Korean kidswear is children's clothing designed and made for the Korean market, known for soft colour palettes, delicate details like ruffles, lace collars and puff sleeves, and coordinated sets that look put-together without being fussy. It's sized by a child's height in centimetres rather than by age, which is the biggest adjustment for Canadian parents.
At our Markham boutique, it's the question we hear most: what makes Korean kids' clothes different, and how do you shop for them? Here's what to know.
What does Korean kidswear look like?
Korean children's fashion tends to favour a gentle, polished look over bold graphics and slogans. A few details show up again and again:
- Collars and ruffles. Peter Pan collars, lace-trimmed ruffle collars and frilled hems turn a simple top into something special. Our Lace Ruffle Collar Blouse is a typical example.
- Puff sleeves and soft volume. Gathered sleeves and tiered skirts add movement, like the Strawberry Print Puff Sleeve Top.
- Muted and pastel colours. Ivory, dusty pink, lavender, sage and grey are far more common than primary colours.
- Matching sets. Tops and skirts, sweatshirts and wide-leg pants, or hoodies and shorts are often sold together, like our Vintage Floral Ruffle Blouse & Skirt.
- Relaxed, comfortable cuts. Sweatshirts and tees are often oversized, and waffle-knit and ribbed fabrics are popular for everyday pieces.
How is Korean kids' sizing different?
North American kids' clothes are usually sized by age, such as 2T, 4T or 6X. Korean kidswear is sized by height in centimetres: a 110 cm size is made for a child about 110 cm tall. Korea's children's clothing standard labels tops by height and chest, and bottoms by height and waist, with age only as a reference.
Two practical tips:
- Measure your child's height and match it to the centimetre figure on each item, not the letter size. An M can mean different heights at different brands.
- Size up if you're between sizes. Korean kidswear often fits slightly smaller than North American brands.
Our Korean Kids Sizing Guide walks through measuring, reading labels and a rough height-to-age table.
Which Korean kids' brands can you find in Canada?
Alongside our own curated Mini Kelly pieces, we carry brands from the Korean market, including Mardi Mercredi Kids, recognisable by its signature Flowermardi flower graphic; Marithé François Girbaud Kids; AVOVHOUSE; BIEN A BIEN; and Mallanghanee, known for lightweight bamboo sleepwear for babies. Each brand uses its own size chart, which is why every product page lists that item's sizes in centimetres.
How do you style Korean kidswear for Canadian weather?
Much Korean kidswear is designed for layering, which suits Canada's changeable seasons:
- Spring and fall: a collared blouse under a knit vest or cardigan, with wide-leg pants or a tiered skirt and leggings.
- Winter: a ribbed long-sleeve tee under a waffle-knit sweatshirt, with fleece-lined or ribbed leggings and a warm outer layer on top.
- Summer: matching top-and-shorts sets in breathable fabrics, and puff-sleeve tops with shorts or skirts.
Where can you buy Korean kidswear in the Toronto area?
Mini Kelly is a Korean kidswear boutique at 3780 14th Ave, Unit 104, Markham, Ontario, open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Trying pieces on in person is the easiest way to get the sizing right. If you can't visit, we ship across Canada and the United States, with free shipping on orders over $69. See our store page for directions, or browse everything online.
Questions about a piece or a size? Email minikelly.ca@gmail.com or call (647) 333-8600.