You are shopping for your 5-year-old kid, and see size labels 5T and 5. Although these 2 sizes are very similar, there is a difference between 5T and 5. So, which one is the right size for your child?
Today in our article, we will bring you an interesting explanation about 5T and 5 in toddler clothing size. Toddlers play and move a lot during the day, not like babies. Therefore, they need clothes that are comfortable and have extra room for movement. Read on to learn more great tips for your next shopping in the toddler section.
Difference Between 5T and 5
Toddler clothing sizes can be a bit confusing, especially when you encounter labels like 5T and 5. While these 2 sizes may seem very similar, they are designed for different needs.
Size 5T – Clothes Tailored For Toddlers
The “T” in 5T size stands for toddlers. When your child is transitioning out of the toddler phase, they will need clothing suitable for these kinds of movements. Clothes in size 5 will be suitable for children with a weight between 38-42 pounds and a height of 42-44 inches.
You will see that 5T clothing usually has extra room for wearing diapers. This is ideal for children who haven’t got full potty training. These clothes are also designed with adjustable waistbands and easy on-off features because many toddlers still need help with getting dressed.
Small tips: Parents should prepare a learning tower if having a toddler in the house. This step tool can keep toddlers safe because they still can’t walk and stand stable at this stage.
5 Size – Suitable For Growing Kids
Size 5 is not bigger too much than size 5T. Size 5 clothes are tailored for kids with weights of 42 to 46 pounds and 45 to 47 inches in height on average. This clothing sizing is a great choice for bigger kids, who are fully potty trained. Also, size 5 clothes are designed longer, accommodating growing children. You can find 5T clothes likely have more buttons and zippers than 5T sizing clothing. If your child is walking and running well at five years old, and you want 5-sizing clothing.
Keep in mind that size 5 is designed for children who have outgrown the toddler stage and no longer wear diapers. Therefore, size 5 clothing is generally more tailored and slimmer to fit with the leaner body shape of children. They have outgrown and seem not so chubby as toddlers. Additionally, the styles and designs will look more mature, aligning with the tastes of older children.
What Other Sizes Can A 5-Year-Old Child Wear?
The right clothing size for your baby will be not always the same as others. If your child grows taller, you may want to pick up an XS size. When kids outgrow sizing 5, they will change to letter size (XS, S, M, L, or XL).
If your child runs a little smaller, 4T can fit them better. You don’t want them to swim in their own clothes, right?
Tip For Shopping With 5T & 5 Size Child Clothing
You’ll probably find 5T clothing in the baby and toddler section, while size 5 will be in the girls’ or boys’ part of the store. If your child is on the edge of 5T and 5, you should go with size 5 since they will outgrow the smaller clothes in no time. You don’t want to buy new clothing constantly.
The sizes can vary between different clothing brands. So, always take a look at the brand-specific size charts and try the clothes on your child if possible. Just when they try on clothes, you can see that they can move freely and if there are any constraints in the chest, shoulder, or hip.
Use a measuring tape for height and a scale to weigh the kids at home. In this way, you can determine the exact height and weight of kids to figure out which size will go well. If you have 3 or 4-year-old kids but their measurements are in the range of toddler size, then you can consider picking up 5T for them.
The important thing you should not ignore is that kids around 5 years old start to be aware of themselves better.1 So, it will make sense to let them pick up what they really like to wear. Give them 3 or 5 different choices in patterns and colors, and let them choose what they like most.
Popular Clothing Brands That Sell 5T & 5
To help you with easy shopping, especially with first-time parents, here is the information on some popular brands that offer kid clothes in 5T & 5:
| Brands | Size | Measurements |
| Carter | 5T | 41.5-44 inches & 37.5- 42 pounds |
| Children’s Palace | 5T & 5 | 41-44 inches & 39-45 pounds (for both sizes) |
| Old Navy | 5T | 42-45 inches & 40-46 pounds. |
| Gerber | 5T | 40-44 inches & 39-43 pounds |
| Hannah Anderson | 5 | 42-46 inches & 37-48 pounds |
| Gap | 5 | 40-45 inches & 40-46 pounds |
Last Words
Knowing the difference between 5T and 5 will help your child have both comfort and freedom of movement in their clothes. Always remember that a 5T or 5 will not always fit perfectly with your 5-year-old child. They may need a bigger size or smaller size depending on their individual development.
Sources
- Emotions Self Awareness at Age 5. (n.d.). PBS KIDS for Parents. https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/age-5/emotions-self-awareness ↩︎
