Joybuy Insights

Choosing children’s clothes without regretting your purchase: check the size, material and intended use

Children’s clothes need to stand up to a lot: playing, washing, crawling and everyday spills. Yet when shopping online, it’s not always immediately clear whether a garment is suitable for the purpose you’re buying it for. A nice photo or a familiar brand name tells you little about fit, material or care.

Use this practical guide to compare children’s clothes by checking the product details. It’ll help you find the right T-shirts for babies, girls’ clothes, boys’ clothes, hoodies and sweatshirts from brands including Chicco and Tommy Hilfiger.

Three common pitfalls when buying children’s clothes

1. Choosing by age alone

Age labels such as ‘6 months’ or ‘3–4 years’ are useful as a starting point, but children don’t all grow at the same rate. So, focus on the European size in centimetres. For example, a Chicco T-shirt in size 062 is designed for a height of around 62 cm, while size 074 is suitable for a height of around 74 cm.

For Tommy Hilfiger, check the size guide too. The product information lists, for example, size 98 for 3–4 years, size 104 for 5–6 years and size 116 for 9–10 years. If you’re unsure, measure your child’s chest, waist and height.

2. Assuming all cotton has the same properties

Cotton baby clothes can be made from 100% cotton, or from a blend with elastane. This affects how they feel to wear and how much stretch they have.

  • 100% cotton: a simple composition found in various Chicco T-shirts for boys, among other items.
  • 95% cotton and 5% elastane: offers a little more stretch, as seen in several Chicco T-shirts for girls and the two-piece set.
  • 100% organic cotton: used in various Tommy Hilfiger hoodies and sweatshirts, according to the product information.

A material claim doesn’t guarantee a particular wearing experience. Check the fabric’s thickness, finish, seams and care label too.

3. Choosing a garment without considering when it’ll be worn

A short-sleeved T-shirt is practical on its own or under a cardigan. A children’s hoodie is more useful for playing outside in changeable weather, while a sweatshirt without a hood can be comfortable for school or travelling.

Look out for details that make a difference in everyday use:

  • Ribbed trims at the cuffs and hem can help keep the fit in place.
  • A kangaroo pocket gives you space for small items and somewhere to keep hands warm.
  • A crew neck is easy to layer over a T-shirt or base layer.
  • A 2-pack or two-piece set can be handy when you need several outfits.

Important specifications to compare

Size and fit

Measure your child’s height without shoes and compare it with the size information on the product page. Common sizes for babies include 056, 062, 068, 074, 080 and 086. For toddlers, you’ll often see size 092 or larger.

Don’t automatically buy a much bigger size ‘for later’. An oversized T-shirt can get in the way when your child is crawling or playing. Also check whether the style is a standard fit, a gender-inclusive fit or a set with several pieces.

Material and composition

The composition should be clearly stated on the product page or label. The selected range includes:

  • Chicco T-shirts made from 100% cotton.
  • Chicco T-shirts, tank tops and sets made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane.
  • Tommy Hilfiger hoodies and sweatshirts made from 100% organic cotton, according to the product information provided.

‘Organic’ describes the origin or certification of the cotton, but doesn’t by itself tell you how thick or hard-wearing the garment is. So always check the full product specifications.

Washing and care

Follow the washing and care instructions on the label. The right temperature, drying method and ironing setting can vary from one product to another. Clothes with elastane, prints or ribbed details may benefit from careful washing. A garment that fits easily into your everyday laundry routine is often more practical than one with complicated care requirements.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chicco 09005679000000 BOYS BLUE PRINTED 074

Chicco 09005679000000 BOYS BLUE PRINTED 074

Why it suits this profile: This short-sleeved T-shirt is made from a straightforward 100% cotton fabric and is designed for boys around 74 cm tall.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, colour, intended wearer and material composition are all clearly stated. So you don’t have to rely on the product photo or age guide alone.

Key benefit & advantages

100% cotton; short sleeves; size 074; blue print.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids Gender Inclusive Light Grey Heather 92

Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids Gender Inclusive Light Grey Heather 92

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this gender-inclusive hoodie is made from 100% certified organic cotton. Its neutral light grey colour makes it a versatile choice for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size can be checked against a size guide, and the composition is specified. That lets you compare the hoodie based on facts rather than brand image alone.

Key benefit & advantages

100% organic cotton according to the product information; kangaroo pocket; hood; ribbed trims.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent wear
Chicco 09075764000000 GIRLS DARK BLUE 122

Chicco 09075764000000 GIRLS DARK BLUE 122

Why it suits this profile: The two-piece T-shirt and shorts set is practical for active days, holidays or when you need a complete outfit in a hurry.

How this product avoids the pitfall

You won’t end up with a separate T-shirt that still needs matching with suitable bottoms. The product information clearly states that this is a two-piece set.

Key benefit & advantages

T-shirt and shorts; size 122; dark blue; 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about children’s clothes

How do I choose the right size of children’s clothes online?

Measure your child’s height and compare it with the EU size in centimetres. Use age only as an additional guide. For larger sizes, also check chest, waist and hip measurements if they’re listed on the product page.

Are organic cotton clothes always softer or more durable?

Not necessarily. According to Tommy Hilfiger’s own product information, certain hoodies and sweatshirts are made from 100% certified organic cotton. This tells you about the type of cotton and its certification, but not, by itself, how the garment feels, how hard-wearing it is or how it fits. Check the construction and care instructions too.

How long do children’s clothes last?

That depends on how quickly your child grows, how often the clothes are worn, the material, seams, prints and care. For frequent wear, choose clothes that fit well, check the washing instructions and rotate several T-shirts or sets. That way, you won’t need to wash the same garment every day.