by L. Merlino

Created on: April 27, 2008

Kids' clothing? Perfect fit? That may be an oxymoron! I assert that there is no such thing as a perfect fit in kids' clothing - unless you want to get into the "Zen" of it: "A perfect fit is that which is not." In other words, buy larger than your child's measurements - not just to allow for shrinkage, but also to allow for growth - and growth spurts do happen; overnight in fact ... especially when you've just invested in a new wardrobe for the grasshopper. Believe it or not, child DNA is programmed to respond to a shopping spree by making a quantum growth leap - on the mark, get set ... leap!

OK, you don't want your kid leaving the department store with baggy pants, shirt, etc. Somehow, you've got to negotiate room-for-growth without sacrificing some semblance of fit. Buy cotton. For younger children, two sizes too large is always a safe bet - then clothes dryer to the rescue! Wash those new acquisitions in piping hot water followed by a good "cooking" in the dryer. I guarantee, they'll fit, if you've opted for 100 percent cotton. The best thing about this is that as your child grows, simply launder in cold water and tumble dry (or air dry on a clothes line) and voila! Original sizing returns and your child will gain another several months to a year out of the same garment. Buy stretchy cotton knit and it may even extend to a year and a half of wearability - depending on "normal" wear and tear and the durability of the material - not to mention seams. This is where buying "quality" children's clothing comes in handy. No sense saving a dollar if the material and/or construction is so flimsy that it can't withstand a year of wear plus washings. Buy quality - and that excludes synthetic materials that pile and ail with each laundering.

Kids need comfort. Clothing should always be roomy enough for playing, romping and bending at the knees. Personally, I prefer purchasing kids' clothing from Hanna Andersson's catalog:

http://www.hannaandersson.com/

Hanna's clothes last and last. It's not unusual for one of my kids to have a Hanna garment that lasts several years, through many a washing and growth spurt and still look chic - worth every penny! The cotton knits last and last - my daughter has a Hanna cotton-knit sweater that is still wearable and attractive after 3 years. A very good investment. Always buy a bit larger than needed. It'll take you through slouchy chic through comfy semi-snug.

Think good quality material and construction - never a skimpy fit (kids' clothes

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