20+ Differences Between 4 And 4T (Explained)

Dressing up your toddler is always a fun activity. While the sizing method appears very simple, it gets quite confusing when your kid turns four years old.

There are two distinct types of toddler outfits- 4 and 4T. These types share a major difference in terms of the age of toddlers who wear them. Read below to find out.

Major Difference Between 4 and 4T

What Exactly Is 4-Size?

This is the size of clothing that is used when your kid grows taller than his or her 3T size of clothes. The size of kids’ clothes begins from 4 to 14. This size is worn by toddlers who don’t need diapers anymore, i.e., above three years old. 

In simpler words, 4-sized clothes can be described as smaller clothes that toddlers wear above 24 months. The waist of these clothes is not adjustable. They also comprise long-sleeved shirts/tops and pants. 

What Exactly Is 4T Size?

The T refers to toddlers. 4 T-sized clothes are meant for comparatively younger toddlers. Since these toddlers need diapers to wear, the clothes are designed in such a way that they keep space for the diapers. 

The age of wearing these clothes is less than 24 months. The size of these clothes can possibly vary based on which store you buy them from. Also, if your kid is smaller than his or her size, you might want to shop for clothes a little smaller than their size. 

No matter the difference in the stores, a 4T size should fit any average 4-year-old. 

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4-sized clothes and 4 T-sized clothes- Major Differences

Key points of 4-sized clothes:

  • Larger than 4T size
  • Cannot accommodate diapers
  • Not adjustable 
  • Suitable for kids elder than 24 months
  • Comparatively longer pants and sleeves of the shirt
  • Gives tight fit

Key points of 4 T-sized clothes:

  • Smaller than regular size
  • Can accommodate diapers
  • Adjustable 
  • Suitable for kids less than 24 months
  • Comparatively shorter pants and sleeves of the shirt
  • Gives loose fit
Parameter 4-Size4T-Size
Size Larger than 4T sizeSmaller than 4 size
Sleeves and pants Longer sleeves and pants for growing kidsShorter sleeves and pants for smaller kids
Fit Slimmer fitLoose fit
Space for diapers NoYes 
Recommended forToddlers above 24 monthsToddlers below 24 months

Contrast Between 4 and 4T Size

Size

  • 4-size – These clothes are tailored bigger in size to fit the older kids. Their lean build made them easy to accommodate the growing heights of children. 
  • 4T size – They are smaller-sized clothes meant for toddlers below the age of 24 months. These clothes are spacious as the younger toddlers need space for diapers.

Waist

  • 4-size – They do not come with adjustable waists as toddlers above 24 months do not need diapers anymore. Hence, the waist cannot be adjusted.
  • 4T-size – Due to the growing height and weight of kids, the waist of 4-sized clothes is adjustable. This allows them to wear their diapers with ease.

Sleeves and Pants

  • 4-size – These clothes have long sleeves and long pants as the toddlers wearing them will grow in height and weight. 
  • 4T-size – The toddlers who are below 24 months are of shorter height and have a smaller structure. Hence the sleeves and pants are obviously of shorter size. 

Who Can Wear Them

  • 4-size – The toddlers above the age of 24 months 
  • 4T size – The younger kids below 24 months

Length

4-size – These regular-sized clothes are comparatively larger than 4-T-sized clothes. 

4T size The clothes of this size are smaller than the regular size. 

Examples of The Sizes

4-size- The regular size has different measurements at different stores. Some of them are:

  • Carter’s- The height is between 40-42 inches, and the weight is between 34-38.5 pounds.
  • Children’s Place- The height is between 38-41 inches, and the weight is between 35-39 pounds. 

4T size- The 4t size of clothes also have different measurements at different stores. Some of them are-

  • Carter’s- The height is between 39-41.5 inches, and the weight is between 34- 37.5 pounds. 
  • Children’s Place- The height is between 38-41 inches, and the weight is between 35-39 pounds.

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Methods to identify children’s clothing size:

  • If your kid is smaller than one year old, measure him or her by laying them down. 
  • Kids elder than one year can be measured through a measuring bar or standing against the wall. Make sure that their body is firmly pressed to the wall.
  • Tell your child not to suck in their stomach while you measure their waist as it won’t give the proper reading.
  • For getting the measurement of arms’ length, take the measurement from wrist to shoulder.
  • Measurement for the trousers can be done by measuring from waist to ankle.
  • The chest of your child can be measured by the length of the bottom of their shoulder blades.
  • The measurement of hips can be carried out by placing the measuring tape on the protruding point. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What points should I keep in mind before buying children’s clothes online?

Always ensure that a return and exchange policy is available on the purchase. For getting the right-sized clothes for your toddler, always compare them with the size chart.

If you are going for discounted clothes, then buy clothes that are a bit bigger than your toddler’s actual size, as some of the discounted clothes cannot be returned. 

Q2. When should I opt for 4-sized clothes?

You can buy 4-sized clothes when your toddler is ready to not use diapers anymore.

And also, keep in mind the height of your kid. If the height falls under the 4-sized section of clothes, then your toddler is ready to outgrow 4-T clothes. 

Q3. What should be the weight of toddlers who wear 4 T-sized clothes?

If your toddler weighs around 30-35lbs and has a height between 40-45 inches, then he or she can wear 4T-sized clothes. 

Q4. Are 4 and 4T sizes the same?

They are somewhat similar. The major difference between them is the fact that 4-sized clothes include space for diapers, and they are adjustable. 

Q5. Which size should I opt for for a growing toddler?

Always go for a regular four-size, as this provides space for your toddler to grow up in terms of height and weight. 


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