Kids’ clothing size guide for ages 3–8: UK vs EU sizes

A clear kids’ clothing size guide saves you sending things back. For ages 3–8, the main difference between UK and EU sizes is the label: UK clothes are usually marked by age, such as 5–6 years, while EU clothes are usually marked by height in centimetres, such as 116 cm. This article explains how those systems relate, how to measure, and what to do between sizes. House of Zuza currently focuses on baby clothes and baby pyjamas, with UK, EU and US details on those pages. The height bands below are those many UK and European labels use for older children, so you can compare charts as that range grows.

UK vs EU kids’ sizes, in plain terms

A UK age label is an estimate of the height of an “average” child of that age. An EU size is the child’s height, in centimetres. That is why a garment marked “6 years” in the UK is often the same idea as an EU 116: both are aimed at a child who is around 116 cm tall, not simply a child who has had their sixth birthday.

Because children grow at different rates, two six-year-olds can need different sizes. Height is the best first measurement; chest and waist tell you whether the shape will be comfortable.

A practical size chart for ages 3–8

The table below reflects height bands commonly used on children’s clothing in the UK and Europe. It is a starting point only. Makers do not all cut the same, so always check the size guide on the product you are buying.

UK age label	Typical EU size (height)	Approximate height range
3 years	98	About 98–104 cm
3–4 or 4 years	104	About 104–110 cm
4–5 or 5 years	110	About 110–116 cm
5–6 or 6 years	116	About 116–122 cm
6–7 or 7 years	122	About 122–128 cm
7–8 or 8 years	128	About 128–134 cm

You will sometimes see a double label, such as 116/122 or 6–7 years, meaning the garment is aimed at that height or age span. If a label shows only a centimetre size, choose the one that matches your child’s height, or the next one up if they are close to the top of the band.

Two baby rompers with floral dungaree-style fronts, white long sleeves and matching bows, laid in a basket — On House of Zuza baby clothes, sizes are written as a UK age and an EU height, for example 12–18 months / 80–86 cm, as on this floral bow long-sleeve romper. The same idea, age plus height, is what you will meet again at ages 3–8.

How to measure your child at home

For height, ask your child to stand straight, without shoes, with their heels against a wall. Rest a book on the top of the head, mark the wall, and measure from the floor.

For the chest, pass a soft tape around the fullest part, under the arms, flat but not tight. For the waist, measure around the natural waist without pulling in. If a guide lists inside leg, measure from the crotch to the ankle bone. Keep the numbers with you when you compare a UK age label with an EU centimetre label.

Sage ribbed baby bodysuit with matching rainbow-print shorts and a bow headband, laid on a wooden surface — Sets such as the three-piece bodysuit and shorts set show how a short and a top can share the same age band. For older children, still check the height, because trousers and tops do not always grow at the same pace.

What to do if your child is between sizes

If your child is between two height bands, size up for most everyday clothes you want to last a season. You can often roll a cuff or hem for a few months. Be more careful with anything that must fit closely, and with shoes, which should be fitted rather than bought large “to grow into”. A slim, stretchy piece may be more forgiving than a stiff cut in the same labelled size. If a child is tall and slim, you may need the longer size and a narrower fit; if they are shorter and broader, an age size can be tight in the chest before it is too short. Use the size guide on the page. UK and EU customers have 14 days to return unused items if the fit is wrong.

Baby romper with a soft animal print, laid flat, showing a simple envelope neck and popper legs — Even on smaller sizes, such as the zoo animal print romper (listed from 0–3 months to 12–18 months), the product page gives the UK age and the EU centimetre range side by side. That habit of checking both is the most useful thing to take into the 3–8 years range.

If you are shopping for a younger child today, start with baby clothes and baby pyjamas. For ages 3–8, keep a note of height, chest and waist, and compare those with whichever label the garment uses.

FAQs

Is EU 116 the same as a UK 6 years?

Often, yes, because both are commonly aimed at a child around 116 cm tall. It is still worth measuring, because not every maker cuts to the same body measurements.

Should I choose the size that matches my child’s age?

Only if their height also matches that age band. A child who is tall or small for their age will be more comfortable in the size that matches their height.

Do UK and EU kids’ sizes include chest and waist as well?

The number you see on the label is usually age (UK) or height (EU). Better size guides also list chest, waist and sometimes inside leg. Use those if they are provided.

What if the clothes do not fit?

UK and EU customers have 14 days to change their mind on most unused items, starting the day after delivery. Email hello@houseofzuza.com with your order number and we will send the return address. You pay the return postage.