I Used to Think Target Had the Best Kids’ Clothes, But These 8 Stores Are Even Better

Target is convenient. It's everywhere, it’s affordable, and Cat & Jack even offers a one-year warranty. That sounds like a dream until you find yourself waiting in the return line with a bag full of pilled leggings. 

Eventually, you begin realizing the clothes that looked great in the store end up fraying after a few washes. The pieces look stylish in the store, but look worn out after three months. 

Now, I am not saying Target is all bad. It’s a great place if you need to pick up some socks or a costume, especially if you’re in a hurry. But when it comes to getting proper clothes that your kid can actually wear for more than a single season, these eight retailers do it better.

While almost every parent knows about Carter's, not many actually take advantage of their deals. The essential products like bodysuits, leggings, pajamas, and tees are made from thicker cotton compared to what you find at Target. Carter's is particularly strong for babies and toddlers, though they do carry sizes up to 14 for older kids.

Their clothes are durable and maintain their original quality even after several washes. You’ll also notice that the cuts are slightly larger than the traditional sizes. That means your kid can wear them longer before you need to size up. Discounts are fairly regular at Carter's, and you can also find items for less than $5 in the website’s outlet section.

Old Navy is a classic that a lot of parents rediscover once they move on from Cat & Jack. Their kids’ department is known for having high-quality jeans that are both stylish and durable. They carry both slim and husky sizes, and prices are typically in the $20-$25 range. There’s an entire department dedicated to uniforms, in case there’s a dress code at your child’s school.

According to parent reviews, some items, like the graphic tees, may be slightly thinner than anticipated, so stick with jeans, fleece, and uniform shirts when shopping at Old Navy.

H&M Kids has a fairly quick trend turnover when compared to other children’s clothing lines. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is really up to you. It’s useful if you want your kids to stay up to date with current styles, but it can also be frustrating when you try to restock on a particular item only to find it gone in a short amount of time. Their clothing is affordable, and cotton basics like t-shirts, hoodies, and pajamas tend to last longer than you’d expect from the price tag.

Primary is the go-to shop for minimalistic clothing. They have w wide color selection, and high-quality fabrics. Every piece is a solid block of color made of durable cotton that holds up in the wash. There's no branding or characters on the items, so nothing ever goes out of style. When parents come across Primary, they keep coming back because the clothes mix and match easily, layer well, and look great in family photos. They last long enough to pass down to a younger sibling.

The Children's Place is perfect if you're shopping for deals. They offer steep discounts and the quality holds up. They have a wide selection of pants, jeans, shirts, and tops. Much like Old Navy, The Children's Place is also a great place to shop for school attire. The uniform section offers jeans with reinforced knees and adjustable waistbands that keep up with active kids while still fitting comfortably. The fabric is durable, which means you won't find yourself looking for a replacement halfway through the school year.

Hanna Andersson has become a favorite among parents. They use heavy, quality cotton fabric that ensures clothes keep their integrity and color even after several washes. The sizing system uses the child's height instead of age, which should honestly be the industry standard given how unreliable age-based sizing can be. It ensures pieces last longer as kids move through sizes. The pajamas are particularly popular due to their softness and durability.

While prices for new collections are high, the outlet line and end-of-season deals are worth taking advantage of.

If you’re looking for clothes with a heavy dose of personality, you should check out Mini Boden. Their prints are unique, the cuts are comfy, and the materials have earned high praise from parents in online communities. They’re durable enough to pass down to younger siblings as if they were brand new. Although their clothes are pricey, they offer great deals fairly often. It’s a great place if you’re sick of logo tees but don’t want plain colored clothes either.

If you’re looking for clothes that hold up during the school year all the way through summer and winter vacation, then Lands’ End is for you. They offer outerwear that will keep your kids warm during the winter and will last for several years. Their swimsuits come with a standard UPF 50 rating, and the school uniform selection includes clothing with reinforced stitching and moisture-wicking fabrics. Their prices aren’t too far off from what you’d find at Target, but the clothes hold up through a full year of daily wear.

Don’t get me wrong, Target is still the convenient and familiar solution, and it’s probably not going anywhere anytime soon. But sometimes convenience is overrated, especially when you find yourself replacing the same clothing items every few months. The eight stores on this list have similar prices, and their clothes simply last longer. That's worth knowing.