Kids' clothing size guide: what 2T, 10/12 and youth 3 mean
Short answer. Baby sizes go by months. Toddler sizes end in T. Kids’ sizes start at 4, and 10/12 fits both. Buy the size you were given.
Find the age. Check the label.
Usual US sizes. Brands and children differ.
| Age | Usual US size |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 12 months |
| 2 | 2T |
| 3 | 3T |
| 4 | 4T or 4 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 to 7 | 6 or 7 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 9 to 10 | 10 or 10/12 |
| 11 to 12 | 12 or 10/12 |
| 13 to 14 | 14 or 14/16 |
Check the brand’s chart before buying. US only: UK and EU sizes vary by brand.
Source charts: Carter’s · The Children’s Place
Three quick checks.
- Measure height from head to floor.
- Keep a soft tape level around the chest and waist.
- Match those numbers to the store’s chart.
Loose and level. Never pull the tape tight.
Shoe labels start again.
13C → 1Y → 2Y → 3Y
A youth 3 is bigger than a 13C. Stand the foot on paper, heel against a wall, and mark the longest toe. Match the length to the brand’s chart.
Buy the size you were given.
The family knows the child. A tall seven-year-old may wear a 10. Keep the order details so it can be swapped.
Slim, regular and husky describe width. Coats use clothing sizes. Choose the size on the store page.
Warm clothes for ages 9 to 12
*Paid link
Pick the size on the store page.
Nike Club everyday pullover hoodie
If his closet runs to athletic shorts and team shirts, a Nike Club pullover hoodie slides right into the rotation.
Read the full guide
Short answer. Baby sizes go by months. Toddler sizes end in T. Kids' sizes run from 4 to 20, where 10/12 fits both. Buy the size you were given.
What size fits each age?
The usual US size for an average child, from the Carter's and The Children's Place size charts. Brands differ, so check the brand's own chart before you buy.
| Age | Usual US size | Letter size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 12 months | |
| 2 | 2T | |
| 3 | 3T | |
| 4 | 4T or 4 | XS |
| 5 | 5 | XS |
| 6 to 7 | 6 or 7 | S |
| 8 | 8 | M |
| 9 to 10 | 10 or 10/12 | L |
| 11 to 12 | 12 or 10/12 | L |
| 13 to 14 | 14 or 14/16 | XL |
Three quick checks
- Measure height from head to floor.
- Keep a soft tape level around the chest and waist, never tight.
- Match those numbers to the store's size chart.
Shoe labels start again
13C → 1Y → 3Y
After a toddler 13C comes a youth 1Y, so a youth 3 is bigger than a 13C. Stand the foot on paper, heel against a wall, and mark the longest toe.
Buy the size you were given
The family knows the child. A tall 7-year-old may wear a 10, and that is fine. Between 2 sizes, go up one, and keep the order details in case they need to swap it.
Slim, regular and husky are the width, not the length. Coats use the same sizes as tops.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Send to a friend
Share this size guide with someone choosing clothes.