How to Compare Sizes of Kids Clothing From Store to Store

Children's clothing manufacturers determine sizing different ways.  Taking pieces of clothing that currently fit your child for comparison when you shop, knowing all your child's measurements, or sticking to one brand will help eliminate the confusion and save you time and frustration.

Different clothing lines size articles of clothing in different ways.  A pair of girls size 8 pant at one store may be comparable to a size 6 or 10 at another store.  Here are some tips for finding the right sizes for your child at any store without dragging her into the fitting room to try things on before ever single purchase.

• Write down your child's current measurements and keep it with you.  Measurements
  should include height, weight, waist, inseam, shoulder span and arm length.  If your baby or toddler has a large head, you may want to measure the circumference to ensure shirt openings will fit.  Many brands include measurements on their tags, making it easier to compare.


• When you know you are going shopping, bring an article of each type of clothing you intend to buy that fits your child especially well. Compare the shirts, pants, shorts,  etc. that you brought from home to items in the store by laying your child's current shirt on top of the new item.  If you have a close match, the new item should fit your child just as well as the old.  If your child is outgrowing his current clothing, you will know you need to buy items a little bit larger than the ones you brought with you.


• Figure out what clothing brands fit true to size for your child.  Take the guess work out of shopping by sticking to those brands.  Sign up for the brands newsletter to get notification of sales and to receive coupons.