Kiddos Outerwear Size Chart
Select your child’s age to view their recommended outerwear size:
The Ultimate Guide to Kids’ Outerwear Size Chart: Ensuring Comfort and Fit for Every Child
When it comes to shopping for kids’ outerwear, the primary focus is often on warmth, protection, and style. But selecting the perfect outerwear for your child goes beyond choosing something cute—it’s about ensuring the right fit, so your child stays comfortable and warm throughout the day. Whether it’s for a school day, a family trip, or a snowy winter adventure, understanding the size chart for kids’ outerwear is crucial in ensuring your child gets the most out of their new jacket, coat, or winter suit.
We’ll explore everything you need to know about choosing the right size for kids’ outerwear, how to measure your child properly, what features to look for, and the key factors to consider when selecting outerwear for your little ones.
Why the Right Size Matters for Kids’ Outerwear
While fashion plays a part in choosing outerwear for kids, it’s really the fit and functionality that matter the most. Here are some reasons why picking the right size for your child’s outerwear is essential:
1. Comfort and Ease of Movement
Kids are always on the move—running, jumping, playing, and exploring. Ill-fitting outerwear can restrict movement, making them uncomfortable and reducing their ability to play freely. Outerwear that is too tight will limit mobility, while outerwear that is too loose can cause the child to trip, fall, or feel weighed down. The right size ensures that they can move comfortably without being hindered.
2. Warmth and Protection
Outerwear serves as a shield against the elements, especially in colder weather. A jacket or coat that is too big might leave gaps where cold air can enter, making it ineffective at keeping your child warm. On the other hand, outerwear that is too small can be too tight to layer under and may leave areas of the body exposed to the elements. A well-fitting outerwear ensures that your child is both warm and well-protected.
3. Safety
Excessively long sleeves or hems, or poorly fitting coats, can present tripping hazards, or your child might catch the fabric on something while playing. Similarly, jackets and coats with hoods that are too large can obstruct a child’s vision, affecting their ability to play or walk safely.
4. Longevity
Kids grow fast, but buying outerwear that’s too big to begin with means your child can grow into it, extending its use over a longer period. However, purchasing outerwear that is too large can also lead to discomfort. It’s important to find a size that will allow your child to wear it for the duration of a season, but without compromising comfort or safety.
How to Measure Your Child for Outerwear
Before diving into the size chart, it’s crucial to measure your child accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the right measurements.
Materials You Will Need:
- A measuring tape or ruler
- A pencil and paper
- Your child’s typical outerwear (for reference)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Height:
Measure your child from head to toe while standing straight. This measurement will help you get an idea of which outerwear length is appropriate for their height. For coats, you want a jacket or coat that reaches below the waist, mid-thigh, or knee, depending on the style. - Chest:
Use the measuring tape to measure around the fullest part of your child’s chest, under the armpits and around the shoulder blades. This measurement is essential for coats, jackets, and snowsuits. Be sure to leave some room for layering underneath, such as sweaters or fleece. - Waist:
Measure around the narrowest part of your child’s waist. This is particularly important for outerwear such as snow pants, snow suits, or other outerwear with a belt or adjustable waistband. - Inseam:
For pants or snowsuits, measure the inside length of your child’s leg from the crotch to the ankle. This is important for pants, leggings, or snow bibs. - Sleeve Length:
To measure the sleeve length, start from the center back of your child’s neck and measure over the shoulder and down the outer arm to the wrist. This measurement is important for coats and jackets. - Hips:
If you are buying a jacket or coat with a more tailored fit, you might also need to measure the fullest part of your child’s hips.
Kids’ Outerwear Size Chart
Once you have your child’s measurements, you can refer to the general size chart below. Keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different sizing, so always double-check the brand’s specific chart when possible.
U.S. Kids’ Outerwear Size Chart
| Size | Age Range | Height (inches) | Weight (lbs) | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2T | 2 years old | 33 – 36 | 25 – 30 | 21 – 22 | 20 – 21 | 22 – 23 |
| 3T | 3 years old | 36 – 39 | 30 – 33 | 22 – 23 | 21 – 22 | 23 – 24 |
| 4T | 4 years old | 39 – 42 | 33 – 38 | 23 – 24 | 22 – 23 | 24 – 25 |
| 5T | 5 years old | 42 – 45 | 38 – 42 | 24 – 25 | 23 – 24 | 25 – 26 |
| XS (5-6) | 5-6 years old | 45 – 48 | 42 – 50 | 25 – 26 | 24 – 25 | 26 – 27 |
| S (7-8) | 7-8 years old | 48 – 51 | 50 – 60 | 26 – 27 | 25 – 26 | 27 – 28 |
| M (9-10) | 9-10 years old | 51 – 54 | 60 – 70 | 27 – 28 | 26 – 27 | 28 – 29 |
| L (11-12) | 11-12 years old | 54 – 57 | 70 – 90 | 28 – 29 | 27 – 28 | 29 – 30 |
| XL (13) | 13 years old | 57 – 60 | 90 – 110 | 29 – 30 | 28 – 29 | 30 – 31 |
Types of Kids’ Outerwear
When selecting kids’ outerwear, it’s essential to understand the different types of outerwear available and how they fit into your child’s wardrobe. Here are some common types of kids’ outerwear to consider:
1. Jackets and Coats
- Types: Winter coats, fleece jackets, raincoats, and lightweight jackets.
- Best for: Daily wear, outdoor play, and layering.
- Features to Look for: Waterproof or water-resistant fabric, insulation, detachable hoods, adjustable cuffs.
2. Snowsuits and Snow Bibs
- Types: Full-body snowsuits or two-piece sets (jacket and snow pants).
- Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, or playing in the snow.
- Features to Look for: High insulation, water resistance, reinforced knees, and cuffs to keep snow out.
3. Parkas
- Types: Long coats, often filled with down or synthetic insulation.
- Best for: Cold climates and extremely cold weather conditions.
- Features to Look for: Thermal lining, fur-lined hoods (real or faux), and a snug fit.
4. Rain Gear
- Types: Raincoats, waterproof jackets, and rain pants.
- Best for: Wet weather, keeping dry during rain or puddle play.
- Features to Look for: Waterproof material, lightweight, and breathable fabrics.
5. Fleece Jackets
- Types: Lightweight jackets made from fleece material.
- Best for: Layering, cooler but not cold weather.
- Features to Look for: Soft, comfortable material, good breathability, and a cozy fit.
What to Consider When Buying Kids’ Outerwear
1. Weather Conditions
The first thing to consider is the climate in which your child will be wearing the outerwear. For colder climates, you will need insulated jackets, coats, and snowsuits. For rainy weather, a waterproof rain jacket or poncho would be suitable.
2. Durability
Children are often rough on their clothes, and outerwear is no exception. Choose outerwear made from durable, easy-to-clean materials such as nylon, polyester, or other weather-resistant fabrics.