How to Measure Your Child for Generous Fit Clothing

Getting measurements right first time means fewer returns, no disappointing try-ons and clothes that fit from the first wear. Here is our five minute method, refined by thousands of Sturdy Kids families.

Before you start: make it a non-event

For some children, being measured can feel loaded. Keep it light and practical: "let's get your numbers so your new trousers fit properly." Do it while they watch TV if that helps. Never comment on the numbers themselves; they are simply information for buying clothes, the same as shoe size. If your child prefers, measure a garment that currently fits well instead of measuring them directly. That works nearly as well and involves no fuss at all.

You will need

A soft tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler), a notepad, and a child wearing light clothing or their usual base layer.

The four measurements that matter

1. Waist. Measure around the natural waistline, where trousers usually sit. Keep the tape snug but never tight, and ask them to stand relaxed, not breathing in. This is the single most important measurement for trousers and skirts.
2. Hips. Measure around the fullest part of the hips and bottom. Essential for trousers, skirts and pinafores.
3. Inside leg. Measure from the top of the inner leg to the ankle bone, or measure a well-fitting pair of trousers from crotch seam to hem. This tells you whether standard, short or long leg fits best.
4. Chest. Measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms. Key for shirts, blouses, jumpers and blazers.

Write them down with the date. Children grow fast, so re-measure each term or before any big uniform order.

Reading a Sturdy Kids size chart

Our size guide here lists actual garment-relevant measurements for every size, not just ages. Match your child's waist measurement first for bottoms, and chest first for tops. If they sit between sizes, go up for comfort; elasticated waists are forgiving, and our alterations team can shorten legs so nothing drags.

Still unsure? That is what we are here for

Ring us on 01242 285 999 with your measurements and we will tell you exactly which size and style to order. We do this every day, we love doing it, and there is no such thing as an awkward question here.