Whether you’re sizing a little girl’s coat or a teen girl’s jacket, there are a couple of things to consider: what type it is and the season she’ll wear it. A general rule of thumb is to size up rather than going for a smaller size, especially since your child is still growing. A bigger size means she might fit in it the following year, and she can effortlessly layer it.
- Winter coats: Aim for a roomy fit for your girl’s winter coat. She should be able to easily wear layers underneath without the coat being so big that there are gaps at the wrists, neck, or hem where warmth can escape. Consider the length as well—a longer coat with a thigh-length hem or lower will provide more warmth compared to a girl’s coat with a shorter hip-length hem.
- Blazers: The shoulder seam of a well-fitting blazer should fall at the very end of the shoulder; you shouldn’t be able to see any “rounding” that appears if your girl's jacket isn’t wide enough. The sleeve length should hit right at the wrist bone, and the hem length should fall right at the hip (unless it’s a cropped style, in which the hem should end at the waistline). If the style of blazer has buttons, they should do up without pulling at either side, allowing for a comfortable amount of breathing room.
- Rain jackets: Not too tight and not too loose, the fit of a rain jacket should be snug without restricting movement. Depending on your climate, you may want to go a size bigger so a hoodie or cardigan can be layered underneath.