Baby sets & separates
How to check a two-piece set fits your baby properly
A quick head-to-toe fit check for baby tops and joggers: neck, shoulders, sleeves, top length, waistband, seat and leg length, and what each sign tells you.
Check it with your baby moving
A set can look perfect on a baby lying still and fall apart the moment they reach for a toy. The most useful fit check takes a minute and involves three positions: lying on their back, sitting (or being held upright), and reaching both arms above their head. Watch what the top and joggers do in each. If your baby crawls, let them crawl a few steps too, because that is when waistbands and hems show their true behaviour.
Before tags come off, you can do a gentler version by holding each piece against your baby. Exchanges are only possible within 7 days for unused pieces in original condition with the original bill, so it is worth checking early. Our delivery and returns page has the details.
The top
- Neck: it should go over the head without dragging across the face once the buttons are undone. A henley like our Dusty Rose Ribbed Henley & Jogger Set should sit flat when buttoned, without gaping or pulling.
- Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit roughly at the edge of the shoulder, not halfway down the arm (too big) or on the neck (too small).
- Sleeves: a little extra length is fine and can be folded back at the cuff. Sleeves that stop well above the wrist are too short.
- Length: with arms raised, the hem should still overlap the waistband or come close to it.
- Chest: you should be able to slide a flat hand between top and chest. Knits stretch, but a top that is visibly strained across the front is too small.
The joggers
- Waistband: two fingers should slide inside comfortably. Look for marks after an hour of wear. Our post on what makes a good jogger set covers the waistband in more detail.
- Seat and rise: when your baby sits, the back of the waistband should still cover the top of the nappy.
- Thighs: the fabric should move freely when the knees bend, with no tight band across the thigh.
- Length: the ankle cuff should sit at or just below the ankle bone. Extra length that bunches is fine for crawlers; for a walking toddler, anything that drags under the foot is too long.
- Cuffs: the ribbed band should hold the leg in place without leaving a deep ring on the skin.
Roomy, or too big?
Some looseness is normal and useful. A set that is a little long in the sleeve and leg, and slightly generous in the body, will fit for longer. The line is crossed when the neckline slides off a shoulder, the waistband will not stay up even with a bodysuit tucked in, or your baby’s hands and feet vanish inside the fabric. Chunky knits such as our Sage Cable-Knit Teddy Sweater & Jogger Set can look bigger than they are, so judge by the neck and shoulders rather than overall bulk.
It also helps to compare the new set with one your baby wears happily now. Lay the two tops on top of each other, then the two pairs of joggers. If the new pieces are a little longer and a little wider all round, you have the next size in proportion; if one measurement is very different, look at that part closely on your baby.
When the fit is wrong
If the whole set is too small or too large, check your baby’s current length and weight against our size guide before deciding on the other size. If only one half is off, for example the top fits but the legs are short, message us about the options, including having a set made to your baby’s measurements.
Quick answers
How do I know if a baby top is too small?
It is a struggle over the head, the shoulder seams sit on the neck, the sleeves stop well above the wrists, or the tummy shows as soon as your baby lifts their arms.
Is it okay if baby joggers are a bit long?
Yes, for babies who are not yet walking. Fold the cuffs back or let the extra length bunch at the ankle. Once your baby walks, make sure nothing drags under the feet.
Can I try a set on before deciding to exchange it?
Exchanges are for unused pieces in original condition with the original bill, within 7 days. Hold the set against your baby before removing tags, and message us if you are unsure which size to choose.
How often should I check whether a set still fits?
Every few weeks in the first year, and whenever your baby has had a growth spurt. The quickest signs are a tummy showing when they reach up and cuffs sitting above the ankle.
