Kids clothing size guide: EU, UK and US explained
Understand how EU, UK and US kids’ clothing sizes work, why they differ, and how to choose a better size using your child’s actual measurements.
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Buying across sizing systems
Buying children’s clothes across different countries can be confusing. A child who wears size 116 in Europe might need a 5–6 years size in the UK, or a size 6 in the US.
The problem is that children’s clothing sizes are not fully standardized across brands, countries or product categories. Using your child’s actual measurements is more reliable than choosing by age alone.
How EU kids’ clothing sizes work
EU children’s clothing sizes are usually based on the child’s height in centimeters. For example, size 104 is generally intended for a child who is around 104 cm tall. Common EU sizes include 92, 98, 104, 110, 116, 122, 128, 134, 140 and 146.
This system is useful because it is connected to an actual body measurement rather than only the child’s age. However, a child’s proportions, the garment type and the brand’s own fit can affect which size works best.
How UK and US kids’ clothing sizes work
UK children’s sizes are often shown as age ranges, such as 3–4 years, 5–6 years or 7–8 years. This makes shopping feel simple, but it can be less precise because children of the same age can vary a lot in height, body shape and growth stage.
US children’s clothing sizes often use numbers such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or labels such as 2T, 3T and 4T for toddlers. Some brands separate sizes into toddler, little kids and big kids, so a US size 6 from one brand may not fit exactly like a US size 6 from another.
Approximate kids’ clothing size conversion
These conversions are approximate. Many retailers publish their own size charts, and those charts can differ. Use the table as a starting point, then compare the brand’s height, waist and hip measurements where available.
| Child height | EU size | UK size | US size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92–98 cm | 92/98 | 2–3 years | 2T–3T |
| 98–104 cm | 98/104 | 3–4 years | 3T–4T |
| 104–110 cm | 104/110 | 4–5 years | 5 |
| 110–116 cm | 110/116 | 5–6 years | 6 |
| 116–122 cm | 116/122 | 6–7 years | 6X–7 |
| 122–128 cm | 122/128 | 7–8 years | 7–8 |
| 128–134 cm | 128/134 | 8–9 years | 9–10 |
| 134–140 cm | 134/140 | 9–10 years | 10 |
| 140–146 cm | 140/146 | 10–11 years | 11 |
| 146–152 cm | 146/152 | 11–12 years | 12–14 |
Why height matters more than age
Age is a convenient shortcut, but height is usually a better starting point. Children grow at different speeds, and growth patterns vary by age, genetics, nutrition and puberty timing.
Growth charts such as WHO and CDC charts are designed to help track growth over time, not to define one “correct” clothing size for every child.
How to choose the right size
Start with your child’s current height. Then check the brand’s size chart and compare height, chest, waist and hip measurements if available.
For fitted clothes, use body measurements carefully. For outerwear, school clothes or seasonal clothes, consider whether your child may grow before or during the season.
Frequently asked questions
Are EU, UK and US kids’ sizes exact conversions?
No. They are approximate because brands use different fit models, fabrics and proportions. Use conversions as a starting point and check the brand’s own size chart.
Should I choose kids’ clothing size by age or height?
Height is usually a better starting point than age, especially for EU sizes. Age labels can help orient you, but children of the same age can be very different sizes.