Kids Clothing Sizes 101: How to Buy the Right Fit

If there’s one thing you quickly learn as a parent, it’s that children grow quickly. Despite this, you’d probably feel baffled if you brought home a new dress for your toddler—who’s been wearing the same size for months—only 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 brand’s sizing might be a full size larger or smaller than another brand’s. Thankfully, with a better understanding of kids’ clothing sizes, you’ll know how to buy your little one the perfect fit every time.

There are various factors to consider when it comes to kids' clothing sizes. Some that make it harder to pinpoint your kiddo’s clothing size include:

• Growth spurts

• International sizing

• Clothes unexpectedly shrinking in the dryer

To start, let’s 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 children’s section of a store and see sizes like 24 months, 2T and 7Y, you might feel like you’ve suddenly crash-landed on another planet.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here are the main differences between common children’s size labels:

• T – When clothes contain a “T” after the number—like 2T, 3T, or 4T—the “T” stands for toddler.¹ The size “2T” is typically for children who are two to three years old, whereas “3T” clothing is generally for three to four-year-olds, and so on.

• Y – The letter “Y” correlates with the word “year.” So, if you see a size labeled 7Y, it means those clothes are for seven-year-olds.

Dive into Posh Peanut’s 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 – Measure from the floor to the top of their head. It can be helpful to have them stand next to a wall to ensure they’re standing straight.

• Hips – Wrap the tape loosely around the widest part of your child’s torso and backside.

• Waist – Ask your little one to breathe and stand naturally as you measure the narrowest part of their torso.

Once you’ve written down their measurements, use our children’s 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 store—that is the question. There are benefits to each, which we explore below.

Here are a few tips to help you find the right outfits depending on the ages of your little ones:

• Infants – For  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 – These littles play hard, so consider  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 – 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 brand’s size measurements don’t align with another’s, 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 child’s measurements and compare them to each brand’s 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 or  toddler girl dresses with adjustable straps, or shirts with rollable sleeves.

To avoid buying too many clothes for your child while they’re still growing, consider a kid’s 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 kids’ clothes sizes are created equal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find your child’s perfect fit every time. With Posh Peanut’s size chart, you can be sure you’re choosing the size that’s right for them.

Plus, thanks to our buttery soft and stretchy Papook^® 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 children’s clothing and find the best fit for all the littles in your life.

Sources: 

¹ Wunderlabel. International Size Charts - Quick Size Conversion.

https://wunderlabel.com/blog/p/international-size-charts