Buying a jersey for a child seems simple until you have to choose between a 128 and a 140, between a version designed for playing and one designed for wearing, and between the name of a player who may leave in the next transfer window and the child's own name. These three decisions determine whether the jersey will be worn for two years or put away in the back of a closet after three outings. Here's how to make them in the right order.
Children's sizes are given in centimeters, not by age
This is the number one source of mistakes. For a football jersey, children's sizes from major sportswear brands correspond to a body height in centimeters, not an age. Size 140 does not mean “for a 140-month-old child” or “14 years old”: it refers to a child who is approximately 140 centimeters tall. The age shown alongside it is only a statistical indication, and two children of the same age may differ by two sizes.
| Size | Height | Indicative age | Letter equivalent | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116 | 110 to 116 cm | 5 to 6 years | XXS | Very short cut |
| 128 | 122 to 128 cm | 7 to 8 years | XS | Best-selling club size |
| 140 | 134 to 140 cm | 9 to 10 years | S | Good compromise |
| 152 | 146 to 152 cm | 11 to 12 years | M | Start of rapid growth |
| 164 | 158 to 164 cm | 13 to 14 years | L | Check the width |
| 176 | 170 to 176 cm | 15 to 16 years | XL | Compare with the adult S |
From 164 cm onward, comparing with adult sizes becomes useful: a children's XL and an adult S often overlap in length, but not in width, as the adult cut is broader at the shoulders. For a teenager already close to their final height, the adult S generally offers better longevity. The corresponding guidelines are detailed in the adult size guide.
Measure in two minutes instead of guessing
Three measurements are enough, and they prevent almost all returns. Take them with the child standing, wearing a T-shirt and no shoes.
Which model for the actual use
The question is not which jersey is best, but what the child will use it for. The three uses below call for opposite choices, and it is by confusing them that people end up buying the wrong one.
Prioritize durability and freedom of movement. The jersey goes in the wash twice a week, rubs against synthetic fabric, and catches on things. Thin fabric is not an advantage here; sturdy stitching is.
Supporter version, true to size or one size upThe jersey becomes an everyday item of clothing. Bold colors go out of style less quickly than you might think, but a simple design fits better into a child's wardrobe and works with more outfits.
Away or third jersey, often more versatileThe main risk is not the size but the club and the player. A jersey given to a child who supports another club will stay in the closet, regardless of its quality. Check beforehand, even if it slightly spoils the surprise.
Club home jersey, one size upA word about player versions, which children themselves often request because they are the ones worn by professionals. Their very fine fabric and close-fitting cut are designed for performance, not repeated use in the school playground. On a child, they wear out noticeably faster while costing more, and the difference in comfort is not noticeable at this level of use.
Name printing, the most consequential decision
A name print cannot be removed cleanly. Once the name is applied, the jersey is fixed, and this decision most often determines how long it will actually remain in a child's closet.
If the child insists on a particular player, a compromise works well: the number alone, without the name. It keeps the reference to the player while remaining relevant if they change clubs, and it often costs less than full lettering.
Fabric and care: what changes with a child's jersey
A child's jersey is washed much more often than an adult's, and it withstands stresses the latter never encounters: knees on the ground, sliding, and a damp sports bag forgotten all weekend. Three settings are enough to significantly extend its lifespan.
| Action | What it prevents | Frequency | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash inside out at 30 degrees | Wear on the lettering and sponsors' logos | With every wash | Very high |
| Do not use fabric softener | Loss of breathability, odors | With every wash | High |
| Air-dry | Lettering coming loose, shrinkage | With every wash | Very high |
| Take the jersey out of the bag that same evening | Set-in odors, mold | After every match | Medium |
| Check the seams | Tear getting bigger | Once a month | Medium |
The biggest clubs and national teams in sizes 116 to 176, available in home, away and third kits, with the option of printing the child's name instead of a player's.
Discover children's jerseysFrequently asked questions
One size up, yes; two, no. A jersey that is only one size too large remains perfectly wearable and generally covers an additional season, making it the best compromise. Beyond that, the sleeves reach down over the forearms and the bottom hangs loose, which gets in the way of a child who plays and discourages them from wearing it. If the height falls exactly on a size, keep that size, especially before a period of rapid growth.
The cut, essentially. A children’s jersey is proportioned for a child’s build, with narrower shoulders and a shorter back length, whereas an adult S is still cut for a slim adult frame. At an equivalent height, around 164 to 176 centimeters, the two overlap in length but not in width. For a teenager nearing the end of their growth, the adult S is generally the more durable choice.
Yes, it is even the most reliable option for a child. It eliminates the risk of the transfer and creates an attachment that a player’s name does not always inspire. Two limitations to keep in mind: personalized name printing cannot be removed cleanly and makes resale difficult, and official competitions sometimes require the club’s name printing for matches, leaving the personalized jersey reserved for personal use.
The centimeter sizing reference is standard, but cuts differ from one brand to another, and sometimes from one season to the next within the same brand. Some ranges fit noticeably closer to the body, especially versions inspired by player models. Rely on the indicated height rather than age, and compare the chest measurement when provided; it is the best way to distinguish between two neighboring sizes.
A purchase that comes down to three decisions
Size is determined with a tape measure, the model by considering how it will be used, and the name printing with a little perspective on the transfer market. Once these three points are addressed, the rest is simply about enjoyment—and that is what matters to a child receiving their club’s jersey.
If the purchase is intended for a birthday or Christmas, the question of the club and player becomes central, much more so than that of the material or version: our guide to choosing a jersey as a gift covers the checks to make before ordering.