Children’s clothing sizes can vary from one maker to another, and handmade garments may not follow standard retail measurements. Rather than choosing by age alone, compare your child’s current measurements with the size chart for the specific item. Think about how the garment should fit now and how much extra room would feel comfortable. A few clear questions before ordering can help you choose a size your child can move in and wear with confidence.
Measure Your Child First
Use a flexible tape measure and have your child stand naturally in light clothing. Measure height from the top of the head to the floor, chest around its fullest part, waist around the natural waist, and hips around their fullest point if the style needs it. Keep the tape level and comfortably snug, not tight. Write down the date, since children can outgrow measurements quickly.
Check the item description to see which measurements matter. A dress may call for chest and length, while pants may depend on waist and inseam. If the maker provides a measurement diagram, follow its instructions; terms like “length” can refer to different points on different garments. If your child’s measurements fall between sizes, use the garment details and ask the maker which option best suits the style.
Compare the Specific Size Chart
Use the size chart attached to the exact product, not a general age guide or a chart from another shop. Handmade children’s clothing sizes can differ because each maker uses their own patterns and ease. Compare your child’s measurements with the chart, and note whether it lists body measurements or finished garment measurements. Those figures answer different questions: one describes the wearer, the other describes the clothing itself.
Look for details such as shoulder width, sleeve length, waist range, and total garment length. If the listing shows a finished measurement, consider how much room the garment needs for comfortable movement and layering. Don’t assume that a larger size will simply be longer; it may also change in width or shape. When a key measurement isn’t listed, ask before ordering instead of guessing.
Allow Room Without Over-Sizing
A little growing room can extend how long a garment is useful, especially in a style with an adjustable waist, rolled cuffs, or a relaxed shape. But too much extra fabric can make sleeves drag, waistbands slip, or hems catch underfoot. Choose room for movement and a likely growth spurt, while keeping the garment’s intended fit in mind. The right amount depends on the design and how your child will wear it.
Think about the season and what will go underneath. A sweater intended for layering may need more ease than a fitted shirt, while a lightweight summer top may feel best closer to the body. Check whether the fabric has stretch and whether the maker recommends sizing up. Avoid adding extra allowance on your own if the item is designed for a particular silhouette.
Ask About Fit Before Ordering
Send the maker your child’s relevant measurements and the size you’re considering. Ask whether the chart refers to body or finished garment measurements, how the item fits through the chest or waist, and whether the fabric stretches. You can also ask about adjustable features, shrinkage care, and which size the maker would suggest for your child’s measurements. A specific question usually gets a more useful answer than simply asking whether the item runs true to size.
Include the product name and any measurement that seems close to a limit on the chart. If you’re choosing between sizes, explain whether you prefer a closer fit or extra room for layering. Read the shop’s exchange and return terms before checkout, since handmade items may have policies that differ by seller. Keep the measurement notes and the maker’s guidance with your order details in case you need them later.
The best size comes from current measurements, the exact item’s chart, and a clear idea of how you want the garment to fit. Measure before ordering, check the fabric and design, and contact the maker when a measurement or size choice is uncertain. Little Fog Threads can answer fit questions to help you make a thoughtful choice.