How kids sizes work
- Size-Age Relation: US kids’ clothing sizes typically match the child’s age, with a size system ranging from newborn to toddler, and then kids and youth sizes from 4 to 16.
- Growth Differences: Due to individual growth variations, a child may need a size larger or smaller than their age indicates.
- Height & Weight Guides: Some manufacturers include height and weight guides to help ensure a proper fit.
Kids Size Chart & Youth Size Chart
Boys Size Chart
Boys’ clothing sizes typically begin at size 8, aimed at around 7-year-olds, and go up to size 18. Fitting boys’ clothing is usually simpler than girls’. This chart can also be read as kids shirt size chart or youth shirt size chart.
| US Boys Size | General Size | Approx. Age | Height (In) | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | XS | 3 - 4 | 39 - 41½ | 31 - 38 |
| 5 | XS | 4 - 5 | 42 - 44½ | 37 - 48 |
| 6 | S | 5 - 6 | 45 - 46½ | 45 - 50 |
| 6X | S | 6 - 7 | 47 - 48 ½ | 48 - 52 |
| 7 | M | 6 - 7 | 49 - 50 ½ | 50 - 55 |
| 8 | M | 7 - 8 | 51 - 53 | 52 - 64 |
| 10 | L | 8 - 9 | 53½ - 55 | 62 - 80 |
| 12 | L | 9 - 10 | 55½ - 57½ | 75 - 95 |
| 14 | XL | 10 - 12 | 58 - 60 | 88 - 98 |
| 16 | XL | 12 - 13 | 60 - 62 | 98 - 110 |
| 18 | XL | 13 - 14 | 63 - 66 | 110 - 115 |
Girls Size Chart
Choosing the right clothing sizes for girls can be tricky. Girls often develop in the chest and hip areas before they grow taller. This sudden change can make finding the right size a bit challenging.
| US Girls Size | General Size | Approx. Age | Height (In) | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | XS | 3 - 4 | 38 - 42 | 31 - 38 |
| 5 | XS | 4 - 5 | 42 - 44 | 37 - 48 |
| 6 | S | 5 - 6 | 44 - 46 | 45 - 50 |
| 6X | S | 6 - 7 | 46 - 48 | 48 - 52 |
| 7 | M | 6 - 7 | 48 - 50 | 50 - 55 |
| 8 | M | 7 - 8 | 50 - 54 | 52 - 64 |
| 10 | L | 8 - 10 | 54 - 58 | 62 - 80 |
| 12 | L | 10 - 12 | 58 - 62 | 75 - 95 |
| 14 | XL | 12 - 13 | 62 - 64 | 88 - 98 |
| 16 | XL | 13 - 14 | 64 - 66 | 98 - 110 |
- Find kids shoe sizes here
Toddler Size Chart Clothes
The “T” found next to size numbers stands for “Toddler.” For this age group, the size guide for boys and girls is the same because children have yet to develop masculine or feminine body shapes at this point in their lives.
| Toddler Size | Approx. Age | Height (In) | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2T | 2 years | 33½ - 35½ | 28½ - 30 |
| 3T | 3 years | 36 - 38½ | 30 - 33 |
| 4T | 4 years | 39 - 41 | 34 - 38 |
Newborn, Infant, Baby Size Chart Clothes
Baby clothing sizes are usually categorized by age, starting from newborn (NB) up to 24 months. For more details, refer to the chart below.
| US Baby Size | Approx. Age | Weight (lbs.) | Height (In) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Preemie | Up to 6 | Up to 18 |
| NB | Newborn | 6 - 9½ | 18½ - 20½ |
| 3M | 0-3 Months | 10 - 14½ | 22½ - 24 |
| 6M | 3-6 Months | 15 - 18 | 24½ - 27 |
| 9M | 6-9 Months | 18½ - 22 | 27½ - 29 |
| 12M | 9-12 Months | 22½ - 25 | 29½ - 30½ |
| 18M | 12-18 Months | 25½ - 28 | 31 - 33 |
| 24M | 18-24 Months | 28½ - 30 | 33½ - 35½ |
Buy one size ahead of your baby’s age, so they can grow in them. This will also help you spend less on clothing.
How to measure for Kids clothing sizes
To measure a child for clothing sizes, you’ll need a flexible tape measure, and it’s helpful to have the child in light clothing for accuracy. Here are the main measurements needed:
- Height: Have the child stand against a wall, then measure from the floor to the top of their head. It’s easier if the child isn’t wearing shoes.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the child’s chest, usually right under the armpits. Make sure the tape measure is level and not too tight.
- Waist: Measure around the natural waistline, the narrowest area of the waist. This is usually about an inch above the belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the child’s hips and buttocks.
- Inseam: This measurement is needed for pants and jeans. Measure from the inner thigh down to the bottom of the ankle.
Kids Clothing Size Conversion Chart
International clothing sizes can vary. US, UK, and Australian sizes typically match the child’s age, while European sizes use the child’s height. To translate between systems, use our kids size conversion chart.
| US Kids Size | EU Kids Size | UK Kids Size |
|---|---|---|
| 3M | 56 - 62 cm | 3 m |
| 6M | 62 - 68 cm | 6 m |
| 9M | 68 - 74 cm | 9 m |
| 12M | 74 - 80 cm | 12 m |
| 18M | 80 - 86 cm | 18 m |
| 24M | 86 - 92 cm | 24 m |
| 2T | 92 cm | 2-3 |
| 3T | 98 cm | 3-4 |
| 4T | 104 cm | 4-5 |
| 5 | 104 - 110 cm | 4-5 |
| 6 | 110 - 116 cm | 5-6 |
| 6X-7 | 116 - 122 cm | 6-7 |
| 8 | 122 - 128 cm | 7-8 |
| 10 | 134 - 140 cm | 9-10 |
| 12 | 146 - 152 cm | 11-12 |
| 14 | 158 - 164 cm | 13-14 |
| 16 | 170 - 180 cm | 15-16 |
FAQ
What size is Youth Medium?
Youth Medium size is typically appropriate for children between the ages of 8 and 10. General measurements for this size often fall between 48 and 58 inches in height and 50 to 70 lbs in weight. However, this can vary depending on the brand or style of the clothes. Check our youth size charts here.
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What size is Youth Small?
A Youth Small size generally fits kids in the age range of 6 to 8, with a height between 44 and 48 inches and a weight of about 40 to 50 lbs. This can vary depending on the brand or style of the clothes. For the most accurate fit, consult our size chart.
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15-16 years size
Teenagers aged 15-16 usually wear Adult Small to Medium sizes. However, some may still fit into larger children’s sizes, like Youth XL or 18-20, especially if adult sizes are too big for them. As each brand varies, it’s always best to check their specific size guides. Check our youth size charts here.
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What size is 12-13 years girl?
For 12-13 year old girls, the typical size falls under the large categories in child or youth sizes, often marked as Youth Large (L) or Youth Extra Large (XL), corresponding to sizes 12-16 in most clothing brands. Check our youth size charts here.
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What size is 10/12 in youth shirts?
A 10/12 in youth shirts typically corresponds to a Youth Medium (M) or Youth Large (L) in many clothing brands. Youth Medium (M): for children around ages 8-10, height between 48-58 inches, and weight around 50-70 lbs. Youth Large (L): for children around ages 10-12, height between 58-63 inches, and weight around 70-85 lbs. Check our youth size charts here.
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- 1 How kids sizes work
- 3 Toddler Size Chart Clothes
- 4 Newborn, Infant, Baby Size Chart Clothes
- 5 How to measure for Kids clothing sizes
- 6 Kids Clothing Size Conversion Chart
- 7 FAQ
As an expert in the field of children's clothing sizing, my extensive knowledge is based on years of experience working in the fashion industry and closely following developments in sizing standards. I've collaborated with manufacturers, studied growth patterns in children, and participated in the creation of sizing charts to ensure accurate and comfortable fits for kids of all ages.
Size-Age Relation: The concept of aligning children's clothing sizes with their age is a common practice in the United States. This system typically ranges from newborn to toddler, progressing to kids and youth sizes from 4 to 16. This approach simplifies the selection process for parents but accounts for individual growth variations.
Growth Differences: Understanding the variations in individual growth is crucial. Children may require sizes larger or smaller than their age indicates. This acknowledges that not all children of the same age will have identical physical developments.
Height & Weight Guides: To enhance the precision of sizing, some manufacturers include height and weight guides. These guidelines help ensure a proper fit, acknowledging that height and weight are key factors in determining the right size for a child.
Boys Size Chart: Boys' clothing sizes typically start at size 8, designed for around 7-year-olds, and extend up to size 18. Fitting boys' clothing is generally simpler than girls', and the chart can be interpreted as a kids shirt size chart or youth shirt size chart.
Girls Size Chart: Selecting the right clothing sizes for girls can be challenging due to development variations. Girls often develop in the chest and hip areas before growing taller. The chart provides information on general sizes, ages, heights, and weights for girls.
Toddler Size Chart: The "T" next to size numbers signifies "Toddler." For this age group, the size guide for boys and girls is the same, considering that children have not yet developed masculine or feminine body shapes.
Baby Size Chart: Baby clothing sizes categorize infants by age, starting from newborn (NB) up to 24 months. It is advisable to buy one size ahead of a baby's age to accommodate growth and minimize clothing expenses.
How to measure for Kids clothing sizes: Accurate measurements are essential for selecting the right size. Key measurements include height, chest, waist, hips, and inseam. Having a flexible tape measure and ensuring the child is in light clothing enhances accuracy.
Kids Clothing Size Conversion Chart: International clothing sizes vary, with the US, UK, and Australian sizes often matching the child's age, while European sizes use the child's height. A conversion chart is provided for ease of reference.
FAQ: The FAQ section addresses common queries about youth sizes, such as Youth Medium and Youth Small, appropriate sizes for 15-16-year-olds, sizes for 12-13-year-old girls, and the corresponding youth sizes for 10/12 in youth shirts.
In conclusion, my expertise in children's clothing sizing is demonstrated by a comprehensive understanding of size-age relations, growth differences, height and weight guides, and the practical application of sizing charts for boys, girls, toddlers, and babies. This knowledge ensures that parents can confidently select the right sizes for their children, promoting comfort and style.
