Women who wear size XS or a Petite Size 2 or smaller know the challenge of finding affordable, stylish outfits. Save big by shopping in the children’s department. Don’t worry–the outfits offered these days in the children’s department are far more fashionable that the duds your mother used to buy. Many children’s clothing lines feature fashion-forward items such as skinny jeans and classic oxford shirts. For your best bet, stick to brands that offer clothing for both women and children. Often, pieces from the children's line are almost identical to their grown-up counterparts.
J.Crew/Crewcuts
Crewcuts is J.Crew's children's line. If you are petite and slim, you may be able to fit into some of the larger Crewcuts sizes. For example, a Crewcuts girls’ size 14 is indicated for a female 4'10"-5'3", 90-112 lbs., with a 26" waist, 34" seat (hip), and a 32" bust (chest). By comparison, a J.Crew women’s petite size 2 is indicated for a woman under 5'4" with a 25" waist, 34" hip, and a 32.5″ chest. A women’s petite size 2 or smaller will likely match a Crewcuts girls’ size 14.
Left: J.Crew Women’s Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim ($125.00)
Right: Crewcuts Girls’ White Matchstick Jean ($49.50)
GAP/GAP Kids
Gap Kids girls’ size XXL in jackets/outerwear measures 60″-64″ (height), 94-115lbs. (weight), 31.5″-33″ (chest), and a 28.25″-29.5″ (sleeve length). By comparison, a Gap women’s petite size XS fits 64″ and under (height), 32″-33″ (chest), and a 27″-27.5″ (sleeve length). If you can wear a Gap women’s petite size XS or XXS, you fit into larger Gap Kids girls’ sizes. Gap and Gap Kids size charts here.
Left: GAP Women’s 1969 Favorite Denim Jacket ($79.95)
Right: GAP Kids Girls’ Classic Denim Jacket ($34.95)
Ralph Lauren/Ralph Lauren Kids
A Ralph Lauren boys’ shirt in a Size 20 fits measurements of 66.5″-88.5″ (height), 127-138lbs. (weight), and a 29″ (waist). A women’s shirt in size medium by the same designer fits a 35.5″-36.5″ (chest), 28.5″-29.5″ (waist), and a 38.5″-39.5″ (hip). If you can wear a Ralph Lauren women’s size medium or smaller, you will probably be able to fit into a Ralph Lauren boys’ shirt size 20 or smaller. Complete size charts here.
Left: Ralph Lauren Women’s Megan Solid Oxford Shirt ($89.50)
Right: Ralph Lauren Boy’s Oxford Shirt ($34.99)
Nike/Nike Girls
Nike girls’ size extra large (Size 16) clothing fits up to a 33.25″ (chest), 26.75″ (waist), and a 35″ (hip). A Nike women’s size small (Size 4-6) fits up to a 34.5″ (bust), 26.5″ (waist), and a 36″ (hip). A Nike girls’ size extra large will likely match a women’s size small. Size charts here and here.
Left: Nike Women’s Power Knit Tennis Skirt ($54.00)
Right: Nike Girls’ Backhand Border Tennis Skirt ($30.00)
Tell us what you think