Joybuy Insights

Choosing children’s clothes without costly mistakes: practical tips for every age

Children’s clothes need to withstand everyday wear, feel comfortable and suit daily life. However, buying online is not always straightforward. An age indication does not tell you exactly how a garment will fit, an attractive colour reveals little about the material, and marketing terms such as “sustainable” are only useful when the product information is specific.

With these points in mind, you can make a more informed choice between baby clothes, girls’ clothes, boys’ clothes and gender-neutral children’s clothing.

Common pitfalls when buying children’s clothes

1. Relying on age alone

Sizes vary by brand and model. A four-year-old child will not automatically fit size 104. So check the EU size in centimetres, chest, waist and hip measurements. For some Chicco models, for example, the size chart runs from size 44 for newborns to size 152 for children of around 12 years old.

Also check that the size chart applies to the specific product. The sizing of a Chicco long-sleeved top may differ from that of a Tommy Hilfiger children’s sweatshirt.

2. Confusing a material claim with a guarantee

“Organic cotton” says something about the fibre and the origin of the cotton, but it does not automatically tell you about the fit, thickness or comfort for every child. According to the product information for various Tommy Hilfiger models, the main fabric consists of organic cotton. A Chicco baby vest, for example, is listed as 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

Always read the full composition and check whether a certification is actually mentioned in the product information. We do not present a brand’s sustainability or comfort claim as a guaranteed result. According to Tommy Hilfiger’s own information, certain organic cotton garments have been independently certified; check the current product page for precise certification details.

3. Choosing a garment without considering when it will be worn

A children’s hoodie is useful outdoors and when travelling, but may be less practical for a baby than a wrap-over bodysuit. A long-sleeved children’s T-shirt works well as a layer under a jumper, while a children’s sweatshirt without a hood may be more comfortable under a coat or seat belt.

Consider the following beforehand:

  • Will the garment be worn to school or nursery every day?
  • Is it intended as a layer over a T-shirt?
  • Does it need to be easy to put on and take off?
  • Is a hood practical for this child?
  • How much freedom of movement is needed for playing and cycling?

The key points to check

Material and construction

Check the fibre composition, whether elastane is included, and the finish of the collar, cuffs and hem. Ribbed trims can help keep a jumper or hoodie in place. A kangaroo pocket provides extra storage, but is mainly relevant for older children and is not essential for baby clothes.

The supplied product information for Chicco products often lists cotton with elastane. This can be practical for everyday clothing, but the exact properties depend on the model and care instructions.

Sizing

Use the body measurements as your starting point and compare them with the chart on the product page. Pay attention to the difference between:

  • Baby size 62: generally intended for a young baby, depending on the model.
  • Children’s size 98 or 104: often linked to an age indication, but the child’s height remains the deciding factor.
  • Sizes 140, 152 and above: check the chest, waist and hip measurements particularly carefully.

Buying one size larger can provide room to grow, but sleeves or shoulders that are too loose can restrict movement. It is better to choose a well-fitting model with a little growing room than automatically choosing the largest size.

Washing instructions and care

For several models, the product information refers to the care label. This label takes precedence for temperature, drying, ironing and any professional cleaning. One Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie, for example, is listed as machine washable at 30 °C, not suitable for tumble drying and suitable for ironing at a low temperature. Always check this for the selected colour and size, as different product variants may have different instructions.

For children’s clothes that are washed frequently, clear care instructions are more important than a general sustainability claim.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chicco 09075858000000 UNISEX MEDIUM NATURAL 080

Chicco 09075858000000 UNISEX MEDIUM NATURAL 080

Why it suits this profile: A 2-piece set makes it easy to mix and match and is practical for a first clothing selection. The unisex design can be worn by different children.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the type of set, size 080 and a composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane. This means you do not have to rely solely on the photograph or age indication.

Main benefit & advantages

2-piece set, unisex design and cotton with elastane according to the product details.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Tommy Hilfiger ESSENTIAL SWEATSHIRT Kids Gender Inclusive Twilight Navy 4

Tommy Hilfiger ESSENTIAL SWEATSHIRT Kids Gender Inclusive Twilight Navy 4

Why it suits this profile: This gender-neutral children’s sweatshirt is suitable for school, weekends and everyday wear. The crew neck is an alternative to a hoodie when a hood is not wanted.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies a crew neck, rib-knit collar, cuffs and hem. These concrete details tell you more than simply calling the garment “casual”.

Main benefit & advantages

Organic cotton according to the product information, a gender-neutral design and ribbed details around the neck, sleeves and hem.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent wear
CHICCO-LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT-T-SHIRT LONG SLEEVE-62-MEDIUM RED

CHICCO-LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT-T-SHIRT LONG SLEEVE-62-MEDIUM RED

Why it suits this profile: A long-sleeved top can be worn on its own as an outer layer or as an extra layer in changeable weather. Size 62 is intended for young babies.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Alongside age, the size chart lists body measurements and circumferences. This helps when choosing baby clothes where age alone does not provide enough guidance.

Main benefit & advantages

Long-sleeved design, medium red colour and sizing from baby size 44 to larger children’s sizes in the product chart.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about children’s clothes

How do I determine the right size for children’s clothes?

Measure the child’s height and compare it with the EU size in centimetres shown on the product page. Also check the chest, waist and hip measurements. Use age only as an additional indication, not as your sole criterion.

Which children’s clothes are practical for everyday wear?

For babies, bodysuits and long-sleeved T-shirts are often easy to mix and match. For toddlers and school-age children, a children’s sweatshirt or hoodie works well as an everyday layer. Look at the ribbed trims, neck opening, material and care instructions.

Is organic cotton clothing automatically suitable for every child?

No. Organic cotton describes the cotton fibre used, but does not tell you everything about the fit, thickness, finish or care requirements. Always check the full composition, sizing and care label. This allows you to make your choice based on verifiable product information rather than just a marketing term.