Buying a winter coat for a growing child is tricky. Too small and it's tight over a sweater by January. Too big and the sleeves swallow their hands and cold air gets in. The age on the label is only a starting point, because sizes vary a lot between brands. Here's how to get it right.
Step 1: Measure your child
You only need a soft tape measure and two minutes.
- Height: stand them against a wall, shoes off, and mark the top of their head.
- Chest: measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, over a thin top.
- Sleeve (optional): from the back of the neck, over the shoulder and down to the wrist bone.
Step 2: Compare with a coat that fits now
This is the most reliable trick. Lay a coat that fits well flat, measure across the chest (armpit to armpit) and the length, then compare with the size chart of the coat you're buying. A size chart that lists real garment measurements makes this easy.
Step 3: Read the size chart, not just the age
Here's how that works with our own winter pieces.
Puffer jackets: go by chest and length
The Puffin hooded puffer jacket runs from 18–24M to 9–10Y and is listed as true to size. Its size chart gives the chest, length, sleeve and shoulder for every size. For example, the 2–3Y size has a 31.1 inch chest and 18.1 inch length, and the 4–5Y size a 34.3 inch chest and 20.5 inch length.
One-piece snowsuits: go by height
For a snowsuit, height matters most, because it needs to fit from shoulder to ankle. The Snowdrop snowsuit is sized by height: 18M fits 29.5 to 33.5 inches tall, 24M fits 33.5 to 37.4 inches, 3T fits 37.4 to 41.3 inches and 4T fits 41.3 to 45.3 inches. The wrists and ankles are open with elastic cuffs, so pair it with their own mittens and boots.
Two-piece sets: height plus pants length
The Tundra snowsuit set lists height ranges for each charted size, from 4T (39.4 to 43.3 inches tall) up to 11–12Y (59.1 to 61 inches), plus the jacket length, chest, sleeve and pants length. The elastic-waist pants make bathroom breaks easy.
Step 4: Leave room for layers, but not too much
- Kids should be able to wear a sweater or fleece underneath and still zip up comfortably.
- With arms stretched forward, sleeves should reach the wrist.
- They should be able to lift their arms and crouch without the coat riding up at the back.
If your child is between sizes, many parents choose the larger one so it lasts the whole season. Just avoid going so big that sleeves cover their hands or the hood falls over their eyes.
A lighter layer for cool days
Not every day needs a puffer. The Teddy plush jacket is a soft, heavyweight fall layer in sizes 9M to 6T, listed as true to size. On colder days it layers under a shell or coat.
The car seat rule
Whatever size you choose, puffy coats and snowsuits shouldn't be worn under a car seat harness, because they can leave the straps loose. Take the coat off before buckling in, then lay it over your child backward for warmth.
Questions parents ask
Should I buy a kids coat a size up?
If your child is between sizes, a size up usually lasts the season. Check that sleeves stop at the wrist and the hood doesn't cover their eyes.
What does the number in cm mean on a kids coat?
On many kids coats, the number in centimeters relates to the child's height. Always check the brand's own size chart to be sure.
How should a snowsuit fit?
Snug enough to keep warm air in, with room to bend, crouch and reach without pulling at the shoulders or crotch.
Confused by toddler sizes? Read 24 months vs. 2T.
For layering tips, see how to dress a toddler for winter, or shop the Clothing collection.
