If you’re anything like I was as a first-time mom, finding the right fit for your kids can be tricky – especially when it comes to buying clothes! I found myself wondering. . . What size comes after 5T?
Do you buy their size, or one size up?
What about sizing charts?
Because there’s no way of getting around it [I mean because clothes shopping has to be done, right?] . . . I’m gonna make it super easy for ya.
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So, what does size 5T mean?
As a new parent, you may be a little confused as to which size you should choose when shopping for your toddler. Just in case you didn’t know, the “T” stands for toddler and the “5” stands for the age of the child. So, 5T is generally the clothing size for a 5-year-old toddler.
Now because your child may still be in diapers or pullups, the “T” basically tells you that the clothes are made just a little bit bigger to accommodate them.
So, if your little one wears disposable diapers, cloth diapers, or pullups, you definitely want to choose sizes with a T in bottoms [ie. 2T, 3T, 4T or 5T].
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended – at no extra cost to you, of course. Read my disclosure here.
Is 5T and 5 the same size?
Size 5 and 5T are similar however the difference is that 5T is made with a little extra room to fit a diaper comfortably (usually in the butt and waist area). If you’re wondering if your child wears a diaper, can they still wear a 5?
Yes, they most definitely can, however, the size 5 will probably fit a little tighter. Keep in mind that you could always go up a size too – which would be a size 6. It really depends on the brand, your child’s size/shape, and how the clothes are made.
What Size Comes After 5T?
If you’re anything like I was, you’re probably also wondering what size your child should wear after the 5T. Once your child grows out of a 5 or 5T, the size that comes next is 6 [but some brands offer 6S or 6X].
Size 6S = fits smaller than a 6 but bigger than a size 5.
Size 6X = fits larger than a size 6 but smaller than a size 7.
You more than likely have a good idea as to which brands you like for your toddler’s clothes however when in doubt ask one of the store associates [in person] or chat rep [online].
Popular children's clothing brands
- Carter’s
- Osh Kosh
- H&M
- Children’s Place
- Cat & Jack
- Garanimals
- Old Navy
- Gymboree
- Gap Kids
So, how do I take my child’s measurements?
Because every child is so different, taking their measurements is great if you wanna get the perfect fit. Now of course you will probably have them with you when you go shopping but what happens when you’re buying stuff online or someone else is buying clothes for your toddler? Just something to think about.
Height – so we use this to keep track of my kid’s height but a measuring tape will do too. Take the measurement from the top of their head [try not to include their hair] to their feet.
Waist – when taking your child’s waist measurements, be sure to take them when they’re standing up straight.
Chest – have them stand straight up and take this measurement by measuring around your chest level [right at their nipples] with arms down.
Length of the arms – this measurement will only matter if you’re buying long sleeve tops otherwise it’s not necessary. You’ll want to start at the top of the arm to the wrist.
Weight – you can go by the last doctor’s visit or use a scale you have at the home.
Things You Should Know About Sizing for Kids
I’m gonna break it all the way down for ya . . . When you think of baby clothes remember they are always in months like:
- premie
- newborn
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
On the other hand, toddler clothes are offered in years.
So remember, the T stands for toddler:
- 2T
- 3T
- 4T
- 5T
Your child may or may not fit clothing based on the size. This basically means, your 2-year-old may be wearing a 3T or 4T, or your 3-month-old baby may wear 6 or 9-month clothing. I know I keep saying this but. . . . It just really depends on your child and the kid’s clothing brand.
As a mom of two, I highly recommend you buy larger sizes in clothes for your little one(s). The kids (especially babies) grow so fast that you’ll be surprised how quickly something they may only wear a couple of times no longer fits.
Also, every clothing brand is different so your child could fit perfectly in a size by Carter’s but not so much in clothing made by Jack & Jill (at Target). To prevent this from happening, I highly recommend taking your child’s measurements and looking at the size guidelines.
The other alternative to this would be taking your child with you and having them try them on at the store.
It can be hard to know where to go from here and that is why we have put together a list of FAQs below.
I hope this is helpful for you when shopping for clothes for your little people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a 6T size?
No, there’s usually not a 6T because, after 5 or 5T, kids are said to no longer be a toddler so the children’s clothes drop the T [which stands for toddler].
Is size 4 bigger than 5T?
Nope. A size 4 is smaller than 5T.
What size does Children's Place go to?
Children’s Place offer sizes for different departments. Here’s a list however if you what actual measurement check out their sizing charts here.
- Baby sizes up to 24 months
- Toddler sizes up to 5T
- Girl sizes up to 18 and 18P
- Boy sizes up to 18 and 20H
What size does a 5-year-old wear in clothes?
It really depends to be completely honest because every child and kid’s clothing brand is different. In a world where every child is the same size and height, then you could buy the recommended size however that’s not the case a lot of the time.
You probably have an idea of what size your child wears as they’ve been growing so go with that and size up when you can.
If you have no clue then you can take their measurements and look at the sizing charts -OR- have them try on a top and bottom in a size 5 or 5T and then go up in size based on how the clothing fits your child.
What is the next size up from 4T?
So the next size up from 4T is a size 5 or a 5T. Depending on your child’s size, shape, and clothing brand will determine if a 5 or 5T fits better.
What age is 5T?
In a perfect world, 5T would fit every 5-year-old toddler however we don’t live in such a place. So, it’s possible your 5-year-old wears a 4T or a 6. Either or is fine but it really depends on the child and the clothing brand.
Next Steps
You should be all ready to go now that you now know what size comes after 5T [which a size 6]. Please leave a comment below and let me know if this article was helpful for you.
