Kids' clothing: from newborns to teens

A child wears a size for 3–6 months — clothes don't have time to wear out. A winter snowsuit at a third of the price in like-new condition is the norm, not luck.

The insole for a foot imprint: a deep print means the shoe molded to another child's foot — better keep looking. The heel counter must be firm, the sole should flex at the toe.

1–1.5 cm of margin for shoes, one size up for clothes. A bigger margin is uncomfortable now and won't survive until 'they grow into it' — kids grow in sudden jumps.

Plus 6 centimeters over the child's height: a size 104 overall on a 98 cm child covers the whole winter with margin. More than that hinders movement and lets cold in. Check the cuff elastics and whether sleeves fold — kids' outerwear builds growth into the design.

It does if washed correctly (no powder detergent or softener). The test is simple: a water drop on the fabric should bead up and roll. If it soaks in, the membrane needs a DWR spray refresh — a few hundred hryvnias and 20 minutes.

Shoes molded to another child's foot (check the insole and worn heel), underwear, and anything that can't survive disinfection. The rest — jackets, suits, dresses, jeans — after a wash differs from new only in price.