Sizing kids clothes in Australia is a small chaos. "Size 2" at one brand is "2–3y" at another, sometimes "24M" at a third. Add the fact that your toddler grew 4cm last week and you've got a returns problem waiting to happen.
Here's the no-fluff version. Save this post, send it to your mum, refer back when you shop.
The Aussie size 1–5 system, in plain language
Most Australian kids brands — including ours — use a simple 1-to-5 numbering. Here's what each one actually means:
| Size | Age range | Approx. height |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12–18 months | 76–86 cm |
| 2 | 2–3 years | 86–96 cm |
| 3 | 3–4 years | 96–104 cm |
| 4 | 4–5 years | 104–110 cm |
| 5 | 5–6 years | 110–116 cm |
Note: these are approximate. Children grow at wildly different rates — always check the brand's specific size chart. Our full size chart is here.
How to measure your toddler in 60 seconds
You don't need a tailor's tape. A piece of string and a regular ruler will do.
- Height. Stand them barefoot against a wall, mark just above the head, measure to the floor in cm. Do this every 3 months — they'll surprise you.
- Chest. Loop a string around the widest part of the chest, under the armpits. Measure the string against a ruler. This is your most useful number for tees and tops.
- Waist. Same string trick, this time around the belly button. Critical for jeans and shorts.
- Inseam. From the inner thigh to the ankle. Determines whether the jeans pool at the ankle or fit clean.
The 'between sizes' problem (and how to solve it)
Your toddler will spend roughly half their life between two sizes. Here's how to decide:
- Tees and tops: Size up. They'll wear it longer, the relaxed fit looks intentional, and they grow into it within a season.
- Jeans and bottoms: Size down or size to true. Bottoms that are too big slide. A belt is a tantrum waiting to happen.
- Sets and jackets: Size up. Particularly bombers and trench coats — they're statement pieces and you want them to fit for two seasons.
How Aussie sizes compare to international
If you're cross-shopping with US or UK brands, here's the quick translation:
- AU size 2 ≈ US 2T ≈ UK 2–3y
- AU size 3 ≈ US 3T ≈ UK 3–4y
- AU size 4 ≈ US 4 ≈ UK 4–5y
European brands (Petit Bateau, ZARA Mini) typically size by height in cm. AU size 3 (96–104cm) ≈ EU 98 or 104.
What if I get it wrong?
That's what returns are for. We give 30 days free returns on unworn pieces (tag still attached). Full returns policy here. One quick tip: try the piece on with their usual layer underneath (singlet, body suit) before pulling the tag off. Sizing on a bare-chested toddler reads completely differently to sizing on a dressed one.
Where to start if you're new to TUC
Our most-ordered first piece is the Curved-Hem Tee at $12.95 — sizes 1 through 5, short or long sleeve. It's a safe size-up purchase that doubles as a layering piece. Pair it with our stretch jeans or use it as a wardrobe staple under sets.
If they're under 12 months, start with the Citizen of the World onesie — 3M, 6M, 9M, 12M and 18M. The 9M is our most-ordered.