Joybuy Insights

Buying children’s clothes and shoes online: how to choose the right size, material and fit

Buying children’s clothes and shoes online might seem straightforward, but a wrong size, unclear material information or an impractical fit can quickly lead to a purchase you regret. With baby and children’s clothing especially, sizes don’t always match up with age. And when it comes to shoes, a well-known brand name doesn’t automatically mean the style will suit every foot.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information by verifiable points. This helps you see more quickly which features are relevant for everyday use and which marketing claims are best not taken as fact.

Three common pitfalls when buying clothes online

1. Relying only on age

A size labelled “2 years” can vary from brand to brand. Always check the height in centimetres and, where available, the chest, waist and hip measurements. For babies, body length is often a more reliable starting point than age.

2. Assuming comfort without checking the material

Words like “soft”, “breathable” and “comfortable” aren’t always backed up technically. Check the fibre composition, the presence of elastane and the washing instructions. A Chicco baby clothing set with 95% cotton and 5% elastane, for example, gives you much more concrete information than a vague comfort promise.

3. Choosing shoes based on looks or brand alone

With sandals, foot length, foot width, adjustability and the footbed all matter. A style with two adjustable straps can fit differently to a sandal with a fixed closure. Also check whether the material needs special care, especially with Birkenstock leather sandals.

The key specifications to compare

Size and body measurements

When buying clothes, follow this order:

  1. Measure the child’s height without shoes.
  2. Compare that with the product’s size chart.
  3. Check chest, waist and hip measurements if they are listed.
  4. Don’t choose a larger size just because a child is growing quickly; a neckline, waistband or sleeve that is too loose can be impractical.

The Chicco long-sleeve top for children, for example, runs from size 44 up to size 152. For size 68, the product information lists a chest measurement of 46 cm, a waist measurement of 49 cm and a hip measurement of 50 cm. For size 116, these are 62 cm, 58 cm and 66 cm respectively. That makes comparing much easier than relying on age alone.

Material and care

For everyday use, the material composition and care instructions are more important than a general style description. Look out for:

  • Cotton: a widely used material for T-shirts, underwear and baby clothes.
  • Elastane: can provide extra stretch, for example in a blend of 95% cotton and 5% elastane.
  • Leather: with sandals, this often requires cleaning with a slightly damp cloth and suitable care products.
  • Care label: always follow the instructions for temperature, drying, ironing and any professional cleaning.

For children’s underwear, a pack of two is practical for swapping and washing. The Chicco Clothing Briefs 2 Pack 152 Natural is described in the product information as being for children and comes as a two-piece set. Before buying, check whether size 146–152 matches your child’s current body measurements: the listed guide values are a chest measurement of 38–58 cm, waist measurement of 45–59 cm and hip measurement of 42–60 cm.

Shoe size and adjustability

For the Birkenstock Arizona, foot length and foot width are listed per EU size. For size 40, the foot length is 251–260 mm and the foot width is 90–104 mm. Size 42 is given with a foot length of 266–270 mm and a foot width of 93–107 mm.

The sandal has a natural leather upper, a suede lining, an EVA sole and a cork footbed. The two metal buckles are individually adjustable. According to the product information, the style contains non-textile parts of animal origin. If this matters to you, you can take it into account before you buy.

Recommended choices by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chicco Clothing Briefs 2 Pack 152 Natural

Chicco Clothing Briefs 2 Pack 152 Natural

Why this suits the profile: A two-piece set of children’s underwear is practical for families who want an extra change without having to mix and match individual items.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a specific size 146–152 and body measurements, so you don’t have to order based on age alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Pack of two briefs; handy for keeping a spare set on hand.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
BIRKENSTOCK Arizona Natural Leather Dark Brown 38

BIRKENSTOCK Arizona Natural Leather Dark Brown 38

Why this suits the profile: For adults who value adjustability and a leather finish for everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listed foot length and width help prevent you from relying solely on EU size or appearance.

Key benefit & highlights

Natural leather upper; two individually adjustable buckles; sizes 35 to 50 included in the size information.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
CHICCO ABBIGLIAMENTO T SHIRT LONG SLEEVE 116 NATURAL

CHICCO ABBIGLIAMENTO T SHIRT LONG SLEEVE 116 NATURAL

Why this suits the profile: A long-sleeve T-shirt for children can be worn as a layer under a coat or on its own during school days and outdoor activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size chart lists chest, waist and hip measurements. This means you can check the fit before you order.

Key benefit & highlights

Long sleeves; size 116 is linked to specific body measurements; neutral colour.

Suitable for: Casual everyday clothing
WRANGLER COOL GIRL BLOUSE NATURAL WHISKERS, L M

WRANGLER COOL GIRL BLOUSE NATURAL WHISKERS, L M

Why this suits the profile: This Wrangler women’s blouse suits anyone looking for a cotton garment that can be paired with jeans or casual trousers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition is clearly listed as 100% cotton. Also check the label for the exact washing and ironing instructions.

Key benefit & highlights

100% cotton; button front fastening; classic collar; size L/M according to product name.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying clothes and shoes online

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

Measure the child’s height and compare it with the official size chart on the product page. Where possible, also look at chest, waist and hip measurements. The age guide is only a rough indication and can vary from brand to brand.

How long will children’s clothes bought online last?

That depends on the child’s growth rate, how often the item is worn, the fabric and how it’s cared for. Wash according to the label, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and check whether the garment is suitable for the tumble dryer. With baby clothing sets and children’s underwear, a multi-pack can help you use each item less frequently in a row.

What should I look out for with Birkenstock Arizona sandals?

Check the foot length and foot width in millimetres, choose the correct EU size and use the two buckles to adjust the fit. For the leather model, cleaning with a soft, damp cloth is recommended; washing and machine drying are not listed as suitable care methods.