Pros
The brand has a generous 365-day return policy
Can opt to pick-up items at Target store and have them brought to your car
Wide array of sizes
Cons
Less unique than some other options
Target's Cat & Jack line is a favorite among parents, with trendy styles that go up to sizes for teens and tweens. Lexie Sachs, GH Institute Executive Director, loves the affordability of the Cat & Jack line. "My kids love wearing their Cat & Jack items, often choosing them over other pricier options in their closet," she says. However, she does note that the fabric wears down and abrades over time.
Pros
Offers a variety of styles
Clothes look more expensive than they are
Option to order online and pickup in store, if you need items quickly
Cons
Materials can be flimsy
Head to Walmart to grab everything from denim skirts to pom pom hats under their kids' clothing line, Wonder Nation. Our pros found that the prices here are significantly lower than other value brands without having to sacrifice style or attention to detail. Plus, when you get a Walmart+ subscription, shipping is free, among a host of other benefits.
You can find everything from shorts and tees to special occasion outfits and accessories, with almost every item is under $30. While we found the materials can feel a bit flimsier than some of our other picks, the value simply can't be beat.
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Pros
Colorful gender-neutral options
Excellent swimwear and rash guard options
Offer sizes up to 14Y
Cons
Doesn't offer trendy styles
Primary offers high-quality essentials in bold colors, with none of the glitter, slogans or licensed characters — all at affordable prices in sizes up to 14Y. Our pros love that you can buy a variety of gender-neutral styles that are colorful and exciting.
The styles are great for mixing and matching with each other. We particularly like their swimsuits and rash guard tops for preventing sunburn. One thing to keep in mind is that if your little one is into trendy designs, you might have a bit of trouble finding their favorite characters or styles as this store primarily offers an assortment of basics.
Pros
Options for children from birth to size 14
Large selection of onesies and pajamas
Cons
Clothes can look a little young for older kids
For more basics, Carter's is an affordable place to stock up on bodysuits for babies, socks and affordable outfits for kids up to size 14. The brand's clothes can be found at many different retailers making it easy for you to snag your favorites no matter where you live or shop. If you're looking for some everyday options for your very little ones, Carter's has you covered.
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Pros
Features non-costumey Disney clothes
Items are made to last as keepsakes
Cons
More expensive than other options
Janie and Jack has a wonderful assortment of high-quality, keepsake styles. While our pros particularly recommend them for special events, they also have a great variety of everyday styles. We particularly like their collection inspired by Disney Princesses that make it possible for your kids to wear a Moana dress to important events while still looking appropriate.
This brand does run a bit pricier than other options, but for the quality of the pieces and timeless styles, it's well worth it. Sizes run from ages 0-12 years.
Pros
Items tend to follow current trends
Unique designs and prints
Cons
Sometimes the fit can be inconsistent
If you deal exclusively in Kohl's Cash, this may be the kids' clothing brand for you. Jumping Beans is Kohl's private label, similar to Cat & Jack at Target. This brand excels when it comes to exciting and fun graphics, and our pros found the graphic styles to be more unique and less cheesy than some other options. They're perfect for that picky budding fashionista in your family. They also tend to have some good sales and offer a wide variety of styles, colors and cuts.
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Pros
Sizes accommodating babies to adults
Has a wide selection of school uniforms
Cons
Items tend to be pretty basic
With lots of great styles to choose from at affordable prices, Old Navy is a great shop to browse every once in a while to refresh their wardrobes for the season. While most of the styles tend to be a bit more basic, our pros appreciate the variety of great daily essentials like loungewear, T-shirts and jeans. This store is a great option to grow with your little one since they offer sizes and styles for infants all the way through to adulthood.
If your kids wear school uniforms, they've also got a great selection of colors and essentials at an affordable price.
Best for Trendy Pieces
Zara
Best for Trendy Pieces
Zara
Pros
Lots of details and embellishments
On-trend elements
Cons
Runs large
Zara has trendy clothes for babies and kids up to size 14. While these pieces are a bit more expensive than some of the other brands, you are paying for in-fashion styles, much like you would with Zara's adult clothing. Our pros particularly like that these clothes have really nice attention to detail, so they're more elevated with special features like embroidered designs, eyelets and vibrant colors. If your kids tend to run petite, we noticed that Zara clothes tend to run a bit large so you might want to size down.
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Pros
High-quality fabrics like wool and cashmere
Great sales
Cons
No licensed character options
For a more classic, polished look, J. Crew's children's line, Crewcuts, has everything your mini-me needs to look like the most stylish version of themselves. While our experts have found that this line is pricier than other children's options, the brand tends to have some great (and frequent) sales that we recommend taking advantage of. This is where you can find a kid's cashmere sweater or wool coat. You won't find a plethora of licensed graphic tees here, but the tasteful pieces will have you coming back for more, especially for special occasions.
Pros
Features licensed character designs and seasonal clothing
Variety of designs for kids who like to help pick out their wardrobe
Cons
Lower quality than some other options on this list
H&M offers trendy styles and fun pieces for the whole family. These on-trend clothes are priced well, so it's a good one to hit up the next time they hit a growth spurt and need a big closet replenishment. Our experts have found licensed character designs amongst H&M's racks, as well as great seasonal options. We notice a lot of the pants have drawstring waistbands, which is great for growing kids. While it isn't the highest quality option on our list, we've rarely had any issues with the materials.
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Pros
Different styles for different ages
Has both basics and fun prints
Cons
Not as trendy as some other options
With sizes that go up to kids' XXL, you never have to worry that your kids have outgrown the Gap. Plus, they often have graphic T-shirts and dresses with your kids' favorite characters so you can stay up to date with what's trendy. Our pros particularly love that while Gap has pieces for all ages, they have different styles designed for each phase, unlike some other brands that make the same designs for a wide age range. Because of this, you can rest assured that the designs are more age appropriate, and you don't have to worry about putting your kids in shirts that feel too baby-ish or too old.
Pros
Specializes in soft, organic cottons
Great matching family pajama sets
Has licensed character clothes
Cons
Not everyone's aesthetic
For those who want an organic option, Hanna Andersson's clothes are made from soft, cotton that will feel great on your little one's skin. In addition to their own colorful patterns, you can find clothes with characters from Disney (including Pixar and Marvel), Dr. Seuss, Sesame Street and Curious George up to size 18. Our pros recommend taking a look through their adorable PJ section — what they're best known for — but note that they have cute styles for all types of clothes, especially for younger ages. You can also snag some adorable matching family sets so you and your little ones can wear the same pajamas or holiday looks.
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Pros
More sustainable shopping option
You can also sell clothes your kids no longer wear on the site
Cons
The brand charges a restocking fee when returning items
Find some of your favorite brands and looks for less than half the price by shopping secondhand at ThredUp. Our experts note that ThredUp is a great option for parents since all the pieces are inspected thoroughly before they're listed on their website. There are some especially good deals on gently-used items, and we've also found that ThredUp's website is easy and intuitive to use.
Editor's note: Keep an eye out for current safety standards when buying secondhand. Avoid pull-tie hoodies for little kids, and be on the lookout for buttons that they could choke on.
Pros
Has good sales for budget shopping
Great winter coats with cute colors and patterns
Cons
More expensive than some other options
The unique styles you'll find at Appaman are like no other and will have your kid sporting the coolest looks in school. Our pros particularly recommend their puffy winter coats that come in fun metallic colors or their cute bomber jackets that are available in a variety of styles and patterns.
The pieces are whimsical and stylish, and while a bit more expensive than some other options on this list, they're made of high-quality materials that will last you longer than cheaper brands. Plus, if you keep an eye out, this brand tends to have some great sales, and our pros have had good luck finding some cute pieces.
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Pros
Mommy and me matching options
Designs from around the world
Cons
Can get expensive
The global-minded Tea Collection gets its design inspiration from all over the world. They've got some really unique gender-neutral graphic print tees and adorable pajama sets. They also make great pieces for layering — our experts love their cardigans specifically as they are ultra-soft. (Our only wish is that they made them in adult sizes!)
Pros
Has both footwear and clothing
Great for active kids
Cons
Limited color options
If they spend their entire time on the soccer field, or are constantly on the run, they need clothes that can stand up to a lot of wear-and-tear. Nike's performance gear powers some of the best athletes in the world, and this quality extends to items made for kids. They can outfit your kids from head-to-toe, with hats, tees, shorts, socks, sneakers and accessories.
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Pros
Trendy designs for tweens
Sparkly and shiny elements
Cons
Limited size options
If they like the style and sparkle of a store like Justice, and you like quality that will last until they've outgrown it, Pixie Lane is the way to go. Our experts say that their clothing is super soft and comfortable, which is always a necessity for active kids. It can get a little expensive, especially for some of their foil dresses, but if you look for warehouse sales during shopping holidays, you can stock up and make your money stretch.
How we chose the best kids' clothing
Our product experts — including shopping experts and fiber scientists and engineers — have spent years researching and reviewing kids' clothing firsthand. Here are the attributes our analysts consider when selecting which brands to recommend:
- Comfort: First and foremost, children need to feel good in the clothing they put on. Our pros look for clothing that where kid testers aren't bothered by the fabrics, tags or any embellishments.
- Durability: Kids put their clothes through the wringer, so our Lab pros consider whether the clothes pill or rip through general wear and tear.
- Washability: The last thing parents need to deal with is a high-maintenance garment that requires dry cleaning or hand washing. We recommend garments that could stand up to easy machine washing.
- Cost: Our shopping experts considered a wide range of price points, but primarily focused on more affordable options since kids outgrow their clothing so quickly.
- Style: We focused on brands with a vast range of designs to incorporate options for every kid's (and parent's!) preference.
- Convenience: Whether you prefer to shop online or in stores, the buying process should be easy. We considered widely available brands as well as online retailers with user-friendly experiences.
- Ease of use: Clothing should be easy for kids to get on and off themselves. We considered options for self-dressing that can help foster independence at all ages.
- Sustainability: Last but not least, we considered whether the stores have any sustainable attributes, from the use of organic materials to corporate initiatives around their environmental impact.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including kids' clothing brands. As Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor, Marisa LaScala covers everything from the latest parenting advice to kids' TV shows, and vetted many of the picks in this guide
Angel Madison, a commerce editor who is also a mom, updated this guide in June 2025. She worked with Marisa and Lexie Sachs, the Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the GH Institute to include the most trusted brands that have been researched and tested.

Expert consulted:Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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