Buying a kids' jacket? Here's what matters: puffer or bomber, choosing the size by height, handy everyday details and washability, so it really gets worn.
Most parents buy a kids' jacket when it is already cold, or when the old one suddenly stops halfway down the forearm. That is when you want to choose quickly: something that fits, is warm enough and will not be outgrown in two months. This guide covers what to look for when buying a kids' jacket, from the type of jacket and the size to the small details that make a difference on an ordinary school day.
Start with when your child will wear the jacket most. A jacket for autumn and spring is a different thing from a jacket for December and January.
Autumn and spring: a light jacket worn over a sweater or hoodie. A bomber jacket is ideal here: not too thick, but it keeps the wind out. Winter: a padded jacket with a hood. The filling holds in warmth without making your child look like they are heading to the slopes. In between: a zip-up hoodie that works indoors and outdoors, and fits under a jacket as an extra layer.
Many parents go for two jackets: a light one for the in-between seasons and a warm one for the coldest months. Add a hoodie and you have the right combination for almost any weather.
A padded jacket (puffer) is filled and therefore warm. Look for a hood, elastic cuffs and pockets that hands actually fit into. The kids' hooded puffer jacket with colour block from LauBelle ticks those boxes: a full front zip, a warm hood, elastic cuffs against the wind and two side pockets. It is made of lightweight polyester, so it does not feel heavy when your child is playing or cycling.
A bomber jacket is lighter and sits closer to the body, with ribbed trims at the collar, cuffs and hem, so the wind does not get underneath as easily. The kids' monogram bomber jacket is made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, so the fabric moves with your child. Wear it over a sweater in autumn and over a T-shirt in spring.
With kids' clothing, your child's height is a better guide than their age. Two eight-year-olds can easily be a size apart.
Measure your child: height without shoes, standing against a wall. Compare that with the size chart on the product page. Do not go too big: a little room for a sweater underneath is good, but a jacket that is far too large lets the cold in at the neck and sleeves. Check the sleeve length: the sleeve should reach the wrist when your child stretches their arms. Torn between two sizes? Go for the larger one if your child is growing fast or the jacket has to go over thick sweaters.
The kids' zip-up hoodie with all-over print lists its sizes by height: from size 3XS (110–116 cm, roughly 4–6 years) to size M (158–164 cm, roughly 12–14 years). That way you can see at a glance which size matches your child's height.
The difference between a jacket your child loves wearing and one that stays on the hook often comes down to small things:
A zip that is easy to use: kids want to put their jacket on and take it off themselves. A full-length zip is easier than buttons. Pockets: for cold hands, a hat or a note from school. A hood: handy in a shower, and kids are less likely to forget a hood than a hat. Elastic or ribbed cuffs: keep the wind out at the wrists. Washability: kids' jackets get dirty. Both LauBelle jackets can be machine washed cold, at a maximum of 40 °C.
Kids often have their own opinion about what they wear. A jacket with a bold print is easier to spot among twenty others on the coat rack, and kids are quicker to put on something they like themselves. The puffer has a cheerful colour-block body with black-and-white monogram sleeves; the bomber is a clean black with a white monogram, which is easy to pair with jeans or joggers in any colour.
Prefer to keep it calm? Choose one statement piece, such as the jacket, and keep the rest of the outfit plain.
A jacket gets worn most when it goes with the rest of the wardrobe. A few simple combinations:
Puffer + plain hoodie + jeans: warm enough for cold school days. Bomber + T-shirt + joggers: for spring or a dry autumn day. Zip-up hoodie + T-shirt: the only layer indoors or on a mild day, and an extra layer under the puffer when it is really cold.
For school or sports club, the insulated zip lunch bag is a practical match.
Every LauBelle item is made after you order. Allow 3–5 business days for production, then 7–9 business days for delivery within Europe, so do not wait until the first frosty morning to order. Shipping is free, and if the size is not right you can return it within 14 days of receiving it. Use the code LAUBELLE10 for 10% off your first order.
Browse all LauBelle kids' jackets and pick the one that suits your child and the season.