Kids Clothing Size Guide NZ — How to Get the Right Fit Every Time
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Getting kids clothing sizing right is one of the most frustrating parts of shopping for little ones — especially online.
Every brand sizes differently. A size 3 in one brand fits like a size 4 in another. And kids grow so fast that what fits perfectly in March is too small by September.
Here's everything you need to know to get the right fit when shopping for kids clothing in NZ — including how ARDY Kids sizing works.
Why Kids Clothing Sizes Are So Confusing
Kids clothing sizes are based on age, but age is a terrible indicator of fit. A 3-year-old can be anywhere from 90cm to 104cm tall depending on the child. Add in differences in body shape — slim, petite, chunky, tall — and age-based sizing becomes almost meaningless.
The best approach is to shop by your child's measurements, not their age.
How to Measure Your Child
You'll need a soft measuring tape. Measure:
Height — stand your child against a wall, feet flat, and measure from floor to the top of their head.
Chest — measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape horizontal.
Waist — measure around the natural waist, just above the belly button.
Hips — measure around the fullest part of the hips.
Write these down before you shop — they're more reliable than age every time.
General NZ Kids Clothing Size Guide
| Size 1 | Height: 80–86cm | Weight: 10–12kg | Age: ~1 year |
| Size 2 | Height: 86–92cm | Weight: 12–14kg | Age: ~2 years |
| Size 3 | Height: 92–98cm | Weight: 14–16kg | Age: ~3 years |
| Size 4 | Height: 98–104cm | Weight: 16–18kg | Age: ~4 years |
| Size 5 | Height: 104–110cm | Weight: 18–20kg | Age: ~5 years |
| Size 6 | Height: 110–116cm | Weight: 20–22kg | Age: ~6 years |
| Size 7 | Height: 116–122cm | Weight: 22–24kg | Age: ~7 years |
| Size 8 | Height: 122–128cm | Weight: 24–26kg | Age: ~8 years |
Note: These are general guidelines. Always check the specific brand's size guide as sizing varies between labels.
How ARDY Kids Sizing Works
ARDY Kids clothing is designed to be true to size with room to move. Our pieces are cut with a relaxed, comfortable fit — not too baggy, not too tight.
A few things to know about ARDY sizing:
- If your child is between sizes, we recommend sizing up for longer wear
- Our denim styles feature an adjustable elastic waistband, making them ideal for petite or slim kids who struggle with standard sizing
- Our tees and lounge pants have a relaxed unisex fit that works across a range of body shapes, and our Scribble Overalls have adjustable straps for growing kids
Tips for Buying Kids Clothing Online
Buy to grow into — kids grow fast. Buying one size up means more wear out of each piece, especially for basics like tees and denim.
Check the returns policy — always buy from brands with a clear, easy returns process in case the fit isn't right. At ARDY, we have a straightforward returns policy to make it easy.
Read the product description carefully — good brands will tell you exactly how their clothing fits and whether to size up or down.
Look for adjustable features — adjustable waistbands, adjustable straps and stretch fabrics all help extend the life of a garment as kids grow. See our guide to kids denim and dressing kids for active play for more on what to look for.
Still Not Sure? We're Here to Help
If you're unsure about sizing for any ARDY Kids piece, get in touch — we're happy to help you find the right fit. You can reach us via our contact page or DM us on Instagram @ardykidsnz.