How to Measure Your Tween or Teen
Girls 7–14 is our largest girls' department and uses the most variety of size labels — numeric 7 through 16, letter sizes S/M/L/XL (sometimes with a J-prefix for Junior or a G-prefix for Girls), and denim-style waist measurements in inches (24, 25, 26…). Because the same brand can use two or three of these systems across different items, measurements matter more than the size label. Take measurements over light clothing, with the tape level and snug but not pulled tight.
Chest / Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape level under the arms. The primary measurement for tops, dresses, and swim tops. If she's in a sports bra or developing, measure over what she'd normally wear under the garment.
Waist: Find the natural waistline — the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the belly button — and measure there. Used for dresses, bottoms, and any piece with a fitted waist.
Hip / Seat: Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat, feet together. This is the primary measurement for pants, skirts, and swim bottoms; hip growth typically outpaces waist in this age range.
Height: Stand straight against a wall with heels flat and barefoot. Measure from the top of the head to the floor. Height drives size on dresses, rompers, and one-pieces more than any single girth measurement.
Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam down to the ankle while standing straight. Essential for pants and jeans, especially if she's tall or short for her age.
Denim Waist (inches): If you're shopping denim that lists 24, 25, 26, etc. instead of a numeric size, use the waist measurement above — that number is the waistband measurement in inches. If her waist falls between two sizes, go up a size in denim; most girls' denim has little stretch through the waistband.
Pro tip: When in doubt, use the chest/waist/hip column of the size chart, not the age column. Brands at this level size for body, not birthday.
Pro tip: Label decoding: JXS/JS/JM/JL/JXL means Junior, GXXS/GXS/GS/GM/GL/GXL means Girls, and plain S/M/L/XL aligns with the GM/GL column. They all map back to the numeric range on the chart.
Pro tip: Some brands run small (Abercrombie Kids, Limeapple, Chic 2 Chic) and others run oversized (Free City, Perfect White Tee). Check Brand Notes on the product page before sizing.
