Difference Between 5T And 5 – Kid Clothing Guide

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 

The main difference is that 5T (Toddler) clothing is cut for a child still wearing diapers/pull-ups (more room in the seat, often tapered ankles), while a regular size 5 fits a leaner, longer-limbed child who is likely potty-trained, meaning it’s generally longer and has a different waist/leg proportion. Think of 5T as for a “chunky” toddler body and size 5 for a slimmer, growing kid transitioning out of toddlerhood. 

Size 5T – Clothes Tailored For Toddlers

The “T” in 5T size stands for toddlers. The “T” signifies a specific fit designed for a child’s toddler body shape, accommodating extra bulk in the diaper area. 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.  

5T bottoms are typically wider in the seat and hips and often have narrower, tapered ankles, like a traditional toddler pant.
Regular size 5 is cut for a child with a longer, straighter body, having a larger waist and longer overall length than a 5T.
Size 5 is often a stepping stone to “big kid” sizes (like 6/6X), while 5T is the last of the dedicated toddler sizes before that transition.

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

A “Size 5” for kids usually fits children around 4-6 years old, depending on the item (shoes vs. clothes) and brand, representing about 105-115cm tall for clothes or a toddler/junior shoe size (AU/UK 5, US 6-7C) for footwear, but always check specific brand size charts as measurements (height, chest, foot length in cm) are key for growing kids.

For Clothes (Size 5)

• Age: Typically 4 to 5 years old.
• Height: Around 105-115 cm (41-45 inches).
• Chest: Around 60-62 cm (23.6-24.4 inches).
• After Size 5: You often transition to Size 5T (toddler) or directly to Size 6/Youth.

For Shoes (Size 5)

• Age: Varies widely, from toddlers (18 months+) to older children.
• AU/UK Size 5: Roughly 13.4 cm foot length, for toddlers around 1.5-2 years old.
• US Size 5 (Child): This is a larger size, often for older kids, and can be a “Junior” size (e.g., US 5Y), while a toddler US 5 is much smaller (around 5C).

Key Tips for Growing Kids

• Measure, Don’t Guess: Kids grow fast, so measuring their height, chest, and foot length is crucial.
• Check Brand Charts: Sizes vary significantly between brands, so always look at their specific size guides.
• Go Bigger (Sometimes): If between sizes, going up a size gives more wear time and comfort for active kids, but avoid buying too big

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:

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.