Our nine year-old daughter just doesn’t stop growing! I just placed an online clothing order with Old Navy and this may be the last year that clothes from the kids section will fit our not-so-little girl! Here are some tips for dealing with the struggle of shopping for a growing child.
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We’ve always known that our daughter would be tall, but over the last year or so, she’s not only grown up – but out! This statement isn’t meant to be a dig or to shame my sweet girl, but is a true fact! She does not have a slim figure like other girls her age – and that is perfectly fine! However, buying clothes for her shape has become more and more challenging.
Each season, we have the fun task of sorting through T’s clothes to see what still fits comfortably, what will do for the time-being, and what we need to get rid of. This past year, we’ve been getting rid of more than we’re keeping because of how much she’s grown!
Don’t throw away those gently used clothes!
Pay it forward! If the clothes your child has outgrown are also worn out – just toss them. However, if the clothing is only gently used (and isn’t stained) pass them on to another child, donate the clothes to a non-profit, or sell on consignment or a community buy & sell to make a few bucks to put toward new clothes.
Related Post: Getting your child to do chores!
Up until recently, we’ve bought T’s clothes from Joe Fresh, Walmart, Carters Osh Kosh, and Old Navy. But most of these retailers kid’s clothing selection only goes up to size 14 – and she’s already in this size! Short of buying from the ladies’ section in these shops, we’re gonna have to hunt for other options for shopping for our growing child!
When shopping, we need to keep in mind that she is still a kid!
Despite the fact that our girl is growing like a weed – and she sometimes wears my clothes!! – we need to remember that she is only nine years-old! Kids clothing are made with kids in mind. The colours, the graphics, the fit – are all geared to children. Kids still want to dress like kids and, as parents, we want them to remain little for as long as possible!
After some online searches, I’ve found a few stores that will fit the bill for sizing, price, and style that will suit our ever growing daughter and our preferences (and pocketbook)!!
H&M Kids
Basic essential tops and bottoms, casual sets, classic denim, on trend styles, and dressy options.
Available Sizing: Up to 14Y+ (Size 20)
Pricing: Reasonable, affordable, with frequent sales. Shorts starting at $14.99 CDN.
Cool clothes that kids will love and good quality and price that parents will appreciate. Some of the styles that H&M offer are kind of mini versions of what adults would wear. These are perfect styles for tweens and pre-teens because they’re not so childish!
Shein Girls
Fun and trendy styles for kids! Every day basics, cool & casual sets, and unique pieces for littles!
Available Sizing: Up to 12Y
Pricing: Very affordable, with frequent sales. Shorts starting at $8 USD.
The quality can be questionable, but the price sometimes cannot be beat! Very cool styles for girls and super trendy! If your child is in a larger size than the girls’ sizing offers, simply browse the ladies’ styles. The model’s sizes are quoted with the images which is a great reference quide! Mommy and daughter matching styles are also available!
Urban Planet – Urban Kids
Get your child what all the kids are wearing without breaking the bank! On trend, great layering pieces, fun colours and graphics!
Available Sizing: Up to Large (14/16)
Pricing: Affordable, with frequent sales. Shorts starting at about $10 CDN.
This is a cool store for both adults and kids! Though I haven’t purchased from the kids styles for my daughter, I have bought her tshirts in ladies’ small that fit!
Zara Kids
Kids clothes inspired by adult trends! Love it! Find really fun and unique styles at Zara!
Available Sizing: Up to 13-14 Years
Pricing: A bit pricey and sales are less frequent. Shorts starting at about $17 CDN.
Love Zara, but unless you hit the sale section or come across a rare sale, you’re going to be spending a lot more money. Their product really is beautiful, so we splurge once a year on cool pieces for our daughter.
Aeropostale Kids
Kids clothes designed with comfort in mind while being on trend at the same time!
Available Sizing: Up to XL (14-16)
Pricing: Affordable and frequent online sales. Shorts starting at $12.99 CDN.
Comfortable styles in cool tie-dye for every day!
Shopping for a growing child!
As much fun as it is to go shopping (online at the moment) – for anything really – the expense can be a little overwhelming, especially at this particular time. Recently I spend about $250 on new clothes for T and didn’t really think too much about the cost. But whenever possible, I do like to buy gently used clothes, in order to save a few bucks. With how quickly kids grow, purchasing new clothes just isn’t feasible – mainly because of how quickly children will out-grow said clothes!
Remember to browse the local buy and sell sites (and Poshmark), thrift stores, and even chat with friends and relatives who may have clothes and shoes from their children that no longer fit them!
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