YOU may glance at a T-shirt in the teen section of a store and think, “Could I squeeze into it?”.
But unless you’re a size 8, you probably decide that despite it being cuter and cheaper than an equivalent in the adult department, no way will it fit.
Size 16 Lottie Drynan, an influencer, took things a step further and put her curiosity to the test to explore the kids’ aisles. To her delight, she realised some age 16 clothes fit her 5ft 6in, 36GG frame.
She says: “Kids’ clothing is designed not only for comfort but sparks joy. We don’t see that as much on the high street for women.”
Clare Bailey, of Retailchampion.co.uk, says: “Only children’s clothes are zero-rated for VAT, so you’ll pay 20 per cent more in the adult sections.
“A child is classed as a child until they turn 18, so brands have to accommodate for growing children who, by age 16, may be 5ft 10in and, in some cases, the same size as fully grown adults.”
Here, 33-year-old Lottie, from Kent, tells Abby McHale about her best finds.
ATHLEISURE is great to grab from the kids’ section.
Womenswear can be full of neutral tones and nothing playful, so if you’re like me and love brights and patterns, it could be worth exploring.
These cycling shorts from Next come with a matching T-shirt for just £20, but I’ve added a sweater over the top from Primark’s kids’ section for just £9.
Bright and tonal, this is exactly the kind of fashion I’d love to see more for women.
Dressing should be about being fun, just like this.
- Jumper, £9, Primark;
- cycling shorts, £20 (comes with a T-shirt), Next
Cost: £29
SAVED: £13
THIS is one of the looks I found at Next to try on my Instagram. Can you believe how long the trousers are? I’m 5ft 6in and these are to the floor on me, so no trouble for an adult.
They’re so stretchy and comfy and I love that it comes as a set – something you don’t often get in the women’s section.
It’s only £27 for both, and you’d be paying up to that for just the T-shirt as an adult, plus another £20 for the trousers.
I love the kids’ section at Next. They have some really cute designs that I wanted to wear as an adult – and now, after daring to try them, I can.
- Fresh T-shirt and gingham trousers, £27 for the set, Next
Cost: £27
SAVED: £20
THIS dress is super-fun and I love that Monsoon is another place where I can shop in the kids’ section.
Dresses in the women’s area can often retail for more than £100, so getting this for £39 feels like a bargain.
The shirred front is helpful for some extra stretch and the pattern is super-cute.
I could see myself wearing this during spring on a weekend.
It’s nice to mix it up and this dress is actually age 15.
The arms aren’t tight and the dress itself isn’t clingy at all.
Cost: £39
SAVED: £61
I AM wearing a pair of jeans from the kids’ section at Next – and I can’t believe it.
They have an elastic waistband, but are more comfy than some of my normal jeans. Kids’ clothes are often made with comfort in mind.
I love this floral quilted jacket, too. It fits so well and I can even fasten the ties in the middle – great considering I don’t have a small bust.
Overall, this feels like an outfit you could easily replicate in the women’s section, but this is getting on for half the price.
Similar jeans in the women’s area would be £36, and a Per Una quilted jacket is £60.
- Jacket, £28, M&S;
- jeans, £21, Next
Cost: £49
SAVED: £47
THIS playsuit from Next is being packed for my holidays. It’s not only really comfortable, but it doesn’t ride up and is roomy.
It has a cute cut-out detail on the back, too, but you can still wear a bra. For £17, you can’t really go wrong and while a lot of kids’ clothes increase in price on age, this is still great value for money.
I’m wearing it with trainers here, but teaming it with a pair of sandals, a raffia bag and sunnies would be a perfect look for summer.
I can’t wait to tell people where I got this from. A similar adult one on the Next website would be at least £22 more expensive.
Cost: £17
SAVED: £22
VERY is another brand that goes up to age 16 in its kids’ section and these leggings are super-comfortable.
For just £17, they also come with a matching top, which is just great value for money. I wanted to try a denim shirt made from a fabric that is a bit stiffer – and this top from M&S did not disappoint.
The fit was great, the buttons didn’t gape, which can often happen even with adult clothing, and I can imagine myself wearing this with so many other things in my wardrobe.
- Top, £18, M&S;
- trousers, £17 (come with matching top), Very
Cost: £35
SAVED: £18
