How I Designed the Dolphin & Dog Drying Robe
Hi, I’m Scott, the designer behind Dolphin & Dog.
The idea for my dog drying robe came from a familiar problem: wet dogs, towels that would not stay in place, sandy car seats and water being shaken across the house.
I wanted something that would continue absorbing moisture after the initial towel-down while allowing a dog to move around comfortably. That began the process of developing the Dolphin & Dog wearable dog towel.
If you are comparing different robes and deciding which features matter, read my Dog Robe Buying Guide. This article is the story of how I developed my own design.
Starting With the Drying Layer
The inside of the robe needed to do more than simply cover a wet dog.
I chose a high-density 400 GSM MicroTech™ inner fabric designed to pull moisture from the coat while the dog rests, travels or moves around. It is the same performance material used throughout my dog towel range.
For the outside, I chose soft woven cotton. The colours and Soul Surfer pattern are woven using individual threads rather than printed onto the surface, helping the design maintain its appearance through regular use and washing.
The result is a two-layer robe that combines an absorbent interior with a comfortable and durable outer fabric.
Developing the Fit in Port Macquarie
I did not want to base the sizing on a generic dog-clothing template.
I took the early designs to my local dog beach in Port Macquarie and measured dogs of different breeds, sizes and body shapes. Those measurements helped me develop nine sizes from XXS to 4XL.
Testing the fit on real dogs also showed me that one shape could not work perfectly for every breed. That eventually led to a dedicated Dachshund design with proportions better suited to longer bodies, shorter legs and deeper chests.
Why Each Detail Was Added
Wide adjustable belly wrap
Dogs carry a surprising amount of water around the chest, belly and sides. I created a wide underbody wrap to improve coverage while allowing the fit to be adjusted for different body shapes.
Adjustable roll-neck snood
The roll neck helps absorb moisture around the neck and can be adjusted for comfort. It provides useful coverage without using a bulky hood.
Genuine VELCRO® Brand fasteners
Strong neck and belly fasteners make the robe quick to put on, easy to adjust and secure enough for dogs that do not stay still for long.
Optional rear leg straps
The rear straps help keep the robe aligned when a dog walks, lies down or launches into the inevitable post-bath zoomies. They can be used when needed or left off for dogs that prefer a simpler fit.
Nine regular sizes and a dedicated Dachshund fit
Offering a broad size range meant more dogs could receive proper back and belly coverage instead of being squeezed into an approximate small, medium or large.
What the Community is Saying
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"This is no Temu buy. Made with heaps of care and made to last. Big love to this brand for what they are creating."
— Suzanne DeZeeuw (Verified Owner)
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"After a day at the beach and a nice warm bath, life couldn’t be better in her hoodie, to dry off in style."
— Anne Hibberd (Verified Owner)
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"Super absorbent and have really handy pockets you put your hands in to give your dog a gud rub down! They wash really easy."
— Emma-Jane Jenkinson (Verified Owner)
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"Using the dog towels for over a year now... super absorbent, quick drying and soft. Excellent value for money."
— Elizabeth Nokes (Verified Owner)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "10 Stars out of 5"
"As much as I dry her after the beach her fur is still damp and of course onto the couch she jumps—so love this product and so does she. I could then not resist getting the wearable beach towel for myself."
— Debra (Verified Spoodle Owner)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Exactly what we needed"
"We take our dog to the beach all the time so this is exactly what we needed. Our dog enjoys wearing his new Dolphin & Dog Robe, and it doesn’t irritate him!"
— Thomas Miller (Verified Buyer)
From an Idea to the Finished Robe
What began as a solution to wet floors and sandy cars became one of the most involved products I have designed.
Every part of the robe, from the absorbent lining and woven exterior to the belly coverage and nine-size fit, came from trying to solve a practical problem experienced by dog owners.
The goal was never to make another piece of dog clothing. It was to create a wearable towel that works in real life and makes wet-dog routines easier.
Explore the [dog drying robe range] and use the size guide to find the right fit for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you design the Dolphin & Dog drying robe?
I designed it after years of dealing with wet dogs, sandy cars and ordinary towels that would not stay securely in place. I wanted a wearable dog towel that could continue absorbing moisture while a dog rested, travelled or moved around.
What is the dog drying robe made from?
The robe has a high-density 400 GSM MicroTech™ absorbent inner layer and a soft woven cotton exterior. The Soul Surfer pattern is created using individually woven coloured threads rather than being printed onto the fabric.
Does the dog drying robe have a hood?
No. It has an adjustable roll-neck snood that provides coverage around the neck without the weight or bulk of a hood.
How was the sizing developed?
I tested and developed the fit using dogs around Port Macquarie. The regular range includes nine sizes from XXS to 4XL, along with a dedicated design for Dachshunds and other long-bodied dogs.
What are the rear leg straps for?
The optional rear leg straps help keep the robe aligned when a dog walks, lies down or runs around. They can be used when needed or left off for dogs that prefer a simpler fit.
Is the dog drying robe machine washable?
Yes. It can be machine washed and tumble dried on low. Avoid fabric softener because it can coat the technical fibres and reduce absorbency.
Is the robe designed in Australia?
Yes. I designed and developed the Dolphin & Dog drying robe in Port Macquarie, NSW, using measurements and fit testing from real dogs.
