Kids Clothing Sizes 101: How to Buy the Right Fit
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If thereโs one thing you quickly learn as a parent, itโs that children grow quickly. Despite this, youโd probably feel baffled if you brought home a new dress for your toddlerโwhoโs been wearing the same size for monthsโonly to find it too small to fit over their excited little head.
Is it time to size up, or did you pick the wrong size?
In reality, kids' clothing sizes are not a one-size-fits-all affair. One brandโs sizing might be a full size larger or smaller than another brandโs. Thankfully, with a better understanding of kidsโ clothing sizes, youโll know how to buy your little one the perfect fit every time.
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There are various factors to consider when it comes to kids' clothing sizes. Some that make it harder to pinpoint your kiddoโs clothingย size include:
Growth spurts
International sizing
Clothes unexpectedly shrinking in the dryer
To start, letโs break down labels and size charts to help you understand exactly what to look for when you shop at Posh Peanut.
As an adult, clothes typically come in sizes like small, medium, and large. So, when you enter the childrenโs section of a store and see sizes like 24 months, 2T and 7Y, you might feel like youโve suddenly crash-landed on another planet.
Fortunately, weโre here to help. Here are the main differences between common childrenโs size labels:
T โ When clothes contain a โTโ after the numberโlike 2T, 3T, or 4Tโthe โTโ stands for toddler.1 The size โ2Tโ is typically for children who are two to three years old, whereas โ3Tโ clothing is generally for three to four-year-olds, and so on.
Y โ The letter โYโ correlates with the word โyear.โ So, if you see a size labeled 7Y, it means those clothes are for seven-year-olds.
Dive into Posh Peanutโs kid's clothing size chart to determine the appropriate size for your little one.
The next step to finding the ideal fit for your kiddo is measuring them to determine their size.
We recommend using a flexible tape measure to obtain accurate measurements. Make sure to measure in the correct unit or use a size conversion chart to help guide you. Additionally, here are a few tips to help you measure your little wiggle worm correctly:
Height โ Measure from the floor to the top of their head. It can be helpful to have them stand next to a wall to ensure theyโre standing straight.
Hips โ Wrap the tape loosely around the widest part of your childโs torso and backside.
Waist โ Ask your little one to breathe and stand naturally as you measure the narrowest part of their torso.
Once youโve written down their measurements, use our childrenโs size chart to learn which size most closely aligns. If their measurements fall between two sizes, consider ordering both sizes to determine which one fits best.
To shop online or in the storeโthat is the question. There are benefits to each, which we explore below.
Itโs hard to beat the convenience of ordering your clothes online. You can make your purchase without leaving the comfort of your home. However, with children's clothing, if youโre unsure which size will fit your kiddo best, sometimes, itโs helpful to go to the store to try clothes on in person.
Whichever shopping method you choose, we recommend the following to make sure you have the best experience:
Read reviews of the clothes youโre considering
Check the brandโs return policy
Measure your children and compare them to each brandโs size guide
Here are a few tips to help you find the right outfits depending on the ages of your little ones:
Infants โ For ย baby clothing , opt for colorful bodysuits and rompers that make diaper changes a cinch. Lightweight and breathable materials, like our viscose from bamboo fabric , are gentle on their sensitive skin.
Toddlers โ These littles play hard, so considerย toddler clothing that plays just as hard and contains bold patterns that will withstand stains and spills. Bottoms with elastic waistbands are also excellent as they expand alongside your littles.
Children โ As kids grow, their personal tastes become more defined. Involve them in the shopping process, guiding them toward sizes that align with their measurements.
When one brandโs size measurements donโt align with anotherโs, it can be challenging to determine which size will fit your little one. Here are a few tips to help you navigate these variations.
One surefire way to avoid sizing issues between brands is by sticking with a brand you know and love. But, when in doubt, use your childโs measurements and compare them to each brandโs specific size chart.
When dealing with a growth spurt, either in height or weight, it can be hard to find the right size. Consider buying clothes in a larger size than your child's current size. You can also search for items that grow with your child, such as kid's bottoms , tops orย toddler girl dresses with adjustable straps, or shirts with rollable sleeves.
To avoid buying too many clothes for your child while theyโre still growing, consider a kidโs capsule wardrobe. This way you are buying staple items that can be worn in a variety of ways to get the most use out of them.
Not all kidsโ clothes sizes are created equal, but that doesnโt mean you canโt find your childโs perfect fit every time. With Posh Peanutโs size chart, you can be sure youโre choosing the size thatโs right for them.
Plus, thanks to our buttery soft and stretchy Papookยฎ viscose from bamboo fabric, you can ensure timeless outfits that stretch comfortably, allowing them to fit for even longer.
Shop our collection of breathable, stylish childrenโs clothing and find the best fit for all the littles in your life.
Sources:ย
1 Wunderlabel. International Size Charts - Quick Size Conversion.