Clothing for Kids Buying Guide

Kids have a lot of options available in the world of fashion: they have their own stores that only sell clothing for children--not to mention the vast children's apparel sections at any clothing store. So when it comes to picking out outfits for your kids, or even if it's a gift, there are many things to consider before purchasing.  For instance, will the child in question actually wear this or will it hang in his or her closet until it is officially outgrown? Make sure you know exactly what size the child you are buying for fits into, and what size will work for him or her in the future. Some of the old standards of children's clothing still work (collared shirts for boys, or basic A-line dresses for girls), but children's clothing has come a long way, and generally matches the fashion of teenagers and older kids, but smaller! So if she really loves that Hannah Montana  outfit, chances are it's available in her size. Same goes for his kid's sized Transformers  getup. Kid's clothing also spans a great range when it comes to price. If name brand is important to you or your child, that's one thing, but if your child doesn't care where her Strawberry Shortcake  tee comes from, or if he just wants to make sure he has a Spiderman  pajama set, you can pretty much stay within your budget fairly easily. Every child has his or her own style, but that can most of the time mesh with your sense of budget.

Questions to Consider

If you manage to wrest any control from your tykes, ask these questions of your children's clothing:

• Will it take the abuse my child will put it through and come out clean and presentable?
• Will it fit in 3 months? 6 months? A year? 3 years?
• Is it durable enough (in strength and fashionability) to become a hand-me-down?
• Does my child think it's comfortable?
• Will s/he be interested in wearing it in the future?
• Is it versatile?
• Is this age appropriate?
• Is it worth the price?

Other tips:

• No rules are set in stone for how boys should dress versus girls.
• Children often choose to express their identities through clothing. Listen up.
• Tastes will change throughout the years, so do not get too worked up about any particular trend.
• Read our Men's Guide To Getting Dressed and Figure-Flattering Clothes for Women for some more mature style advice.

Girl's Clothing

Since we know shopping for boys and girls can be quite a different experience, we've broken the shopping guides down by gender. Check out the complete Guide to Girl's Clothing for a overall look at girl's clothing. Covers sizes 4-6x and 7-16. Next step? We've broken it down in two easy to follow guides: Casual and Dress Clothing. Get ready to shop!

Boy's Clothing

Getting your son outfitted will be a snap.  Here's how to get started: Check out the complete Guide to Boy's Clothing to consider all the options. Covers sizes 4-7 and 8-20. Once again, we've broken it down for your shopping pleasure. You pick: Casual or Dress Clothing.

Style Tips of the Moment

• Sporty is always fashionable and comfortable.
• Shirts from favorite sports teams  will let your kid play like s/he wants. Look for team-themed  clothing, rugby shirts,  tank tops,  track pants  and sneakers. 
• Preppy has gone mainstream.
• Your daughter can wear a polo shirt  with nice khakis  or a skirt. 
• Your son can dress up in a polo shirts,  argyle vest  and khakis. 
• Don't be afraid of pastels and soft fabrics.
• Urban clothes give your kid the hip-hop vibe.
• Track Suits,  Timberland shoes,  t shirts  and baggy jeans  keep your child stylin'.
• Hip clothes change year to year.
• Your child could want dress just like the teenagers, except more modestly.
• Check out our Women's Spring Style Guide and extrapolate the styles for your daughters.
• This year is lacy, white, strong and hippie.
• Boys can take advantage of the continual march towards a male fashion sense.
• Don't be afraid to mismatch prints in formal wear.
• Classic clothes can work as a great basic fashion layer.
• Solid print  shirts and boys  or girls  jeans can work every day.

Seasonal Styles

• Read our guide for Back to School to make the fall transition easier.
• This Halloween Guide is a perfect place to start your search for the scariest (or cutest) costume.
• The Guide to Winter Clothes will keep your kids snug and warm this winter.
• Want the cutest holiday card ever? Read our Holiday Clothes for Kids article and you can't go wrong.

Footwear

Boys'  and Girls' Sneakers	Boys'  and Girls' Dress Shoes	Boys'  and Girls' Sandals

Related Products

Kids Accessories	Stuffed Animals	Kids' Shoelaces

Related Guides

• Clothing
• Winter Clothes for Kids
• Spring Clothes for Kids
• Toddler Clothing
• Infant and Toddler Clothing
• Holiday Clothes for Kids
• Halloween Costumes for Kids
• Toys and Games
• Educational Toys
• Classic Toys

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Kinderkleding Shopgids
DE: Kindermode