Every child grows at their own pace, which can make finding the right clothing size a challenge. While clothing manufacturers use general sizing charts, it’s important to consider not only height but also weight and body shape when choosing clothes for your child.
Below is a general height guide for children’s clothing sizes based on average growth patterns. These measurements are commonly used by UK clothing manufacturers, though some brands may vary slightly.
How to Measure Your Child for Clothing
To ensure a better fit, you may want to take a few key measurements:
- Height: Stand your child against a wall and measure from head to toe without shoes. You can use a book laying flat on the head for a clear mark point
- Chest: Use a lose tailors measuring tape to measure around the widest part of the chest, under the arms.
- Waist: Wrap the tape around the natural waistline (just above the belly button).
- Inside leg: Measure from the crotch to the floor for trousers and leggings.
UK Children’s Clothing Size Guide (Height in cm and ft/in)
| Age | Average Height (cm) | Average Height (ft/in) | Approx UK Clothing Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 6 months | 70 cm | 2ft 3.5in | 0–6 months |
| 12 months | 80 cm | 2ft 7.5in | 9–12 months |
| 18 months | 86 cm | 2ft 10in | 12–18 months |
| 2 years | 92 cm | 3ft 0in | 18–24 months / 2 years |
| 3 years | 98 cm | 3ft 2.5in | 2–3 years |
| 4 years | 104 cm | 3ft 5in | 3–4 years |
| 5 years | 110 cm | 3ft 7in | 4–5 years |
| 6 years | 116 cm | 3ft 9.5in | 5–6 years |
| 7 years | 122 cm | 4ft 0in | 6–7 years |
| 8 years | 128 cm | 4ft 2.5in | 7–8 years |
| 9 years | 134 cm | 4ft 5in | 8–9 years |
| 10 years | 140 cm | 4ft 7in | 9–10 years |
Understanding UK, EU, and US Clothing Sizes
UK children’s clothing sizes are generally based on height and age, but European (EU) and US sizes differ. Here’s a quick comparison:
- UK size labels typically use age ranges.
- EU sizes are based on height in centimetres (e.g., 104 cm for a 4-year-old).
- US sizes may run slightly smaller and are sometimes labelled with “T” (toddler) for younger children.
Children’s Clothing Size Comparison: UK, US & EU
| Age | UK Size | US Size | EU Size (Height in cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 3 months | 0–3 months | 0–3 months | 56–62 cm |
| 3 – 6 months | 3–6 months | 3–6 months | 62–68 cm |
| 6 – 9 months | 6–9 months | 6–9 months | 68–74 cm |
| 9 – 12 months | 9–12 months | 9–12 months | 74–80 cm |
| 12 – 18 months | 12–18 months | 12–18 months | 80–86 cm |
| 18 – 24 months | 18–24 months / 2 years | 18–24 months / 2T | 86–92 cm |
| 2 – 3 years | 2–3 years | 2T–3T | 92–98 cm |
| 3 – 4 years | 3–4 years | 3T–4T | 98–104 cm |
| 4 – 5 years | 4–5 years | 4T–5 | 104–110 cm |
| 5 – 6 years | 5–6 years | 5–6 | 110–116 cm |
| 6 – 7 years | 6–7 years | 6–7 | 116–122 cm |
| 7 – 8 years | 7–8 years | 7–8 | 122–128 cm |
| 8 – 9 years | 8–9 years | 8–9 | 128–134 cm |
| 9 – 10 years | 9–10 years | 9–10 | 134–140 cm |
| 10 – 11 years | 10–11 years | 10–12 | 140–146 cm |
| 11 – 12 years | 11–12 years | 12–14 | 146–152 cm |
| 12 – 13 years | 12–13 years | 14–16 | 152–158 cm |
| 13 – 14 years | 13–14 years | 16+ | 158–164 cm |
Other Factors to Consider When Buying Children’s Clothes
- Brand Differences – Some brands, particularly in the EU or US, have different fits even when the size number is the same. This is because they have their own internal measurement structure and if company is not from the UK, it may not match exactly. Always consult brand sizing charts.
- Room for Growth – If your child is between sizes, go for the larger size to allow room for growth. Especially if items shrink when washed and tumble dried.
- Fabric and Stretch – Soft, stretchable fabrics may provide more flexibility in fit compared to structured clothing.
- Seasonal Adjustments – Winter clothing like coats and jumpers may be designed with extra room for layering.
- Return Policies – When shopping online sometimes it’s best to buy 2 sizes for brands you don’t know and return the size that does not fit. Before you do this, you need to check the return policy for potential costs and terms and conditions relating to original packaging, etc.
Clothing Fit & Size Terminology and Useful Shopping Terms
- True to Size (TTS) – The item fits as expected for its labelled size.
- Slim Fit – A more fitted, tapered cut that hugs the body closer than regular fit.
- Regular Fit – A standard cut with a comfortable amount of room.
- Relaxed Fit – Slightly looser than regular fit for extra comfort.
- Oversized – Intentionally larger with a baggy, roomy silhouette.
- Generous Fit – Looser than standard fit but not as exaggerated as oversized.
- Tailored Fit – Designed with a structured, slightly tapered silhouette (common in formalwear).
- Stretch Fit – Contains elastane (Lycra, Spandex) for added flexibility and movement.
- Adjustable Fit – Features elasticated waists, drawstrings, or button extenders for a more customisable fit.
- Runs Small / Runs Large – Often noted in brand reviews, meaning the size is smaller or larger than expected.
- Multi-Pack / Value Pack – Set of multiple items sold together (e.g., 3-pack of T-shirts).
- Seasonal Collection – Limited-time designs released for specific seasons (e.g., winter coats, summer swimwear).
- Limited Edition – Special collection available for a short time.
- Capsule Wardrobe – A small, versatile set of mix-and-match pieces.
- Transitional Clothing – Items that work across seasons (e.g., a lightweight jacket).
- Unisex / Gender-Neutral – Designed for all genders without a specific cut.
- Occasionwear – Formal or dressy outfits for special events (e.g., weddings, parties).
- Loungewear – Comfortable, relaxed clothing for home or casual outings.
- Athleisure – Hybrid of athletic and casual wear, designed for both fitness and daily wear.
- Drawstring Waist / Adjustable Waist – Can be tightened or loosened for a better fit.
- Soft-Washed / Pre-Washed – Treated for extra softness and reduced shrinkage.
- Stretch Fabric – Contains Lycra, Spandex, or Elastane for flexibility.
Final Thoughts
This guide provides a helpful reference for parents looking to find the right size for their child. However, always check individual brand size charts when shopping, as there can be slight variations. We also have a guide for calculating bra size that would be useful for teenage girls.
When in doubt, measuring your child and comparing with the manufacturer’s guidelines is the best way to ensure a comfortable fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Children’s Average Height
What is the average height of a 3-year-old in feet?
The average height of a 3-year-old child is 3 feet 2.5 inches (3ft 2.5in).
What is the average height of a 7-year-old in feet?
A 7-year-old child typically measures around 4 feet (4ft 0in) in height.
What is the average height of a 3-year-old in centimetres?
The average height of a 3-year-old is 98 cm.
What is the average height of a 2-year-old in centimetres?
At 2 years old, the average height is 92 cm.
What is the average height of a 4-year-old in feet?
A 4-year-old child usually stands at around 3 feet 5 inches (3ft 5in).
These figures are based on general growth charts, but every child grows at their own pace. It’s always best to use individual measurements when choosing clothing sizes.
