The Best Places to Buy Kids Clothes of 2023
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These kids' clothing stores fit various budgets and styles for any occasion
Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang
Whether it’s back-to-school season or you’re looking kids’ formal wear, there are tons of places to buy kids’ clothes online. While some companies have brick-and-mortar stores you can visit in person, you’ll find a wider selection of styles, sizes, and prices online. Plus, many stores offer free shipping and returns, so you can order what your kiddo needs and return it at no cost.
Ensure that you opt for style, comfort, and durability, as kids are notorious for being rough on their clothing. Moreover, consider what pieces are machine washable, so they’re a breeze to clean, regardless of stain.
We researched over 40 stores to find the best places to buy kids’ clothes. We also surveyed hundreds of parenting editors, asking where they shop for their kids’ clothing and what they love (or don’t love) about the stores. Next, we researched reviews from customers and competitors, monitored shopping trends, and carefully considered sizing, shipping options, material, design, ease of cleaning, return policies, company perks, and overall value.
Best Overall: Old Navy
The brand features a nice combination of on trend graphic tops, plain basics, and everything in between.
Pros
Large variety of styles and sizes
Budget-friendly
Good sales
Cons
No organic or sustainable options
Budget-friendly, on-trend, and versatile, Old Navy is our top pick for many reasons (our parenting editors love it, too). With sizes running from baby through teen, there are tons of choices for everyone in your family.
It’s easy to build an entire wardrobe from athleisure, swim, outwear, and pajamas to everyday kids' clothing. The brand also features a nice combination of on-trend graphic tops, plain basics, and everything in between. Plus, be sure to check out the company during the holidays; they offer matching family pajamas in several cute patterns.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 20 | Return Policy: 45 days for a full refund or store credit | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $50
Best Prints: Hanna Andersson
Pros
Matching family options
Adorable casual and seasonal prints
Super soft material
Cons
No inclusive sizing
Many parenting editors we spoke with recommend Hanna Andersson for their kids’ clothing needs. We appreciate the brand's thoughtful designs and sustainable materials. The company is known for its notoriously soft materials, adorable prints (both casual and seasonal), and matching family options. From pajamas to casual everyday wear, you’ll find it at Hanna Andersson.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 14 years | Return Policy: 60 days for a full refund or store credit | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $100
Best for Basics: Primary
With sizes from baby through adults, these super soft, sustainable clothes lack logos, slogans, or any decoration.
Pros
High quality
Sustainable
Offers uniforms
Cons
Must spend $35 for free shipping
If you’re in the market for well-made basics, look no further than Primary. We love the simplicity of the basics and the high quality of each piece. With sizes from babies to adults, these super soft, sustainable clothes lack logos and slogans. Primary sells everything from underwear to hoodies to pajamas. The gender-neutral brand is based on sizing, so you can choose from any style in a multitude of colors.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 14 | Return Policy: 90 days for a full refund or store credit | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $35
Best for Toddlers and Babies: Carter’s
Budget friendly and stylish, there's something for everyone from silly slogan t-shirts to basic white bodysuits.
Pros
Tons of deals
Preemie to size 14 for all kids
Offers shoes
Cons
Some items shrink after drying cycle
From basics like multi-packs of onesies to adorable and complete outfit sets, including seasonal, character, and sports themes, Carter's features many adorable styles. The company includes sizes for kids from 4 to 14, but even young siblings can get in on some matching outfits (baby and toddler sizes range from preemie to 5T). Check out the company's shoe selection when shopping for new clothes and the many sales on various styles.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Preemie to 14 | Return Policy: 90 days for a full refund or store credit | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $35
Related: The Best Places to Buy Cute and Stylish Baby Clothes
Best for Formal Wear: Nordstrom
Parents praise the wide variety of brands and price tags available for both boys and girls.
Pros
Large range of sizes
Designers and in-house brands
Great return policy
Cons
Not many long-sleeve formal options for girls
Nordstrom is the place to go if you're looking for formal wear for kids. Whether you're looking for a formal dress, a tuxedo, or a unisex option, Nordstrom makes it easy to find what you need. Simply click on the special occasions tab to find dozens of styles for a flower girl or ring bearer, first communion, christening, baptism, formal, and more.
In addition to formal wear, the company sells tons of casual, everyday outfits and accessories. Plus, shipping and returns are free, so it’s easy to load up your cart and do the fashion show at home.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 20 | Return Policy: Unlimited time frame | Shipping: Free shipping on all orders
Best for Tweens: Boden
The shop offers well-made clothes that are a bit more simple and sophisticated but still affordable and perfect for play.
Pros
Sophisticated styles
Shop by print for siblings to match
Offers shoes and socks
Cons
Some styles fit too large or small
Tweens can be especially hard to shop for. Many are in between sizes, grow inches seemingly overnight, and may not want to look like everyone else. Enter Boden.
The shop offers well-made clothes that are a bit more simple and sophisticated but still affordable and perfect for play. The European brand is under the radar, so it’s less likely that half the class will be wearing the same clothes.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 14 years | Return Policy: Free returns for orders purchased directly through company | Shipping: $5 or free when you spend over $49
Best Subscription: Rockets of Awesome Clothing Subscription
Parents praise the unique styles, easy shopping process, free shipping and returns, and flexibility to cancel or skip shipments.
Pros
Lunchboxes, backpacks, and other accessories
Everything is machine washable
Reschedule, skip, pause, or cancel at anytime
Cons
Must update "Style File" to change sizes
Clothing subscription services can be a great benefit to kids or parents who want a look no one else has or want a convenient option. Rockets of Awesome is a one-stop shop. Parents and kids take a style quiz to help guide their choices and select from a set number of items in the box (5, 8, or 12). A preview email lets families approve or swap out styles, and then a package arrives with the goods.
Once the box arrives (four times per year for each season), your kiddo can try them all on and keep what they love, and send back the rest. We love the unique styles for sizes newborn to 14, the easy shopping process, free shipping and returns, and the flexibility to cancel or skip certain shipments.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 14 | Return Policy: Keep your favorites and send back what you don't like | Shipping: Free shipping
Best for Adaptive Clothes: Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Kids
They feature easy-to-wear details like hidden magnetic closures instead of buttons and velcro back closures.
Pros
Free returns
Various easy-to-wear details
Inclusive
Cons
Free shipping if you spend $75 or more on kids' orders
Adaptive clothing is for anyone who may have difficulty dressing themselves, have trouble manipulating closures like buttons or zippers, or don't have a full range of motion. Physical differences don't have to be a barrier between your kiddo and their developing sense of style, which is why we love the inclusive line from Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Kids. These items feature easy-to-wear details, like hidden magnetic closures instead of buttons, are sensory-friendly, and have a revised seated fit for certain styles of tops and bottoms.
Key Specs:
Size Range: 4 to 16 | Return Policy: Free returns | Shipping: Free shipping on kids' orders of $75+
Best Outerwear: L.L.Bean
They boast of all outerwear from raincoats, fleece jackets, puffers, pullovers, and heavy duty winter gear.
Pros
Baby and toddler sizes
Large style range of jackets
Great return policy
Cons
Returns through mail cost $6.50
We love L.L. Bean for kids’ outerwear. Stocking everything from raincoats, fleece jackets, puffers, pullovers, and heavy-duty winter gear, their outerwear lasts season after season.
While you’re racking up for the kids, it may be worth your time to look for outdoor gear for the whole family. If you’re unsatisfied, L.L. Bean offers a return policy for up to one year after purchase, so get outside and put that outerwear to the test.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 18 | Return Policy: Up to one year after purchase; returns and exchanges through UPS or US mail are $6.50 per package | Shipping: Free shipping with $75 purchase
Related: These Are the Best Jackets for Kids to Keep Them Cozy in All Kinds of Weather
Best Splurge: Maisonette Kids
If a budget isn’t an option, you’re buying a special occasion outfit, or a sweet gift, Maisonette is a great choice.
Pros
Unique selection
Accessory options
High-quality
Cons
More dressy styles than casual
If you’re searching for an extra-special outfit or a sweet gift, Maisonette is a great choice. The site features a lot of hidden gem types of brands and splurge-worthy clothes that’ll almost guarantee your kiddo won’t have the same style as anyone else.
With everything from swimwear, outwear, pajamas, to party dresses, the site’s shop is well stocked for both boys and girls so it’ll be no problem finding some unique clothes.
Key Specs:
Size Range: Newborn to 16 years | Return Policy: 30 days for a full refund or store credit | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $75
Related: The 9 Best Kids' Pajamas That Are Soft and Durable
How We Selected and Tested the Best Places to Buy Kids' Clothes
To select the best places to buy kids' clothes, we researched more than 40 stores, looking for places that offer a range of prices, a variety of styles, and comfort and durability. Moreover, we asked hundreds of parenting editors where they shop for their children’s clothing and why. We wanted to know when they started shopping at their favorite kids' stores, what they like most about the brand, and if there’s anything they would change about the company.
Next, we researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. Then, we narrowed down our list to the 10 top-rated places to buy kids’ clothes. When reviewing products, we considered sizing, shipping options, material, design, ease of cleaning, return policies, company perks, and overall value.
What to Look for When Buying Kids Clothes
Style
Getting kids involved in their clothing choices will get some buy-in from the wearer. If you can build a shopping cart together, you’ll find styles you approve of and your kid likes (a win-win). Avoid overly complicated buttons, ties, or other attachments if your kid isn’t able to do them on their own (check out the Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Clothing line). Moreover, consider school dress codes, special occasions, and seasons when picking out new wardrobe staples.
Quality
Kids are rough on their clothes. From running around the playground during recess to spilling various liquids on themselves, your child's clothes are likely to get quite a beating. Choose high-quality clothing that’s made for active kids and can hold up to being washed frequently. Clothing made from durable fabric will help prevent fraying and shrinking, overall extending the life of each piece—without compromising style.
Budget
Pick a shop that consistently fits your budget (and how quickly kids grow). Expect to pay more for formal wear, outerwear, or boutique-like brands. Depending on what your child needs, you can opt for a subscription service, like Rockets of Awesome, and have clothes sent to your home only four times per year with all the items they need.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year old daughter. Maya outfits her kids in clothes from a variety of shops. She’s thankful to be on the receiving end of a stylish cousin’s hand-me-down chain and then supplements from some other stores. Thankfully, none of her kids are too picky about clothing, at least not yet!
Additional reporting by:
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina loves to shop at Old Navy for its budget-friendly prices, large size range, and adorable prints.
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