repellent, and dries quickly. Polyester smocks are similarly water-repellent and quick-drying, and the fabric is usually thicker and more durable than nylon. However, polyester smocks are usually a bit pricier than nylon ones, so it might not be worth it for you if you’re only using your grooming smock occasionally.
What is the best style of dog grooming smock?
Grooming smocks come in many different styles, and the one that will work best for you is mostly up to your personal preference. If you’re bathing your dog in a sink or shower, a short-sleeve or vest-style smock will protect your clothing without long, dangling sleeves that could soak up water while you wash. On the other hand, if you’re brushing your dog or giving her a blow-out, a full-length smock with long sleeves will keep your clothing safe from flying fur.
How do I clean my dog grooming smock?
To keep your smock in tip-top shape, you’ll want to clean it regularly. As a general rule, wash your smock in cool water with mild detergent and let it hang dry rather than putting it in the dryer. If your smock has a lingering wet dog smell that you can’t seem to get rid of, try adding a cup of white distilled vinegar to the water in your washer. It should help to neutralize the odor, and any vinegary smell will dissipate by the time your smock is dry.
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