Figuring out children’s clothing sizes can feel like solving a puzzle. This is especially true when you see a number like “120” while shopping online from international brands.
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The Quick Answer: What Does Size 120 Mean?
Size 120 isn’t just a random number. It refers to the child’s height in centimeters.
This sizing system is used in many Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea, as well as in parts of Europe. So, size 120 is meant for a child who is about 120 centimeters (around 47 inches) tall.
To make this clearer, here are the direct equivalents:
- Child’s Height: 120 cm (about 47.2 inches)
- Estimated Age: Roughly 5 to 6 years old
- US Size: Usually matches a US Size 6 or 6X
- UK Size: Equals a UK Size 5-6 Years
This height-based system makes sense, but it gets confusing when mixed with age-based sizes (like “5T”) or the number systems used in the US and UK.
Beyond the Label: Global Size Conversion Chart
Size 120 means 120 cm in height, but how that matches up with US, UK, or EU sizing can be different for each brand. A conversion chart helps you see these connections quickly.
Here’s a simple chart to show where Size 120 fits into global sizing. We’ve added sizes 110 and 130 to give you better context.
Remember, this is a general guide. Always check the specific brand’s chart if you can.
| Child’s Height (cm) | Child’s Height (in) | Estimated Age | Asian/CN Size | US Size | UK Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 cm | 43.3 in | 4-5 Years | 110 | 5 | 4-5 Years | 110 |
| 120 cm | 47.2 in | 5-6 Years | 120 | 6 or 6X | 5-6 Years | 120 |
| 130 cm | 51.2 in | 6-7 Years | 130 | 7-8 | 6-7 Years | 128/134 |
For more details on regional differences, you can also check a complete guide to US and UK sizing.
Why You Can’t Rely on Age and Height Alone: The 3 Key Measurements
Now that we know size 120 is for a 120cm tall, 5-to-6-year-old child, is that all we need to know? Not quite.
Two children who are both 120 cm tall can have very different body shapes. One might be thin, while the other has a wider build. That’s why using only height or age often leads to clothes that don’t fit right.
Data from resources like the CDC’s clinical growth charts shows the wide range of body shapes and weights at any given height.
To get a truly good fit, you need to consider three key measurements:
Chest
This is most important for tops, dresses, jackets, and coats. If a garment is too tight in the chest, it will be hard to move in and uncomfortable, even if the length is perfect.
Waist
The waist measurement is vital for pants, jeans, shorts, and skirts. Knowing the waist size helps you find pants that stay up without being too tight around the middle.
Hips
For slim-fit pants, dresses, and skirts, the hip measurement can be just as important as the waist. It determines whether the clothing will hang properly or pull across the body.
Understanding these three measurements takes the guesswork out of buying clothes. It’s also important to understand “ease”—the extra space a designer adds to a garment for movement. A size 120 winter coat will have much more “ease” in the chest than a slim-fit size 120 t-shirt, because it’s meant to be worn over other clothes.
How to Measure Your Child Accurately (A Practical, No-Fuss Guide)
Measuring a child might seem hard, but it only takes two minutes and will save you a lot of trouble. Here is our simple process.
Step 1: Get Your Tools
You just need a soft, flexible measuring tape. If you don’t have one, a piece of string and a ruler will work too.
Step 2: How to Measure Height
Have your child stand straight against a wall without shoes. Place a flat object (like a book) on their head, level with the wall, and make a small pencil mark. Then, measure from the floor to the mark.
Step 3: How to Measure Chest
With your child’s arms at their sides, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of their chest, just under the armpits. The tape should be snug but not tight.
Step 4: How to Measure Waist
Find their natural waistline—it’s usually the narrowest part of their torso, often near the belly button. Wrap the tape measure around this point.
Step 5: Compare to the Brand’s Chart
This is the most important step. Take the measurements you just got and compare them to the size chart provided by the brand on the product page. This chart is your best guide.
Pro Tip: We know kids can be hard to measure! If your child won’t stand still, make it a game (“Let’s see how big your superhero muscles are!”). Even better, grab a piece of their clothing that fits them well right now. Lay a t-shirt flat and measure from armpit to armpit (double it for the chest measurement). For pants, measure the waistband flat and double it. This trick works great.
Decoding the Fit: Why Brand A’s Size 120 Isn’t Brand B’s
Here’s an insider secret: there is no standard rule for children’s clothing sizes across all brands. This means a Size 120 from one brand can fit very differently from another.
The brand’s country of origin and target market greatly affect its cut and fit. Here’s a general breakdown we’ve seen:
Fast Fashion Brands (e.g., Shein, Temu, etc.)
These companies often make clothes mainly for Asian markets. Their clothing, even when marked as a specific size, tends to have a slimmer and sometimes shorter cut.
- Our Advice: For clothes without stretch (like woven shirts or jackets), we strongly suggest sizing up, especially if your child is not very slim.
European Brands (e.g., H&M, Zara, Name It)
European sizing is known for a distinct slim and long fit. The clothes often have a longer torso and inseam compared to US brands.
- Our Advice: This fit is great for tall, lean children. If your child has a wider build, you may need to size up to get enough room in the chest and waist.
US Brands (e.g., Carter’s, Gap, Old Navy)
American brands typically design for a wider range of body types. Their cut tends to be more generous and wider.
- Our Advice: These brands are often “true to size” or can even run a little large for the stated age. You can usually buy with more confidence based on the age label, but checking measurements is still the safest bet.
The main point is simple: never assume. Always find the specific measurement chart on the product page. It is your best tool for understanding these brand-to-brand differences.
The Fabric Factor: How Material Changes a Size 120 Fit
Two t-shirts may both be labeled “Size 120,” but if one is 100% woven cotton and the other is a cotton/spandex blend, they will fit very differently. Understanding fabric is a smart move that greatly improves online shopping success.
What a garment is made of determines its stretch, drape, and forgiveness.
- 100% Cotton (Woven): Think of a classic button-down shirt or a poplin dress. This fabric has zero stretch. The measurements are absolute. If a child is between sizes, you must size up, or it simply won’t fit.
- 100% Cotton Knit/Jersey: This is your standard t-shirt material. It has some natural stretch and is much more forgiving than woven cotton. It offers a comfortable, classic fit.
- Cotton/Spandex (or Elastane) Blends: This is the magic combination for active kids. Even a small amount of spandex (2-5%) adds significant stretch. These garments are very forgiving, offer a snug yet comfortable fit, and can often be worn longer as the child grows.
- Polyester/Fleece: Common in activewear and outerwear, its fit profile varies. A polyester shell jacket will have no give, while a fleece pullover is typically very stretchy and forgiving.
The rule is simple: When in doubt, check the fabric composition and consider the stretch. More stretch means more room for adjustment in the fit.
Our Final Checklist for the Perfect Fit
Buying children’s clothes online, especially with international sizing, doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By looking beyond a single number, you can order with confidence.
Remember, Size 120 is your starting point, not the final answer. Before you click “buy,” run through this quick checklist.
- ✓ Know the Basics: Size 120 refers to 120 cm in height, which roughly translates to a US Size 6/6X or an age of 5-6 years.
- ✓ Measure Your Child: Don’t guess! Use a soft tape to get their current height, chest, and waist measurements.
- ✓ Check the Brand’s Size Chart: This is the golden rule. Always prioritize the brand’s specific measurements over any generic chart.
- ✓ Consider the Brand’s Origin: Remember that Asian, European, and US brands often have very different fit profiles (slim vs. generous).
- ✓ Factor in the Fabric: Note whether the material has stretch (cotton/spandex) or not (woven cotton) and adjust your choice accordingly.
With these steps, you can move past the confusion of international labels and choose the right size 120 clothing with confidence, ensuring a perfect fit for your child every time.
FAQs
- What age child typically wears size 120 in children’s clothing?
Size 120 generally fits children around 5-6 years old who are approximately 120cm (47 inches) tall, though individual body proportions matter more than age. - How does size 120 convert to US children’s clothing sizes?
Size 120 typically converts to a US size 6 or 6X, but this can vary by brand and clothing type. - What measurements should I take to ensure a proper fit for size 120 clothing?
For the best fit, measure your child’s height (should be around 120cm), chest, waist, and hips, then compare to the specific brand’s size chart. - Why might size 120 fit differently across various clothing brands?
Size 120 can vary because Asian brands tend to run slimmer, European brands are often slim and long, while US brands generally have a more generous cut. - How does fabric composition affect the fit of size 120 children’s clothes?
Fabric greatly impacts fit—woven cotton has no stretch and requires precise sizing, while knit fabrics or those with spandex offer more flexibility in fit and growth room.
