Maltese were practically made for Korean cuts. Here's where to start.
Maltese are one of the dogs Korean ateliers actually design for. Most Korean pet brands sized for "small dog" use Maltese measurements as the baseline — 23-25cm back length, 33-37cm chest, 18-22cm neck. If your Maltese is in the standard size range, you can almost always trust the Korean S or SM label without measuring twice. The luminous white coat also makes them photograph beautifully in saturated and pastel pieces — colours that disappear on darker dogs.
Seven outfit ideas, ordered from everyday to special occasion, with specific pieces from our catalogue.
1. The brunch outfit: cotton dress + ribbon
For a weekend at Tiong Bahru Bakery or PS Café — a cotton dress in a soft tone, a small ribbon clip, sneaker-style booties optional. The burgundy floral dress with a matching burgundy hairpin is the "off-duty but considered" look. White Maltese fur picks up the dress colour beautifully.
2. The mall outfit: lightweight knit + harness
ION Orchard or Vivo on a Saturday means cold AC, slick floors, and crowds. A light Blanche knit cardigan over a harness keeps your Maltese warm in the shops without overheating between buildings. Pair with sneaker-style booties for the polished marble floors.
3. The garden party: tutu skirt + bonnet
For dog birthdays, gotcha-day photoshoots, or any time you want a "she's a princess" moment. The Melia tutu skirt with a mini rose bonnet is the full ballet-doll look. Tulle photographs beautifully against white fur.
4. The classic look: check trench + bow
If your Maltese is more "young Audrey Hepburn" than "ballet princess," the check trench coat over a clean white t-style underlayer gives that timeless 60s look. Works for travel days, vet visits, and formal-ish meet-ups.
5. The Lunar New Year: dog hanbok
Every Maltese owner should have one hanbok for Lunar New Year photos. The Doah hanbok in soft pastel jeogori (the top) and contrasting skirt is what you'll see across Korean Instagram feeds in late January. Goes beautifully against Maltese white.
6. The party look: bustier or shine dress
For evening events, dinners with friends, or "the dog was the photographer at the wedding" energy. The royal navy holiday bustier or the shine black floral dress bring a more grown-up tone — fitted bodice, structured shape, statement piece.
7. The beach: swimsuit or beach robe
If you're heading to Tanjong Beach with your Maltese in tow, the Cherrybomb swimsuit from Opaf is the photogenic choice — and the matching candy stripe swimcap set adds the editorial element. Always pair with a life jacket if your dog will actually be in the water.
A note on keeping a white dog white
The eternal Maltese problem: keeping the coat photogenic. A few practical notes:
- Dress around the face when possible. A bib-style or harness-dress style covers the chest area where food and water stains tend to land.
- Choose lighter colours for daily wear, darker for special occasions. Burgundy and navy actually hide saliva stains better than pure white on white.
- Have at least two of each daily piece. Singapore weather means you'll rotate pieces faster than in dry climates.
Where to start
Build the wardrobe in this order: one daily cotton piece (Outfit 1 or 2), one AC piece (Outfit 2), one special-occasion piece (Outfit 3 or 6), and one seasonal piece for Lunar New Year (Outfit 5). Beach gear and ballet pieces come later, as you discover what your Maltese actually enjoys wearing. Browse the full designer clothes collection or ask somin@seoulpaw.com for sizing on anything specific.
— Somin, founder
서민, Seoul Paw 창립자