Joybuy Insights

Choosing children’s clothes without making a mistake: a practical guide for parents

Children’s clothing has to withstand a lot: playing at school, cycling in the rain, washing after an accident and growing at a rapid pace. Yet an item of clothing can sometimes look more appealing online than it proves to be in daily use. A low price or a well-known brand doesn’t automatically mean the fit and fabric composition will suit your child.

So pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

  • Buying only by age: an age label is a guideline. Children’s body shapes vary a lot. Also look at the size in centimetres.
  • Vague material claims: terms like “soft” or “durable” tell you little without a specific fibre composition. Check the percentage of cotton, elastane or polyester.
  • No attention to care: an item that only stays looking good with special care can be impractical for a busy family. Check the care label before you buy.

Which specifications matter for children’s clothing?

1. Choose the size based on centimetres

For baby clothes and toddler clothes, the size often refers to the child’s height. Size 92, for example, typically corresponds to a child of around 92 centimetres. For older children, the fit can vary between brands.

If in doubt, measure:

  • chest circumference;
  • waist;
  • hip circumference;
  • inside leg length;
  • shoulder width, especially for a children’s hoodie or children’s sweater.

Tommy Hilfiger uses sizes including 98, 104, 110, 116, 128, 140 and 152 in the size charts provided. The product page may show additional body measurements. Always check that information against the size your child normally wears.

2. Look at the full fabric composition

Organic cotton children’s clothing can be of interest when you’re looking for a cotton garment. The Tommy Hilfiger models in this selection list organic cotton as the main material. According to the product description, the hoodies and sweaters are 100% organic cotton. That tells you something about the fibre, but not automatically about the fit, durability or how the fabric feels after washing.

Chicco uses a mix of 95% cotton and 5% elastane for several items. That composition is listed, among others, for the T-shirts, pyjamas, sets and bodysuits. Elastane can provide extra freedom of movement, which is practical when dressing, playing and crawling. A Chicco skirt model lists 80% cotton, 16% polyester and 4% elastane.

3. Check the details that make a difference every day

A children’s sweatshirt or children’s hoodie is useful when the details match how it will be used:

  • Ribbed cuffs can keep the sleeves and hem in place better.
  • A round neck is easy to combine with a T-shirt or long-sleeved top.
  • A hood offers extra coverage, but can be less practical for young children when using a car seat or sleeping.
  • A kangaroo pocket is handy for cold hands, but can make the garment heavier.
  • A set with a T-shirt and shorts saves time when putting together an outfit.
  • A two-piece pack can be useful when you need to change outfits regularly.

Also pay attention to care. The Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie model in light grey lists washing at 30 °C, no tumble drying and ironing on a low temperature. For other items, the product information refers to the label. That label remains the definitive guide.

Product choices by type of parent and use

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chicco girls’ short-sleeved T-shirt pink size 086

Chicco 09005423000000 GIRLS MEDIUM PINK 086

Why this fits the profile: This short-sleeved T-shirt is designed for girls around 18 months old and comes in size 86. The cotton-elastane mix makes it suitable as a daily basic piece.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition is clearly stated: 95% cotton and 5% elastane. The size and age are listed separately, so you don’t have to choose based on age alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Short sleeves, 95% cotton, 5% elastane and a size option for young children.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie for children light grey

Tommy Hilfiger Essential Hoodie Kids Gender Inclusive Light Grey Heather 4

Why this fits the profile: The light grey children’s hoodie has a gender-neutral fit, a hood and a kangaroo pocket. According to the product description, the main material is 100% certified organic cotton.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specification mentions the material, the pocket, the cuffs and the care instructions. That means you don’t have to rely on general words like “warm” or “comfortable”.

Key benefit & highlights

100% organic cotton according to the product information, kangaroo pocket, hood and ribbed cuffs.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy-duty users
Chicco girls’ T-shirt and shorts set dark blue

Chicco 09075764000000 GIRLS DARK BLUE 122

Why this fits the profile: This two-piece set consists of a T-shirt and shorts. Size 122 is linked to around 7 years in the product information, making it a practical choice for school, holidays or playing outside.

How this product avoids the pitfall

You buy two matching garments in one product. The composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane is clearly stated.

Key benefit & highlights

Two-piece set, dark blue colour, 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

Suitable for: Parents of babies and toddlers
Chicco girls’ pyjama light blue with short sleeves

Chicco 09035427000000 GIRLS MEDIUM LIGHT BLUE 074

Why this fits the profile: This Chicco children’s pyjama with short sleeves is designed for size 74, linked to around 12 months. According to the product information, the fabric consists of 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, age range and fabric composition are listed separately. This allows you to compare the choice with other baby clothes without looking only at the colour.

Key benefit & highlights

Short sleeves, light blue colour, 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

How to compare girls’ clothing and boys’ clothing

The labels girls’ clothing and boys’ clothing can help with filtering, but focus mainly on the actual fit and design. Gender-neutral children’s clothing, such as certain Tommy Hilfiger hoodies and sweaters, can be worn by multiple children. That’s practical when clothes are handed down within the family.

For babies, openings, poppers and a wide neck are often more important than brand or colour. For school-age children, freedom of movement, sturdy cuffs and easy washing matter more. Teenagers usually pay more attention to colour, logo and style. So tailor your choice to the situation in which the garment will be worn.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about children’s clothing

What size children’s clothing should I buy?

First measure the child’s height and compare it with the brand’s size chart. Use age only as an additional guide. If you’re unsure between two sizes, check the chest, waist and hip measurements. Take the style into account: a hoodie can be looser than a T-shirt.

How often should children’s clothing be replaced?

That depends on growth, how often it’s worn, washing and the type of garment. Babies often grow out of a size quickly, whereas a children’s sweater can last longer if there’s enough room in the sleeves and body. Check regularly whether the seams are pulling, the cuffs are tight or the length is no longer suitable.

Is organic cotton always the right choice?

Not necessarily. Organic cotton can be a preference when you’re specifically looking for this material, but also consider fit, care and when it will be worn. For a stretchy T-shirt, a cotton-elastane mix can be more practical; for a children’s sweater, 100% organic cotton might match your material preference. Always compare the specific product specifications.