How to Choose Girls Clothing

How to Choose Girls Clothing — Complete Guide to Sizing, Fabrics & Durability

Shopping for kids' clothes online is different from shopping for yourself. Kids grow fast. They destroy fabric. And sizes vary wildly between brands.

This guide covers everything parents need to know — from size charts to fabric durability — so you buy clothes that last.

Step 1 — Girls Size Charts (Age vs Height vs Weight)

Kids' sizes are not standardized. Always check each brand's specific chart.

General US size chart (girls):



Size Age (approx) Height (inches) Weight (lbs) Chest (inches) Waist (inches)
2T 2 years 33-35 27-30 20-21 19-20
3T 3 years 36-38 30-34 21-22 20-21
4T 4 years 39-41 34-38 22-23 21-22
5 5 years 42-44 38-43 23-24 22-23
6 6 years 45-47 43-48 24-25 23-24
7 7 years 48-50 48-55 25-26 24-25
8 8 years 51-53 55-62 26-27 25-26
10 9-10 years 54-56 62-72 27-29 26-27
12 10-11 years 57-59 72-85 29-31 27-28
14 11-12 years 60-62 85-100 31-33 28-30

Plus sizes (Husky/Plus): Same height ranges, 10-20 lbs heavier, wider in waist and hips.

Pro tip: Size up for growth. Kids grow 2-3 inches per year between ages 2-10. A little extra room means wearing it longer.

Step 2 — Fabrics That Survive Kids

Kids are rough on clothes. Fabric choice is everything.



Fabric Durability Comfort Ease of Care Best For
Cotton jersey Good Excellent Easy Everyday tops, dresses
Cotton denim Excellent Moderate Easy Jeans, jackets
Cotton twill Excellent Good Easy Pants, shorts
Polyester blends Excellent Moderate Very easy Athletic wear, outerwear
Spandex/lycra Good Excellent Easy Leggings, swimwear
Knit (cotton/spandex) Good Excellent Easy T-shirts, dresses
Wool Good Moderate Medium Sweaters, coats
Linen Fair Excellent Medium Summer dresses (not for playground)

What to avoid for active kids:

  • Delicate fabrics (silk, lace, chiffon) — tear easily

  • 100% acrylic sweaters — pill badly

  • Thin cotton (sheer weight) — wears through at knees

What we sell: Cotton, cotton blends, durable knits, and denim. Built for playgrounds.

Step 3 — School Dress Codes (What to Know Before Buying)

Before buying school clothes, understand the rules.

Common school requirements:



Item Typical Rule
Shorts/skirts Fingertip length or longer
Tops No spaghetti straps (must have sleeves or wide straps)
Logos No large logos or branded graphics
Hoodies Hoods allowed (must be removed in class for some schools)
Leggings Must wear with longer top (tunic or dress)
Shoes Closed-toe, no heels

Ask the school for:

  • Color restrictions (some require navy, khaki, white only)

  • Uniform requirements (specific polos or pants)

  • PE uniform needs (separate from daily wear)

Step 4 — Seasonal Planning (Buy Ahead)

Kids grow fast. Buy one season ahead.



Season Buy When Size Strategy
Spring/Summer February-March Current size + 1
Fall/Winter August-September Current size + 1

How many of each:



Item Number Needed Notes
Everyday tops 7-10 Enough for 1-2 weeks
Pants/leggings 5-7 2-3 jeans, 3-4 leggings
Dresses 3-5 Casual + 1-2 for dressy
Sweaters/hoodies 3-5 Layering pieces
Jacket/coat 1-2 One heavy, one light
Pajamas 3-5 Kids grow out fast
Underwear 10-14 Enough for 2 weeks
Socks 10-14 They get lost

Step 5 — Girls Clothing Types (What Works When)

Everyday wear:

  • Leggings: Stretchy, comfortable, pair with tunics or dresses

  • Jeggings: Leggings that look like jeans

  • Jeans: Durable, good for playground

  • Cotton dresses: Easy one-piece outfits

  • T-shirts and tops: Layer under cardigans or jackets

School/active:

  • Athletic shorts: PE, sports, summer

  • Joggers: Comfortable, durable, good for cooler days

  • Polo shirts: Some schools require

  • Cardigans: Easy on/off, good for classroom temperature changes

Special occasion:

  • Party dresses: Birthday parties, holidays

  • Tutu dresses: Fun, special events

  • Blouses: Dressier than everyday tops

Sleep/loungewear:

  • Cotton pajamas: Breathable, safe (snug fit preferred for fire safety)

  • Nightgowns: Easy for younger kids

  • Robes: For cold mornings

Step 6 — Features That Matter for Kids



Feature Why It Matters
Adjustable waistbands Extends wear as child grows
Reinforced knees Survives crawling, playing
Flat seams Less irritation for sensitive skin
Tagless labels No scratching
Snap closures (younger kids) Easier for dressing
Stretchy necklines Easy over head
Machine washable Non-negotiable for parents

Step 7 — Shopping by Age (Different Needs)

Toddler (2T-4T):

  • Easy dressing (elastic waist, snaps)

  • Soft, breathable fabrics

  • No small parts (buttons that come off)

  • Room for diaper (if still in diapers)

Preschool/K (5-6):

  • Learning to dress themselves (avoid back buttons)

  • Durable for playground

  • Easy-care (parents still doing laundry)

Early elementary (7-8):

  • Starting to have preferences (involve them)

  • Durable for active play

  • School dress code compliance

Tween (10-14):

  • Child's style preferences matter

  • May want "older" styles

  • Modesty still important

  • Growth spurts common (don't buy too far ahead)

Step 8 — How to Wash Kids' Clothes (Make Them Last)

General rules:

  • Turn inside out (protects prints and colors)

  • Wash in cold water (prevents shrinking)

  • Tumble dry low or hang dry (heat damages elastic)

  • Treat stains immediately

Stain removal by type:



Stain Treatment
Grass Rub with liquid detergent, soak in cold water
Mud Let dry, brush off, then wash
Food Rinse with cold water, pre-treat with stain remover
Blood Cold water only (heat sets stain)
Paint Check label — water-based may wash out
Marker Rubbing alcohol, then wash

Pro tip: Keep stain remover spray in the laundry room. Treat before washing.

Step 9 — When to Replace/Size Up

Signs clothes are too small:

  • Child complains of tightness

  • Buttons won't close

  • Sleeves above wrist bone

  • Pants above ankle

  • Seams straining

  • Red marks after wearing

Signs it's time to replace (not just size up):

  • Holes or thin spots at knees

  • Faded or pilled fabric

  • Stretched-out elastic

  • Broken zippers

Step 10 — Shipping, Returns & Duties for US Buyers

  • Free worldwide shipping — including all 50 US states

  • Duties and taxes included — no surprise fees

  • 30-day easy returns — unworn, tags attached

  • Free exchanges on wrong sizes

FAQ — Quick Answers

What size should I buy if my daughter is between sizes?
Size up. Kids grow fast. A little room means wearing it longer.

What fabric is best for sensitive skin?
Cotton. Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic. Avoid wool next to skin (itchy).

How do I remove grass stains from white clothes?
Rub with liquid detergent, soak in cold water with oxygen bleach (OxiClean), then wash.

Do you ship to all US states?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam.

What's your return policy?
30-day returns. Unworn, tags attached. Free exchanges on sizes.

How often should I buy new clothes for my child?
Every 6-12 months for young kids (fast growth). Older kids may need less frequent wardrobe updates.

© Family Shopolf — Quality girls clothing. Free shipping to the US. Duties included.