They solve the same problem in different ways
Both a recovery suit (sometimes called a surgical bodysuit) and an Elizabethan collar, or cone, exist to stop a dog licking, chewing, or scratching at a wound or incision while it heals, self-trauma is one of the most common reasons a healing wound gets infected or reopens. A cone works by physically blocking the dog's mouth from reaching most of the body; a recovery suit works by covering the wound itself so there's nothing exposed to lick even if the dog can reach the area.
Where a cone is still the better choice
A cone remains the more reliable option for wounds a dog is highly motivated to reach, particularly on the head, ears, or paws, since a fabric suit can't cover those areas. It's also generally the safer default for the first day or two after surgery when a dog may still be groggy from anaesthesia and less predictable, and for any wound where direct licking would be a serious problem, a cone offers a more absolute barrier.
Where a recovery suit works well
For incisions on the torso, spay and neuter sites, chest or abdominal surgery, a well-fitted suit is often more comfortable and less disruptive than a cone. Dogs can eat, drink, navigate stairs, and move through doorways normally in a suit, all things a cone can make awkward or impossible. Suits are also useful for dogs that find a cone distressing or that flatly refuse to tolerate one, and they're commonly used for skin conditions and hot spots as well as post-surgical recovery.
What a suit can't do
A suit doesn't stop a determined dog from reaching a leg, foot, or the edges of a wound near a limb, and some dogs work out how to pull a suit aside or chew through the fabric. A suit also needs to be removed and the wound checked regularly, and it must stay clean and dry, a damp suit against a healing incision can create the exact problem it's meant to prevent.
Getting the choice right for your dog
The right choice depends on the wound location, your dog's temperament, and your vet's specific recommendation for that surgery. Many vets are comfortable with a suit for straightforward torso incisions in a calm dog, but recommend a cone for anything on the head or limbs, or for a dog that's likely to be persistent. When in doubt, follow your vet's post-op instructions rather than choosing based on comfort alone, a wound that reopens because of inadequate protection usually means a second, more invasive recovery. Some owners keep both on hand, using a cone for the first day or two and switching to a suit once the dog is steadier, if that's what the vet advises for the specific procedure.