The value of the pet industry sales in the United States reached $123.6 billion last year, according to the U.S. Pet Market Outlook, and the American Pet Products Association reports 70% of U.S. households have at least one pet. The animals that give us unconditional love and an unbreakable bond are in fact, a huge economic trend and a powerful market force.
Pet ownership surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as the appeal of having a four-legged companion for positive mental health vibes during lockdown took hold, but pet sales had already been well on the rise since 2017. Every generation has a strong love for pets, but Millennials have been surging ahead with 32% of the ownership share, and articles abound about their pet obsession and love for cats, such as Taylor Swift and “doggos.”
One component of this market share that is continuing to surge is pet apparel. Pet apparel is one of the fastest-growing areas of pet spending, according to Zulily, with the sales of dog hoodies alone rising by 622% since 2017. That investment may be growing at a huge rate, as SkyQuest‘s analysis of the market predicts that pet clothing alone will reach $7.3 billion by 2028.
But beloved pet owners aren’t stopping at novelty T-shirts and adorable Halloween costumes. Famed fashion houses like Celine and Gucci have launched ranges for pets – for pets of the most fashionable of people deserve the most fashionable of looks themselves.
Pitti Uomo, the men’s fashionwear trade show hosted in Florence, recently dedicated a pavilion to animal clothing for the first time. This showcase, one of the peak fashion moments of the year, proves that rising brands that are taking pet wares seriously.
Clothes for pets can protect them from the elements, show off a silly style, and help a pet reach the pinnacle of coziness and comfort. The old doghouse outside is a thing of the past as pets these days are treated like true family members, and there is no better way to treat a family member than with a designer treat.
Don’t be surprised on your next visit to the dog park to see adorable and designer pups frolicking in their haute couture.