Joybuy Insights

Choosing children’s clothes without costly mistakes: practical tips for babies and children

Children’s clothes need to stand up to everyday wear, feel comfortable and suit the season. Yet parents often buy something that seems too small after a few washes, is difficult to mix and match or doesn’t fit as expected. When choosing children’s clothes, it’s not just about the colour or brand. Material, fit, care and when the item will be worn all matter too.

Common pitfalls when buying children’s clothes

1. Relying on age alone

Age labels are a useful guide, but children don’t all grow at the same rate. Size 62 usually refers to a body length of around 62 centimetres, but the fit can vary between brands and styles. Always check the size guide and compare it with your child’s height and chest measurement.

With baby clothes, you’ll quickly notice the difference between, for example, sizes 56 and 62. For older children, a hoodie or sweatshirt may have a looser fit because of its cut.

2. Reading too much into material claims

Cotton usually feels comfortable, but “cotton” alone doesn’t tell you the exact composition, thickness or care requirements. For example, a Chicco 2-piece set is made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Other styles contain 95% cotton and 5% elastane, which can provide extra stretch.

When buying organic cotton clothes for children, check exactly what the product information says. The descriptions for several Tommy Hilfiger styles state that the fabric is made from certified organic cotton. Treat this as a product specification from the brand, and check the care label too.

3. Buying shoes without checking foot size

Age alone isn’t a reliable way to choose children’s sandals. Product information may list sizes such as 190, 200, 210, 230, 280 or 290. These numbers don’t automatically correspond to the same clothing size. Measure your child’s foot and check the specific size information for the style.

Pay attention to the material too. The Chicco sandals in the range are described as using materials including cotton, polyester and polyurethane-coated material. These are details you can check, but they don’t automatically tell you how the sandal will feel to your child. A good fit, a secure fastening and enough room to move are still important.

What to check before you buy

Material and composition

Don’t just look for words such as “soft” or “comfortable” in a product title. Check the composition:

  • 100% cotton: a clear composition made from natural fibres; check the care instructions too.
  • Cotton with elastane: can offer extra stretch, for example in a T-shirt or long-sleeved T-shirt for children.
  • Cotton with polyester: can be practical for everyday wear, but feels different from 100% cotton.
  • Organic cotton: check whether the product lists a certification and read the brand’s information carefully.

Children’s T-shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts and sweatshirts are often washed frequently. Check the recommended washing temperature, drying method and ironing instructions too. The descriptions for the styles mentioned recommend following the care label.

Size and fit

Use your child’s height as your first check. For example, the Chicco long-sleeved T-shirt size guide ranges from 44 centimetres for babies to 152 centimetres for older children. The Tommy Hilfiger children’s hoodie is listed in sizes including 98, 104, 110, 116, 128, 140 and 152.

Also check:

  • chest and waist measurements;
  • shoulder width;
  • sleeve and trouser-leg length;
  • room for a nappy in baby clothes;
  • freedom of movement for playing and cycling.

A slightly roomier jumper can be practical if your child will wear a T-shirt underneath. Sandals, however, shouldn’t be too roomy, as the foot may slip around.

When it’ll be worn and how to care for it

Simple styles are often practical for nursery, school and outdoor play. A 2-piece set with a T-shirt and shorts makes putting an outfit together easy, while a long-sleeved T-shirt is a good choice for layering. A hoodie offers more coverage, but isn’t needed in every season.

Look at details such as ribbed cuffs, a hood, a crew neck or a kangaroo pocket. The product description says the Tommy Hilfiger hoodies have a kangaroo pocket, ribbed cuffs and a hood. The Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt has a crew neck and ribbed details at the neck, cuffs and hem.

Recommended choices for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Chicco 2-piece T-shirt and shorts set, light yellow, size 062

Chicco 09075774000000 UNISEX LIGHT YELLOW 062

Why it suits this profile: This unisex set combines a T-shirt and shorts in one purchase. It’s a practical choice for everyday outfits, and the size and material are easy to compare.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

The composition is clearly stated: 60% cotton and 40% polyester. The size, 062, and age indication, 62–06M, make it easier to check that it’s the right choice before you buy.

Key benefit & highlights

Unisex design, two garments in one set and a light yellow colour.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids Twilight Navy

Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids Gender Inclusive Twilight Navy 4

Why it suits this profile: A hoodie is handy for school, weekends and layering. Its gender-inclusive design works with a variety of clothing styles.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product description lists 100% organic cotton, ribbed cuffs, a hood and a kangaroo pocket. Check the physical care label before buying and wearing it.

Key benefit & highlights

Organic cotton according to the product description, a kangaroo pocket and sizes from 98 to 152.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent wear
Chicco Conner sandals, dark blue, size 230

Chicco 01067062000000 BOYS DARK BLUE 230

Why it suits this profile: These Conner sandals are designed for children with a specific foot size. The dark blue colour is easy to pair with boys’ clothes and unisex children’s clothes.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

Size 230 is listed separately and should be matched to your child’s foot length. The materials are 80% polyurethane-coated material and 20% polyester.

Key benefit & highlights

Conner style, dark blue colour and clearly stated material composition.

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

What size children’s clothes do I need?

Measure your child’s height and compare it with the brand’s size guide. Use age as an additional indication only. For babies, check their chest measurement and allow room for a nappy too. Measure the foot separately when buying shoes and sandals.

Is organic cotton clothing always the right choice for children?

Organic cotton may suit parents who want to make informed choices about materials and certification. It’s still important to check the exact composition, certification information and care instructions. The product descriptions state that certain Tommy Hilfiger styles are made from certified organic cotton; this claim comes from the brand and product information.

How long do children’s clothes last?

How long an item lasts depends on your child’s growth, how often it’s worn, the material, the fit and how it’s cared for. Clothes that fit comfortably without restricting movement may stay wearable for longer. Wash and dry them according to the care label, and check the seams, cuffs and fastenings regularly.