From café brunches to beach days — how to dress a Bichon in Singapore.
Bichons are a styling challenge in the most beautiful way. The signature poofy white coat — when groomed properly — adds visual mass that affects how clothes sit. A piece that fits a Maltese perfectly will sit too small on a freshly-groomed Bichon, and a piece that looks elegant on a slim breed can look bunched on Bichon shoulders. The good news is that Korean designers love Bichon Frises — many of the catalogue model dogs in Korean ateliers are Bichons, which means the cuts tend to be proportioned for them.
Bichon sizing notes
Before any outfit planning, the sizing reality: a "freshly groomed Bichon" and a "needs-a-groom Bichon" are essentially two different sizes. Most Bichon owners find:
- Korean SM or M typically fits a Bichon under 5kg
- Korean M typically fits 5-7kg
- Korean L fits 7kg+ and the larger Bichon variants
- Measure the chest at its widest point after a recent grooming for the most accurate reading. If your dog is between grooms, size up.
1. The café outfit: preppy check + bow
For weekend brunch at Tiong Bahru Bakery or Café de Muse. The preppy checkered dress in soft blue check sits beautifully against a white Bichon coat. The structured collar adds polish, the check pattern photographs well in soft natural light, and the cut is forgiving of the Bichon poof. Pair with a small bow clip if you want to commit to the schoolgirl theme.
2. The "I just got groomed" photoshoot: tutu set
A grooming day deserves a photograph. The Melia tutu skirt over a black or navy knit top creates the "small white cloud in a tutu" image that defines Bichon Instagram. The black-and-white contrast is especially striking. This is also the look that travels best to Korean pet photography studios if you ever take your Bichon for a proper portrait session.
3. The trench coat day: French boutique vibes
Bichons carry a structured coat well — the silhouette of a trench gives them a slightly more grown-up look without losing the puff. The Le Petit Chiot classic check dress reads as a tiny boutique coat-dress and pairs beautifully with the Bichon's cream-to-white coat. Good for cooler-AC days at the mall, photos in front of architecture, and dog meet-ups where you want a polished look.
4. The princess look: floral lace + accessories
For birthdays, gotcha-day photoshoots, or "we're doing a portrait session." The burgundy floral dress or the shine black floral dress against white Bichon fur is the most photogenic combination in the whole Korean designer catalogue. The contrast is striking and the lace texture catches light beautifully. Add a coordinating hairpin for the full editorial look.
5. The beach day: swimsuit + safety
Tanjong Beach on a weekend morning. Bichons can be tentative around water but most enjoy a paddle. The Cherrybomb swimsuit from Opaf is the photogenic choice — cherry red against the white coat is essentially a Wes Anderson colour story. Pair with a life jacket if your Bichon will actually swim, not just wade. Bring a clean towel, fresh water, and your dog's regular cotton dress to change into for the cycle home.
Caring for white-on-white styling
The Bichon coat is high-maintenance and pieces with light or cream tones can show grime fast. Practical notes:
- Use a stain-prevention spray on white pieces before wear. A light beeswax-based fabric protector keeps cotton from absorbing oils.
- Brush the dog's coat before dressing. Tangles will bunch under the fabric and the dog will be uncomfortable.
- Keep a clean towel and dry cotton wipes in your dog bag. Quick spot-clean after meals or rain prevents stains setting.
Photography tips for Bichons
Bichons photograph differently than other breeds. The white coat reflects light, which means:
- Soft natural light is your friend. Window light at 8-10am is the most flattering. Bright overhead sun bleaches the coat detail.
- Coloured backgrounds work better than white. The dog gets lost against white walls; pastel or jewel-tone backgrounds make the dog pop.
- Get low. Photograph at eye level or slightly below, never from above — Bichons photograph best when the camera respects their height.
Where to start
Build the wardrobe in this order: one café outfit (Look 1), one knit piece for AC days, one tutu or special occasion set (Look 2 or 4), and accessories. Browse designer clothes for the editorial pieces, or message somin@seoulpaw.com for sizing questions on a specific Bichon.
— Somin, founder
서민, Seoul Paw 창립자