If you’re a parent who’s struggling to understand the differences between kids clothing sizes 5T, 5, and XS, you’re not alone. Sizing can get more complicated after 3T, and many retailers start to carry both a toddler size and regular size without clearly differentiating between them. This can make it difficult to find the right size for your child, especially as they grow and move up in size.
As a trained researcher who has written extensively about baby and toddler clothing size quirks, I’ve put together this guide to 5T/5 sizes to save you time and help you more easily find the right size for your kid. In this guide, I’ll break down the differences between 5T, 5, and XS sizes, and provide some example sizings for these sizes at popular children’s stores. So let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Kids clothing sizes can be confusing, especially after 3T.
- 5T, 5, and XS sizes differ in their design and intended age range.
- Example sizings for 5T, 5, and XS at popular children’s stores can help you find the right size for your child.
What is 5T Size?
5T is a toddler clothing size that typically fits an average 5-year old child. It is the size that comes after 4T and is designed to be the largest toddler-sized option available at most retailers, with the exception of Old Navy’s and Gap’s 6T. As a toddler size, 5T bottoms are designed to accommodate the possibility of diapers with extra space and adjustable waistbands. Toddler sized clothing is also often designed for easy dressing since toddlers are learning to dress themselves. They are less likely to have buttons and zippers, making them easier to put on and take off.
What is 5 Size?
Size 5 is a clothing size intended for 5-year-old children. It is considered “big kid” clothes and is cut leaner than 5T sizes because it assumes that children wearing size 5 are potty trained. This means that clothes in size 5 have more buttons, zippers, and non-adjustable waistbands since diaper space isn’t needed. At most retailers, size 5 will run slightly larger and longer than 5T. According to multiple store size charts, size 5 is designed for children weighing 42 to 46 pounds and measuring 45 to 47 inches tall who have left diapers and pull-ups behind.
What is XS Size?
XS size is a clothing size that is considered a “big kid” size. At some stores, XS-L sizing is used for both tops and bottoms. There is not much difference between XS and size 5 at most stores, but at some stores like Old Navy, XS is the 5 size. XS clothes are designed for kids out of diapers, just like size 5 clothes. However, XS clothes are leaner than 5T clothes and do not have accommodations for diaper space or kids learning to dress themselves. Therefore, XS clothing is ideal for kids who are potty trained and can dress themselves with ease. When shopping for XS clothing, it is important to check the size chart of the store to ensure a proper fit.
How Are 5T and 5 and XS Sizes Different?
When it comes to clothing sizes for toddlers and kids, it can be confusing to know the difference between 5T, size 5, and XS. The main difference is that 5T is designed for toddlers who are still in diapers, while size 5 and XS are for kids who are potty trained and becoming leaner and longer.
5T clothes are wider to provide space for diapers, while size 5 and XS tend to have a leaner cut. Sleeves and in-seams may be slightly longer in size 5 and XS. Additionally, 5T clothes are more likely to have waistbands that are easy to pull up or get over diapers compared to 5/XS sizes. You’ll find fewer buttons and zippers on 5T clothes than size 5/XS since they’re supposed to be easier for a toddler to dress themselves.
When it comes to pants, 5T tends to have more “soft pants” like cotton joggers and leggings, while size 5 leans heavily towards “real pants” like jeans, khakis, and cargos.
It’s worth noting that sizing measurements do vary by store, so it’s essential to check the size charts from common kids retailers to clarify the difference between 5T/5/XS sizes. Some stores use XS size and size 5 interchangeably. However, overall, most kids are likely to fit in both 5T and size 5/XS at the same time because the differences are not significant.
Here’s a table that shows the size measurements for 5T, size 5, and XS at some common kids’ retailers:
| Retailer | 5T | Size 5 | XS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Place | 40-42″ / 34-38 lbs | 42-45″ / 42-48 lbs | 43-46″ / 45-52 lbs |
| Old Navy | 39-42″ / 36-40 lbs | 45-48″ / 52-60 lbs | 49-52″ / 60-72 lbs |
| Gerber | 39-41″ / 32-36 lbs | 42-45″ / 42-48 lbs | N/A |
It’s essential to keep in mind that these measurements are approximate, and it’s crucial to consider your child’s unique body shape and size when choosing clothing sizes.
5 and 5T Size Chart Examples
To better understand the differences between sizes 5 and 5T, let’s take a look at some 5T size charts from popular children’s clothing retailers. These size charts help illustrate how 5 and 5T are the same and different.
Carter’s 5T vs 5 Size Differences
Carter’s is a well-known clothing retailer for babies and toddlers in the US. Their toddler sizes go up to 5T, so there is overlap between 5T/5 sizes. They do not have an XS size. Here is the 5T/5 sizes comparison at Carter’s:
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 5T | 41.5 – 44″ | 37.5 – 42 lbs |
| 5 | 42.5 – 45″ | 38.5 – 43lb |
| 4-5 | 42.5 – 45″ | 38.5 – 43 lbs |
At Carter’s, 5T has slightly smaller measurements than the 5 size, so you can expect to get a little more wear from size 5 items. Confusingly, Carter’s also lists a size called 4-5 on its size chart. However, we could not find anything in that size actually for sale on their website, so we are not sure how much that sizing is used.
Old Navy & Gap 5T vs. XS
Old Navy and Gap offer toddler sizes that run from 2T to 6T (the only retailer we’ve seen with a 6T option). They list their big kid sizes on some items as “XS (5),” “S (6),” etc. On other items, they only use the XS, S, M, and L sizing system. Below are the Old Navy & Gap’s 5T vs. XS (5) sizing comparison. Note that they don’t give weight ranges for their big kid sizes.
| Size | Height | Weight | Waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5T | 42-45″ | 40-46 lbs | 21-22 |
| XS (5) | 42-45″ | – | 22.5″ |
What we like about Old Navy offering toddler sizes up to 6T is that you can use this to save money, as toddler clothes are often cheaper than big kids’ clothing. For example, identical “family pajamas” in toddler sizes were $10 while the kids’ XS was $29.99 when we were writing this article in Oct. 2022.
Cat & Jack’s 5T & 5 Comparison
You’ll find Cat & Jack clothes at Target’s popular house. It is a popular brand of baby and children’s apparel because it is durable and fashionable. Cat & Jack toddler sizes range from 2T to 5T, and their children’s sizes run from 4 to 18. Thus, their sizes overlap at 5T and 5. On Target’s size chart, they show XS size as overlapping with both 4T/4 and 5T/5 sizes.
Here is a comparison of Cat & Jack’s 5T vs. 5 vs. XS size measurements:
| Size | Height | Weight | Chest | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5T | 43.5 – 44.5″ | 37.5-42 lbs | 24″ | 22″ | 24″ |
| 5 | 43-45″ | 40-44 lbs | 24″ | 22″ | 24″ |
| XS | 40-45″ | 33-44 lbs | 23-24″ | 22″ | 23-24″ |
Interestingly, when you look at the toddler size chart, it labels 5T as 5T/4 instead of 5T/5. Their size 4 ranges from 40-42″, which doesn’t overlap with 5T.
Children’s Place and Gymboree 5T vs. 5
Children’s Place owns its namesake brand and the brand Gymboree. They are popular for having low price points for baby clothes. Children’s Place 5T and 5 sizes fit the same size child based on their size chart measurements.
At Children’s Place, their XS size is equivalent to size 4. Their size 5 is equivalent to a small size instead.
| Size | Height | Weight | Chest | Waist |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Does a 5 Year Old Wear?
If you’re wondering what size clothing to buy for your 5-year-old, they likely wear sizes 5T, 5, and XS. According to source, the average 5-year-old weighs approximately 39-41 pounds and is 42-43 inches tall. These measurements fall within the size ranges for 5T, 5, and XS.
If your child is smaller, they may still fit into size 4T or size 4. If they are taller, they may need to move up to size 6 or size small.
Is 5T the Same as Size 5?
While 5T and size 5 are similar in size, they are not the exact same. 5T is designed for toddlers, so the clothes are cut to accommodate diapers and simpler dressing. Size 5 is slightly bigger than 5T at most stores, according to source. However, some retailers like Children’s Place use the same measurements for both sizes.
Is 5T the Same as Size 4/5?
Size 5T is usually slightly smaller than size 4/5. Carter’s size chart states that size 5T fits kids who are an inch longer and a pound heavier than those who wear size 4/5. Carter’s also offers a dual size of 4-5, which is generously sized with room to grow. This size is equivalent to size 5.
Is XS the Same as 5T?
XS is not the same as 5T. XS is considered a “big kids” size and is designed for kids who are out of diapers. The clothes are often longer and leaner than toddler-sized clothing. On the other hand, 5T is designed to accommodate diapers and kids who are learning to dress themselves.
What Sizes Are Equivalent to Size 5T?
If your child fits into size 5T, they can likely wear size 5 and XS as well. While these sizes may not be exact equivalents at all stores, their size ranges are similar enough to be worn interchangeably. Some retailers, such as Children’s Place, consider 5T and size 5 to be equivalent based on their size chart measurements.
What Comes After Size 5T?
After size 5T, your child will likely move into “big kid” size clothes. This includes size 6 and size small, which are often equivalent sizes. Old Navy and Gap offer a unique 6T size, which is the next size up from 5T at these stores.
Conclusion: Are 5T and 5 and XS the Same Sizes?
If you’re wondering whether 5T, 5 and XS sizes are the same, the answer is yes and no. While there are slight differences between 5T and 5 sizes, both can be worn interchangeably by most children. XS size is essentially the same as size 5, so you can also consider these sizes as interchangeable.
Read More
If you’re planning ahead and wondering about the differences between 6X, 6, and 6T sizes, check out our guide to 6X vs. 6 vs. 6T sizes.
While 5T accommodates diapers and size 5 often fits slightly bigger and leaner, they are very close in size at most stores. Children who are still in diapers or learning to dress themselves may find 5T clothes simpler to wear. On the other hand, tall and thin children may fit better in size 5 or XS clothes.
It’s always a good idea to size up when in doubt, as this will give you more wear time out of clothes and the most bang for your buck. You can also get more wear time out of size 5/XS garments since they are slightly longer/bigger at most stores.
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