Children's clothing: how to pick size and season and buy at a good price
Kids' clothes sizes: go by height
Age in years is a weak guide, because children of the same age can differ by several centimetres. It is safer to choose the size by height, and for babies by weight too. Makers' size charts differ, so ask the seller to check the size against the chart and to give the length of the garment in centimetres.
One more rule: don't buy too far ahead. An oversize jacket keeps less warm, and trousers that slip down get in the way of running.
What subcategories there are
For babies there is newborn clothing: bodysuits, rompers and sleepsuits in natural fabrics. For older children there is clothing for boys and for girls. The seasonal and pricier segment is kids' outerwear: jackets, snowsuits, coats. Remember that in much of Malaysia you mostly need it for the colder regions, while elsewhere light rain jackets and cotton wear matter more.
For school look for school uniforms, for festivals fancy dress costumes and embroidered shirts. Look at children's footwear separately in the kids' footwear section.
What to put in your request
- What exactly — jacket, suit, trousers, uniform, costume.
- Child's height and weight — or the size they usually wear.
- Gender and age.
- Season — rainy season, winter, summer; for winter wear say down to what temperature.
- Material — cotton, fleece, waterproof fabric, padding.
- Colour and style — or the school's uniform requirements.
- Brand — if you have a favourite.
- Quantity — one item or a set, a few spares.
- New or used and delivery — city, pickup.
New or used and what to check
Children quickly outgrow clothes, so used items in good condition often win on price. This is especially true of outerwear and festive outfits that are worn a few times. For underwear, bodysuits and things for babies, take new or in perfect condition, well washed.
For new clothes ask about the fabric and care: a child's skin is sensitive, so natural materials are better for babies. Look at easy fasteners, no sharp parts and strong seams. In a winter jacket, water-repellent fabric and even padding matter, in a school uniform, how well it stands up to washing.
When comparing offers, see whether delivery is in the price, whether a size exchange is possible and how many days you get for it. For school uniforms and festival outfits, ask when they will ship, because you can't be late for the first day of school or the morning of the festival.
A typical mistake is buying from a photo and “by eye”, with no size chart, and ordering festival outfits at the last moment.
For children who go to nursery or school, buy a few sets to rotate: clothes get dirty fast, so it is better to have spares. Label things, especially outerwear and uniform: they get lost easily at sports or in the changing room. If an outfit is stitched to custom measurements, agree the stitching time with the tailor in advance.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
Instead of going round shops and scrolling sites, create one request with size, season and city. You can add a photo of an example. Sellers reply in the chat with offers: what exactly, the price, sizes in stock, delivery. They see the place of their offer and compete for your request, which often improves the price.
The site shows the best offer first, judged on what it contains, with reviews of the seller next to it. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose an offer, and it is free for buyers. More on the “How it works” page.
