Do kids' jeans vary in size like adults' jeans?

[stefania4]

My niece needs new jeans. Most of her clothes are pretty easy - she's a size 6X and everything I've bought her fits her.

But jeans are so tricky for adults; are they tricky for kids, too? As in, should I have her with me to try them on? I saw some while I was out, but they're advertised as "skinny jeans" and my niece has an athletic build.

As always, thanks for helping me navigate "intensive aunthood"!

[Becky13347]

I would have to say yes they do vary as much as adults and it is equally frustrating. We have 2 girls, 8 and 6; both built differently. However, they do make jeans with the adjustable waists now and that has saved me many headaches.

I would recommend talking to her mom and getting a few brands that have worked for her in the past.

[clairea]

Kids jeans can vary a lot in size and cut from brand to brand. I would definitely have your niece try them on. The adjustable waist (elastic inside the waistband, with tabs that you can move on buttons, so that they don't look like elastic waist jeans) does make a huge difference.

I'm not sure what you mean by "athletic build" but I am wondering if it is similar to my DD, who is thin but has very muscular legs (she is the only child I have ever seen with "cut" muscles since the age of 4) and it is hard to find jeans that fit her legs. If that is your issue than I have had good luck with the plus sizes from Gap and Land's End (although I have to pull the waist all the way in and it is still a bit too loose), so you might try those. You may find in general that for her, just like for many adults, you have to go up a size in jeans.

[gertdog]

Even at the ripe old age of 17 months, I find that jeans fit my DS differently! I have two pairs for DS that are the same length, but one must be a more narrow cut through the thigh because they are just too tight. The other pair fits fine.

I really like the adjustable waists too. DS may have baby thunder thighs, but his waist appears to be a bit smaller than average.

[TKay]

Yes, they vary. It's really frustrating. My boys are tall and slim and finding jeans that are long enough but fit in the waist is a pain. I used to stick to one brand available at Mervyn's until they started to be too short in the waist for ds #1. Ugh!
I would either ask your niece's mom if there's a safe brand, or go with the adjustable waist. That really does help. Good luck!

[stefania4]

Thanks for the help, everyone! Niece's Mom is still in long-term care, which is why I do some of the clothes shopping. When I say she has an athletic build, I mean that she's sturdy - not heavy, but built solidly and not a kid that is likely to fit well into "skinny jeans."

Since we had a great time at Christmas getting her dress, I think we'll just do another shopping day (with a milk break at Starbucks, of course) to get her jeans & some spring clothes. And dang, what is it about jeans that makes them so hard to fit at any age? :confused: