Kids nightwear, 2 to 16 years

How children's sizing works here

Kids nightwear is sold by age, not by chest measurement, and age labels are a rough guide at best; children of the same age differ by a lot. Two practical rules cover almost every case.

• Go by height first, age second. A tall eight-year-old is usually comfortable in a ten-year size. Length runs out well before width does.
• One size up is sensible, two is not. Nightwear should be loose, but a bottom that drags is a trip hazard on a dark staircase, and long sleeves get slept on and pull.

After 16 years

Our kids range finishes at 16 years and adult sizing begins at M. For most teenagers the changeover happens somewhere between 14 and 16, and it is easiest to try both the 16-year size and an adult M in the same visit rather than guess. From adult M our ladies range continues to 6XL and gents to 8XL, so there is no gap to fall into.

What to look for in children's nightwear

• Cotton or hosiery, not synthetics. Children run hotter and sweat more in their sleep than adults do. Breathability matters more than the print.
• Flat, soft waist elastic. A narrow elastic marks the skin overnight, and that is the usual reason a child refuses a set after two wears.
• Few fastenings. Buttons and drawstrings at the neck are worth avoiding for younger children.
• Room at the knee and elbow. Children sleep folded up. A set that fits standing can still be tight curled up.
• Colourfastness. Children's nightwear is washed far more often than adults', so wash new prints separately at first.

Buying for a child who is not with you

Bring the child's height and, if you have it, a garment that fits well now; that is more useful than any age number. If you cannot come in, send us the height on WhatsApp and we will tell you which size to ask for.