How to Size Used Kids' Clothes When You Buy or Sell Secondhand

Kids outgrow clothes long before the clothes wear out. That is why so much of what sits in a closet is still in good shape, and why buying and selling secondhand makes sense for families. The trick is getting the size right, because a great price does not help if the item does not fit.

Sizes are not the same across brands

A size on a tag is a starting point, not a promise. Brands cut differently, and an item that has been washed many times may fit smaller than its label. When you sell, the size label is the most useful thing you can show, so photograph it clearly.

Tips for sellers

• List the size exactly as the tag shows it, such as 2T, 4T or 6, rather than an age range you guessed.
• Add measurements if you can. A chest width and length measured flat helps a buyer compare against clothes that already fit their child.
• Describe condition honestly. Mention any stains, holes, pilling or fading, and show them in photos. Clear photos and accurate descriptions lead to fewer problems after the sale.
• Selling a group of items? On KidResize, a bulk lot is one listing for several items sold together for one price. Every item in the lot must match the size and gender shown on the listing.

Tips for buyers

• Measure something that fits now and compare it to the seller's measurements.
• Size up for growth if you are buying ahead for next season.
• Look at the tag photo and read the description for any wear before you buy.

Check children's clothing safety rules

Some kids' clothing cannot be sold on KidResize at all, including children's items with drawstrings at the hood or neck in sizes 2T to 12, and children's sleepwear that does not meet federal flammability standards or is missing its label. See the KidResize Terms for the full list.

Ready to pass along clothes your kids have outgrown? List an item, or shop kids' items from other families.