[onhazier]

bettynme asks how to estimate size when you shop off season. It is a guessing game, really. We have been able to watch our son grow and know that he has two major annual growth spurts; summer and November. He is also tall for his age. So, he's about to turn 7 and we're buying size 8s for him.

I insist on taking him with me at least the first time or two. I then hold up the shirts. If they look like they would fit nicely now, I buy the next size up. With long sleeves, I know that if the cuffs touch his knuckles when we buy, that they'll be past his wrists and approaching 3/4 sleeves by spring. Same with pants. I buy them a bit long and know we'll just roll them up for a few months. As far as shoes, we just buy them as he needs them. We've had to buy him one size and then 3 months later have to buy him a new set that is two sizes larger than the last. When he grows, he seems to stretch like Mr. Fantastic

[EandDmom]

My son once grew 6 inches in 2 months. Luckily it was only the one time.

[Robbin]

SEARS!!!! They have the Wear Ever policy. If any clothes wear out, rip, etc. you can take it back and get a new one (or something similar) of the same size.