Kids Football Kits: How Sizing Works and How to Choose the Right One

Buying a kit for a child is mostly a sizing problem. Kids' kits don't use adult letters, children grow in bursts, and the one you pick needs to survive a season of playgrounds and garden games. Get the size right and everything else is easy.

What's in a kids kit

Every kit in our kids kits collection is a set: a shirt and a matching pair of shorts. That makes it the simplest way to get the full look without matching pieces yourself. The range includes current-season club kits and a few retro designs, such as the Manchester City 2026/27 Home Kids Kit and the Manchester United 1998/99 Third Retro Kids Kit.

How the sizes work

Kids kits are sized by number, from 16 to 28, and each number corresponds to an age and height range. These are the measurements from the size chart on our kids kit pages:

Not every kit comes in every size, so check the sizes available on the product page before you fall in love with a design.

Height first, age second

Children the same age can be very different sizes, so use height as your main guide and age as a sense check. If your child is at the top of a height range, or between two sizes, choose the bigger one. A kit that's a little long will still look right; one that's too short won't last the season. Measurements can vary by 1–2cm between batches, which is another reason not to cut it fine.

If you have a shirt that fits them well now, lay it flat and compare its length with the "shirt length" column. It's the quickest way to check.

Adding a name and number

Some kids kits can be printed with a name and number, and where they can, the option appears on the product page with a preview. It's a lovely touch for a birthday, but remember two things:

• personalised items are made specifically for you, so they can't be returned. If you're not certain of the size, it may be better to skip the printing;
• check the spelling of the name twice before you order.

Buying as a gift

• Ask a parent for the child's height rather than their age. It's the number that matters.
• If in doubt, size up. Children grow, and a slightly big kit gets more wear.
• A current-season home kit is the safest choice for a young fan of a particular club. Retro kits are often more of a hit with the parents.

Looking after a kids kit

Kids kits get worn hard, so a little care goes a long way:

• Wash cold (30°C) on a gentle cycle, inside out, with similar colours.
• No bleach or fabric softener.
• Hang to dry; the tumble dryer is the fastest way to crack a printed number.
• Don't iron directly over badges, names or numbers.

Selected kids kits

Delivery and returns

Orders are processed within 1–3 business days, most arrive within 7–14 business days, and shipping is free on all US orders. Plan ahead for birthdays. Return conditions are in our Refund Policy.

Frequently asked questions

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