What Size Comes After 5T? Complete Guide For Size Transition!

Do you have a young child at home? Then you must have heard about 5T.

It is a commonly used term to refer to children’s clothes but it can all be a little confusing. What is 5T? What size comes after 5T?

And what age-range is it for? These are all important questions.

Here we’ll take a look at what size comes after 5T to give you all the info you need.

By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea about sizes, what you need to buy and how to get the right measurements for your kid.

Let’s get started!

What Size Comes After 5T?

When it comes to children’s clothing brands, 5T is the last size for kids with the lettering system.

Starting with 6, the added letter of “t” isn’t used after that point.

Even though 5T is smaller than 5, it usually comes with a broader bottom area.

The waist is kept loose to accommodate diapers and pull-ups. Also, unlike other sizes, your child can outgrow the size five faster than others.

If you want to save a few bucks, you are better off switching directly to size 6.

You might be wondering about the primary difference between regular size and toddler size?

When it comes to toddler size, it is primarily measured using the toddler’s age. On the other hand, regular clothes follow physical measurements.

If you want to buy clothes for your kids, there is no shortcut. You need to know the waist measurement of your kid.

If your girl weighs around 28-38 pounds, she would need to be given size four which comes with a waist measurement of 21 inches.

If your girl weighs approximately 39-49 pounds, she would need to be given size six, which comes with a waist measurement of 22 inches.

And lastly, if your girl weighs around 50-67 pounds, she would need to be given size eight, which comes with a waist measurement of 23 inches.

On the other hand, for boys, for 8–38-pound weight, he would need to be given size 4-5, which comes with a waist measurement of 22 inches.

And for 44–68-pound weight, he would need to be given size 46-8, which comes with a waist measurement of 22.5-24.5 inches.

1. Is size four bigger than 5T?

 As a rule of thumb, a standard four is more prominent than 4T. However, it is way smaller than a 5T.

There is one significant similarity between regular and toddler sizes; both follow the same weight range.

However, when you judge them depending on the kids’ height, it has significant differences.

Now, who makes their kids wear formal trousers all the time? No one, right?

Parents should have their kids wear pajamas during the night and on vacation.

If your kid has made their transition to size 6 clothing, you can buy size 6 pajamas for them.

If you want to know the exact measurements for size 5T, follow the below descriptions.

For the height range of 41-43.5 inches, the height measurement for the clothing is 104-111 centimeters.

Secondly, for the chest range of 23-25 inches, the chest measurement is 58-64 centimeters.

For waist measurement of 21-22.5 inches, the waist size for the cloth must be 53-57 centimeters.

If your kid falls within the height range of 47-51 inches (119-129 centimeters), they should be given clothing with a chest measurement of 23-25 inches (58-64 centimeters).

The chest measurement is the same for 5T and 6T. After 5T comes 6. Then comes the waist measurement.

For 6T, the waist must be 22-23 inches (56-58 centimeters).

Now you know the exact physical measurements for all the significant kids’ clothing sizes, starting with 4T, 5T, 6T. But if you want to buy comfortable clothes for your kids, you must be able to measure your kids.

You must think, how difficult can it be? Well, as it turns out, it is not that difficult if you only know the correct process for taking the measurements. 

2. How to Take Measurements For Your Kid

 When measuring your kids, the golden rule is not to get frustrated.

You might have to take the measurements multiple times. Remember that you need to keep your calm.

Also, always keep a notepad and a pencil near you. As soon as you are taking specific measurements, quickly write them down.

Ask your kid to stand up straight. You can ask him to stand straight against a wall. Make sure their heels are flush against the walls.

Now, take a tape to make the measurements.

For measuring the waist, take the same measuring tape and put it around the core of your kid.

For accurate measurements, try to keep the measuring tape aligned with the belly button.

At all costs, you should avoid making measurements over the pants. If you do measure over the pants, you will end up buying oversized pants.

And lastly, how can you take measurements for the chest area of your kid?

Before you bring out the measuring tape, ask your kid to place their arms at the side of their bodies.

The key here is to take the measurement around the widest part of the chest, right under the arms.

In the modern era, there is an alternative for everything.

When it comes to buying clothes for your kid, you do not need to buy what everyone else is buying.

Did you know body measurements are different in the USA than they are in Europe? Yes, that is right.

It is very typical to buy clothes for your kids if you are on vacation.

But the problem will arise when you find out that the clothes don’t match the usual size. Then what is the solution?

Well, of course, you can buy clothes when traveling to a foreign country.

But make sure before you make the purchase you look at the measurement diagram.

3. The Difference Between Size 5T and Size 5

 We have seen above that 5T and size 5 are different. But how different are they?

The number one similarity between 5T and 5 is that they come with loose waistlines.

Clothes from these two particular sizes come with a slightly broader core. This helps with accommodating pull-ups & diapers.

5T has a narrow fitting. On the other hand, 5 has a higher length than 5T.

However, do not take these measurements as scripts from the bible. Depending on which brand you are using, you will see differences in their measurements.

As a rule of thumb, not all kids’ clothing brands have 6T-size clothes. 6T is for toddlers.

However, you might come across a 6T size for your children, depending on the brand.

When it comes to children’s clothing, size is a significant factor. Children are very sensitive to uncomfortable clothes.

If you make your kids wear small clothes, they will feel suffocated, which is not suitable for kids of any age.

If you just had your first baby, embrace yourself for a sharp learning curve.

Soon, you will find yourself trying to make sense of baby clothes and all the T’s.

You will be wondering what comes before 5T and what comes after 5T.

When it comes to clothes shopping for the baby, some parents will not compromise.

They want the best designs that accentuate their kid’s cuteness.

As a parent, you should never buy clothes that restrict the free movement of your kid.

Free training is essential for the healthy upbringing of your children.

If you make your kid wear tight pants, it can cause tummy ache or obstruct free blood circulation through their veins.

4. Signs It’s Time to Buy New Clothes

When do you know that you have to buy new clothes for your kids?

As a parent, you should always look for signs that tell a parent that their kids have outgrown their current cloth size.

But what counts as a sign? Check if your babies’ arms and legs are hanging out of the sleeves.

If yes, it is a clear indicator that you need to buy new clothes for your kid.

Another clear sign that tells your kid needs new clothes is if they cannot take off their shirt.

If your kid was able to take off his shirt without any trouble before, it means maybe the sleeves are too tight for them now.

As a rule of thumb, you should always go shopping at the advent of a new season.

If you don’t have the budget to overhaul the existing wardrobe completely, you can go ahead and do repurposing.

If your kids have pants that end at the calf can be repurposed as capris.

If your kid has dresses that are short in length but are yet to grow tight on the chest area can be paired with leggings.

When you go shopping for your kids, always remember buying oversize clothes is a better idea than purchasing fitting or shorter fitting clothes.

Your kids will not outgrow the clothes every subsequent week when you follow this ground rule.

Also, making your kids wear loose clothes is also suitable for flexibility in movement.

Your children’s comfort must be your priority. Make sure your kid’s clothes do not get tangled up, resulting in your kids tripping over their clothes.

Also, do not mistake relying on age to buy clothes for your kids. Every kid has a different growth rate.

This particular nature of children makes it very hard to predict their clothing requirements. Also, you can have a 5-year-old who is lean.

On the other hand, you can have a 5-year-old in better shape.  

What Size Clothes to Buy After 5T?

The big difference between regular and toddler clothing sizes is that you don’t have to buy clothes solely based on your child’s age. The child’s measurements also matter. Hence, while the next size after 5T is 6, you can get other sizes for your little one.

Common clothing items you need to measure for are:

• Shirts
• Pants
• Pajamas
• Underwear

Shirts

For most children, a size 6 shirt will do just fine. However, kids grow quickly, and some of them weigh above average. You may want to consider a 6X or 7.

The 6X is bigger than the 6 but smaller than the 7. Baggy shirts are no problem for kids. They’ll look and feel good wearing them. Plus, you can always roll up sleeves that are too long.

Pants

Size 6 pants are long enough to cover most kids with a little extra length to spare. You can go for them when transitioning from 5T.

Pajamas

These are supposed to be a little snugger. So, if you’re sure your child has outgrown their 5T pajamas, you can get them size 6 jammies.

Underwear

This part is a lot different from the others because underwear doesn’t use the same size system. You need to take specific waist measurements to make the best decision.

It’s different for boys and girls. You may get size 4, 6, or 8 for girls with waist sizes of 21, 22, or 23 inches, respectively.

Boys with 22 inches waist sizes can use size 4 or 5, and those with 22.5-24.5 waist can use the 6-8 underwear size.

Average Measurements for Size 6

Here’s a simple table to help you compare size 6 measurements for different parts of the body and the child’s height and weight.

Waist (inches)	22 to 23 inches
Chest (inches)	23 to 25 inches
Height (inches)	47 to 51 inches
Weight (pounds)	42 to 50 pounds

Is 6T a Real Size?

Many parents wonder if size 6T is a real thing. Most brands end their toddler clothing sizes at size 5T. However, these companies are allowed a little flexibility with their products, so don’t be surprised to find clothing with a size 6T label at the local store.

How to Know When Your Toddler Needs Bigger Clothes

If you have a child wearing toddler clothes (especially 5Ts), here’re common signs that suggest it’s time to switch them to regular sizes:

1. Sleeves affect circulation when you try to push them up.
2. Shirts tend to roll up and above the belly.
3. Elastic or button marks or irritation when you take off their clothes.
4. Wrists or ankles hang out.
5. Taking off their clothes becomes difficult.

Why Toddlers Need Clothes that Fit

Your child should wear clothes that are neither too tight nor loose for the following reasons:

Improves their Independence

The best way to help children form useful habits is to make the task as easy for them as possible. Ideally, kids should be learning to dress and undress themselves with little to no assistance at around 5 years of age. If the clothes are too tight, they’ll have a hard time.

Your toddler will need well-fitted clothes to help them learn how to wear their clothes on their own much faster.

Keeps Them Comfortable

Kids should feel comfortable in all weather. If your child was comfortable wearing an outfit last summer, they might not feel the same way the next one. Because toddlers grow quickly, their clothes may have become too tight, making them feel hotter than they should.

Limits Their Restrictions

Kids love to play around. Hence, you want to keep them as safe as possible, especially when they are outdoors. Too-tight clothing will cause restrictions. Too loose, and the fabric will be more likely to get stuck on an object and rip or cause injury to your child.

Getting the right fit for kids’ clothes will greatly minimize the chances of body restrictions and accidents.

Number Sizes vs Letter Sizes for Kids

Let’s compare number and letter clothing sizes for children. That way, when you already know the regular number sizes you need, you can find their equivalents and what they mean.

Number Clothing Sizes	Letter Clothing Sizes
4 and 5	Extra Small – XS
6 and 6X	Small – S
7 and 8	Medium – M
10	Large – L
12	Extra Large – XL
14	Extra Extra Large – XXL

All Kids’ Clothing Sizes (What to Expect Over the Years)

As your child continues to grow rapidly, you’ll need a better understanding of how clothe sizes work for children of all ages.

That way, even after they outgrow the next batch of clothing you buy, you’ll have an idea of what comes next.

Here’s a table to help with that:

Group	Child’s Age (in years)	Sizes
Baby	0 to 2	Preemie/Newborn to 24 months
Toddler	2 to 4	2T to 6T
Little Kid	5 to 7	4 to 6X
Tween	8 to 12	7 to 16

 

Similar post: How Many Baby Clothes do I Need in Each Size

Summary

Before we conclude, know that most brands have sizes ranging from 4-14 for kids. Many brands might even include size 16 and above.

However, certain brands do not include kids’ clothes that exceed the 5T measurement when it comes to “T” sizes.

You have also seen you should not rely on your kid’s age to measure which size clothes they will be needing.

Take a measurement tape, and take the measurements separately.

While taking measurements for the height, make your kid stand up against a wall. For measuring the waist, take the measurement from on top of the belly button.

Also, remember that, when it comes to clothes for toddlers, parents can’t always use age as an accurate measurement for body size.

When it comes to kids, parents should always use a measurement tape.

Hopefully now you know what size comes after 5T and are able to buy your kids clothes with confidence. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is a 5T a small or XS? 

XS will only be marginally bigger than 5T. The difference between XS and 4T is even more negligible.

People will often use these measurements interchangeably.

Now here is a pressing question, should you make a direct jump from 5T to 6? Well, no.

The relative size difference between 5T and 6 is huge. Before trying out clothes labeled 6, you should try clothes with label 5.

Which is bigger, 5 or 5T?

Generally, size 5 is both taller and longer than 5T. Most parents prefer buying size 5 instead of 5T, as the former lasts longer.

As we have seen above, 5T is the last size for toddlers. Once your kids overgrow 5Ts, you should move them to 6s. 

What is the next size after 5T? 

As a parent, by the time you figure out what infant size is, your kid has already moved to toddler clothes.

Size 6 comes after 5. If you place a 5 T-shirt and size 6 shirt side by side, you can see how drastic the differences are.

If you want to make a jump from 5T to 6, you can do that. In that case, you have to realize that your kid will be wearing baggy clothes.

Make sure your kid is comfortable wearing loose clothes. If the shirt sleeves are a bit too long, you can fold them up a little.

What Size Does A 5-Year Old Wear in Clothes?

In most cases, 5-year-olds wear a size 5. Still, it would be best to consider several factors, such as the clothing brand, since every child has a different height and weight at this age.

Kids grow up so fast, so to ensure you get it right, take your kid’s measurements and use a sizing chart to find fitting clothes.