Australian kids' clothing is usually sized by age, so a size 2 roughly fits a 2-year-old. But children grow at different rates, and sizing varies between brands, so age is a starting point, not a guarantee. Here's a plain guide by age and height, and how to get the right fit every time.
Standard Australian kids' sizing draws on CN height charts, which means height is the more reliable number to work from than age alone. Measure your child's height in centimetres, then match it against the size table below. If your child falls between two heights, size up: a little extra room in the body and sleeves is far easier to manage than a garment that's too tight. Most children move from one size to the next quickly, so a slightly larger size bought today often gets more total wear. Soft, stretchy fabrics extend each size further still by moving with a growing body.
Australian kids' clothing size chart by age and height
| AU Size | Age Band | Approx. Height | minimerri Size Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 0–3 months | 50–62 cm | 0–3 Months |
| 00 | 3–6 months | 62–66 cm | 3–6 Months |
| 0 | 6–9 months | 66–73 cm | 6–12 Months |
| 1 | 9–12 months | 73–80 cm | 6–12 Months |
| 1 | 12–18 months | 80–86 cm | 12–18 Months |
| 2 | 1–2 years | 86–90 cm | 18–24 Months |
| 3 | 2–3 years | 90–100 cm | 2–3 Years |
| 4 | 3–4 years | 100–110 cm | 3–4 Years |
| 5 | 4–5 years | 110–120 cm | 4–5 Years |
| 6 | 5–6 years | 120–130 cm | 5–6 Years |
| 7 | 6–7 years | 130–140 cm | 6–7 Years |
| 8 | 7–8 years | 140–148 cm | 7–8 Years |
Heights are approximate, based on standard AU/CN sizing charts. Fit and cut vary between styles, so always check the measurements on each product page before ordering.
What size clothes does a 1 year old wear?
Most 1-year-olds wear size 0 or 1 in Australian sizing, roughly the 12–18 month range, depending on height and build. If your baby is tall or between sizes, size up. A little extra room is far easier than a tight fit, and children at this age grow quickly.
Practical features matter as much as the size number. Elastic waists on pants give stretch as they crawl and take first steps. A roomy chest and neckline on tops and bodysuits make dressing quicker, especially at daycare drop-off. Knitwear and cotton blends with some natural stretch give an extra season of wear by adapting to a growing body rather than fighting it.
If you're layering a long-sleeve tee under a dress or set for cooler days, factor in that extra layer when choosing a size. Going up in knitwear and outerwear is almost always the right call. Browse our baby range for soft, practical styles sized for this stage.
What size for a 2 year old?
A typical 2-year-old wears size 2 in Australian sizing, covering the 18–24 month to 2-year range. Toddlers this age move constantly, so look for elastic waists, stretchy fabrics and relaxed fits that don't restrict play. If they're between sizes, choose the larger. Turn-up cuffs on pants and sleeves can buy a few extra months of wear as they grow into it.
Fabric makes a real difference at this age. Soft cotton blends wash well, hold their shape and stand up to the everyday tumble of toddler life, from sandpits to paint to lunch. Avoid anything stiff or scratchy: a toddler who's uncomfortable will let you know. Soft jersey and light knitwear are reliable everyday choices.
For summer, a loose cotton dress or shorts-and-tee set in size 2 gives plenty of room to move. For cooler months, a soft knit over a tee keeps them warm without the bulk. Browse toddler styles designed with this age in mind.
What size for a 3 or 4 year old?
3-year-olds generally wear size 3 and 4-year-olds wear size 4, but this is where height matters more than age. A tall 3-year-old may need a 4, and a smaller 4-year-old might still fit comfortably in a 3. Always check the garment's chest and length measurements against something that already fits your child, rather than trusting the age label.
At this stage, children have opinions and comfort is the deciding factor. Fabrics that don't scratch, waistbands that don't dig in and necklines that go on without a battle make school and kindy mornings much smoother. Easy-on styles that little ones can manage themselves build independence and save time.
For seasonal layering, size up in knitwear and jackets: a size 4 worn over a long-sleeve tee through autumn and winter gets far more total wear. Check length on dresses and longer pieces carefully, as cuts vary widely between brands. See our toddler and preschool range for soft, practical styles.
What size for a 5 to 8 year old?
Children aged 5–8 years usually wear the size that matches their age: a 5-year-old in a size 5, a 6-year-old in a size 6, and so on. But build varies much more widely at this stage, and height differences between children the same age can be significant.
For dresses and longer tops, check the length measurement carefully. A tall 7-year-old may find size 8 fits better through the body and hangs correctly in length. For pants, check both waist and inseam if possible, since children this age have more defined proportions than younger kids.
Fabric stretch matters less than it does for babies and toddlers, but soft, comfortable fabrics still win every time. Cotton blends that wash well and hold their shape through repeated wear are the practical choice for school, sport and active play. Browse our kids' range sized 5–8 for everyday and occasion styles.
How do I measure my child for the right size?
The most reliable way to size for kids' clothing is to measure a garment that already fits your child well, then compare it to the measurements on the product page. Measuring a favourite piece flat on a table is easier and more accurate than measuring a wriggly child, and it tells you what that specific brand considers the correct chest and length for each size.
If you do want to measure your child directly, here's what to take:
- Height: measure from the top of the head to the heel, standing straight against a wall.
- Chest: measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape level and comfortably relaxed.
- Waist: measure around the natural waistline, not pulled tight.
Every minimerri product page includes a full measurements chart for that exact style. When comparing sizes across styles, use the chest measurement as your anchor: it's the most consistent indicator of fit across ages and brands.
Why do kids' clothing sizes vary between brands?
Different brands cut to different fits and use different fabrics, so a size 3 in one label can differ noticeably from a size 3 in another. A relaxed-fit boutique might cut size 3 with more room through the chest, while a sportswear brand cuts narrower for an active fit. Neither is wrong: these are simply different design choices.
Fabric also affects the apparent size. A stiff woven cotton stays exactly as cut, while a soft jersey or knit has stretch that effectively adds room. This is why size 3 in a woven dress can feel smaller than size 3 in a stretch-jersey tee, even from the same brand.
This is why we recommend checking the garment's measurements on the product page rather than trusting the size number alone. It takes an extra minute but saves the inconvenience of an exchange. Every minimerri product page lists chest, length and waist measurements for each size in that exact style.
Ready to shop by age? Browse Newborn, Baby, Toddler and Kids, or read our full size guide.
Written by the minimerri family, an Australian kids clothing label.