What Size Comes After 5T in Toddler Size? A Quick Guide

Okay mama, we all know how quickly our little ones grow, and keeping up with their constantly changing wardrobe can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. If you’ve recently found yourself wondering what size comes after 5T in toddler clothes, you’re in the right place. 

Let’s explore the next size up after 5T and provide helpful tips to ensure your child’s clothes fit them comfortably as they continue to blossom into the incredible beings they are becoming.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Understanding the 5T Size

Selecting the right clothing size for your child is crucial for their comfort. If you notice that your little one who is currently wearing 5T has highwaters or struggles to put on a too-tight shirt regularly, it’s time to size up!

The 5T size plays a pivotal role in this selection as toddlers transition to larger garments.

Definition and Meaning of 5T Size

The “T” in 5T stands for “toddler”, indicating that the garment is designed specifically for this age group. 5T size is intended to comfortably fit children who have likely outgrown the need for a diaper, which is often taken into account with smaller toddler sizes like 2T, 3T, or 4T. Sizing charts for the 5T typically consider the removal of a diaper from the child’s daily wear. This means less room in the bottoms and tighter waistbands. 

Typical Age Range for Children Wearing 5T

Typically, the 5T size is suited for toddlers around 5 years of age. However, your toddler’s age alone is not the sole indicator of the proper clothing size, just as in baby clothing. Children’s body proportions and growth rates vary considerably and do not always correlate with the child’s age. And children grow at different rates at different times – hello growth spurt! It is generally recommended to consult sizing charts that correlate with both the age of the child and measurements for the most accurate fit. But don’t worry – we’ll discuss this below!

Transitioning Beyond 5T: Exploring Larger Sizes

As your child outgrows the toddler stage, it’s time to explore sizes beyond 5T, where a new range of options awaits.

Subheading 1Explanation of the Next Available Sizes After 5T

After 5T, which is tailored for toddlers, your journey into children’s clothing begins. The next size up is typically Size 6 or Small (S) in kids’ clothes sections. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Size 6: Generally designed for older children who have outgrown the toddler phase, offering a more tailored fit.
• Size 6X: Sometimes available, provides a slightly roomier fit than Size 6.
• Small (S): Another option that often follows 5T; equivalent to sizes 6-7 in many brands.

Size charts can vary between brands, so you might find slight differences in measurements. It’s always a good idea to check the specific size chart provided by the clothing manufacturer.

Remember, every child grows at their own pace, so use these categories as a guide rather than a strict rule. If you’re unsure between two sizes, it’s often wise to choose the larger size to accommodate how fast kids can grow.

Factors Influencing Sizing Choices

Selecting the right size of clothing for a child often requires more consideration than simply moving to the next number after 5T. Your child’s unique growth pattern and the variations between brands play a critical role in this decision-making process.

Growth Pattern and Body Measurements

Height and weight are fundamental metrics when transitioning from 5T. Your child’s development, incorporating these measurements, largely dictates the proper size. For a perfect fit, chest, waist, and hip measurements are essential. Not all children grow uniformly, so it’s important to regularly check size charts that correspond to their body measurements.

Variations in Sizing Standards

Each brand may have its own sizing charts for children’s clothes. For instance, an Old Navy size 6 might not fit the same as a size 6 from Target. There is no standard size that will fit all. This is accentuated with European brands, which follow a different sizing convention altogether. The best way is to always consult brand-specific size charts to ensure a proper fit. Here’s an example of how brand sizing can differ:

• Old Navy
  • Size 6: Height 45-48″

• Target (Cat & Jack)
  • Size 6: Height 47-49.5″, Weight 50-58 lbs
• Children’s Place
  • Size 6: Height 44-46.5″, Weight 45-50 lbs

Notice that the sizing categories have a height and weight range, which helps find the right fit. Aim for choosing the size where your child is on the lower end of both ranges to make the new clothes fit longer!

Tips for Selecting Appropriate Sizes After Outgrowing 5T

When your child outgrows size 5T, selecting the next size up requires precision and an understanding of their growth patterns. Comfort and fit are paramount—being too restrictive or too loose can be uncomfortable for your child.

Taking Accurate Measurements

To ensure a good fit, regularly update your child’s body measurements with a measuring tape. Measure the chest, waist, hip, and inseam lengths, as well as the arm length from the shoulder to the wrist. Here’s a quick guide:

• Chest: Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of the chest.
• Waist: Measure around the natural waistline.
• Hips: Find the widest part of the hips.
• Inseam: Start from the inside leg’s crotch point to where the pants will end.
• Arm Length: Measure from the top of the shoulder to the wrist.
• Height: Measure from the top of their head to the soles of their feet.

Always ensure the tape measure is snug against the body but not too tight to get an accurate measurement. 

Po mom tip: Keep your child’s measurements and the date they were taken in your phone’s notes app so you always have them available when you have a spontaneous shopping trip. 

Considering Room for Growth without Compromising Comfort

Choose clothing that allows extra room for growth. It’s tempting to buy bigger sizes, but too much extra space can lead to discomfort and affect mobility:

• Chest and waist areas should have an extra 1-2 inches for movement.
• Pants should have a little bit of length to accommodate growth spurts, but avoid them being so long that they cause tripping. We always buy pants a little longer and roll or hem them up to the current length. 
• Shirts and tops can be slightly longer but shouldn’t hang past the child’s fingertips when the arms are placed beside their body.

Trying on Different Brands or Styles Before Buying

Different brands may have slight variations in sizing, even for sizes beyond 5T. Test several brands for the best fit for your kid’s current actual size:

• Shirts: Pay attention to shoulder seams and arm lengths.
• Pants: Check the waist and inseam for proper fit.
• Outerwear: Ensure enough space for layering during colder months.

Always have your child try on clothes, if possible, or rely on specific body measurements when ordering online to get the most accurate fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Understanding toddler sizes can be a bit confusing at times, especially when it comes to determining what size follows 5T. While there is no universal standard for this transition, some brands choose to continue their sizing with 6X or simply move on to regular children’s sizes such as size 6 or small. 

It’s always helpful to refer to the specific brand’s size chart and measurements before making a purchase. By staying informed and keeping track of your child’s growth, you can ensure that they are comfortably dressed in clothing that fits them well throughout their toddler years and beyond as a “big kid”!