Finding the Right Fit: A Real Look at the Lola and the Boys Size Chart

Finding the Right Fit: A Real Look at the Lola and the Boys Size Chart

You’ve seen the sequins. You’ve probably seen the patches, the faux fur, and that "mini-me" aesthetic that makes Lola and the Boys so addictive for parents who want their kids to look like they just stepped off a runway in Soho. But here’s the thing. Buying high-end kids' fashion online is a gamble. Nobody wants to drop a hundred bucks on a bomber jacket only to have it arrive looking like it was made for a doll, or worse, a teenager. Navigating the Lola and the Boys size chart isn't just about reading numbers; it's about understanding how this specific brand translates "cool" into physical dimensions.

It’s tricky.

Kids grow at rates that defy the laws of physics. One week they’re in a 4T, the next they’ve sprouted two inches and suddenly those leggings look like capris. When you're dealing with a boutique brand like Lola and the Boys, which draws heavy inspiration from high-fashion trends, the cut is often more "tailored" than your run-of-the-mill big-box store clothes.

The Reality of How Lola and the Boys Fits

Let’s get real about the brand's philosophy. Founded by Irina Osovskaya in Chicago, the vibe is unapologetically "extra." We're talking glitter, puffers, and denim with personality. Because the brand often uses structured materials—think stiff denim, heavy sequins, and vegan leather—there isn't always a ton of "give" in the fabric. This is the first thing you need to know about the Lola and the Boys size chart: if your child is between sizes, you almost always want to go up.

Why? Because sequins don't stretch.

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If you buy a jersey cotton tee, you can fudge the sizing. If you buy a sequined varsity jacket, that garment has a fixed silhouette. If it’s too small, it’s not just tight; it’s uncomfortable. Most parents who frequent the brand note that while the sizing is generally "true to size," the style of the clothes leans toward a slimmer, modern fit. It’s not that "generous" cut you might find at Gap or Old Navy. It’s more European in its slimness.

Understanding the Age-Based System

The chart typically breaks down into three main tiers:

  • Baby (3M to 24M)
  • Toddler (2T to 5T)
  • Kids/Youth (6 to 14)

But age is a lie. Well, not a lie, but a suggestion. My neighbor has a three-year-old who wears a size 5, and I know a six-year-old who still fits into 4T. When you look at the Lola and the Boys size chart, you have to ignore the "years" column for a second and look at the height and weight. That’s where the truth lives.

For the "Little" sizes, the brand usually scales by height in inches. A size 2, for example, is generally intended for a child around 33 to 35 inches tall. If your kid is 36 inches, don't try to squeeze them into the 2 just because they just had a birthday. Move to the 3. Honestly, the jump between a 4T and a 5 is often more about length in the limbs than width in the torso.

The "Tween" Transition Struggle

The brand has expanded significantly into the older kid market, going up to size 14. This is a danger zone for sizing. Once kids hit that 10-12 range, their body shapes start to diverge wildly. The Lola and the Boys size 12 and 14 are designed with a "teen" aesthetic in mind—shorter hemlines on skirts, cropped fits on hoodies, and slimmer sleeves.

If your kid prefers a baggy, oversized look, the size chart is going to fail you if you stick to their "correct" age. You’ll need to size up once or even twice to get that "streetwear" drape. If they want the intended "chic" look, stick to the measurements, but keep a close eye on the chest circumference. If the chest measurement on the chart is 30 inches and your kid is 29 inches, that jacket is going to be snug.

Fabric Type Changes Everything

You can't talk about a size chart without talking about what the clothes are actually made of. A brand like this uses a diverse range of textiles, and they don't all behave the same way.

  1. Denim with Patches: These are iconic for the brand. However, patches add rigidity. A denim jacket covered in embroidered rainbows and stars won't have the same flex as a plain denim jacket. If the Lola and the Boys size chart says your child is a 6, but they have broad shoulders, that 6 is going to feel like a straightjacket. Go to an 8.
  2. The "Glam" Leggings: Most of these have a decent amount of spandex. You can usually stay true to size here.
  3. Puffer Coats: These run big. They have to, right? They’re puffers. But they are designed to be layered. If you size up too much in a puffer, your kid will look like they’re being swallowed by a shiny marshmallow.
  4. Tulle and Occasion Wear: This stuff has zero stretch. Zip-up dresses are the most common source of "it doesn't fit" returns. Measure the ribcage. It’s the most static part of the body.

What Other Parents Say (The "Whisper" Network)

If you spend enough time in parenting forums or looking at resale sites like Poshmark or Kidizen, you see a pattern. People often list Lola and the Boys items with the note "Runs slightly small" or "Short in the torso."

There is a recurring sentiment that the brand favors a shorter, boxier fit in tops. This is great for style, but if your child has a long torso, they might end up with an accidental crop top. If your kid is "tall and thin," you're usually safe with their age-based size, but if they're "solid," you have to size up. It's just the way the patterns are cut.

It’s also worth noting that the brand’s footwear follows a similar logic. Their sneakers and boots are flashy, but they don't always follow the standard US "Big Kid" sizing perfectly. Some parents find the shoes run a bit narrow. If your kid has those wide, flat toddler feet, you’ll definitely want to size up in the boots to account for socks and lack of width.

How to Measure Your Child Properly

Don't guess. Don't use a piece of string and a ruler. Get a soft measuring tape.

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  • Chest: Measure under the arms at the fullest part of the chest. Make sure the kid is breathing normally, not sucking it in or puffing it out for a "superhero" pose.
  • Waist: Measure around the natural waistline.
  • Hips: This is usually only important for the older kids' sizes (8-14).
  • Inseam: From the crotch to the ankle bone. This is huge for their joggers and embellished jeans.

Compare these numbers to the Lola and the Boys size chart on the specific product page. I say "specific" because sometimes boutique brands have slight variations between a "Collaboration" line and their "Core" line.

The "Growth Room" Strategy

Kids' clothes are an investment, especially at this price point. The goal is to get at least six months to a year out of an item. Because Lola and the Boys uses such bold designs, their clothes actually look pretty good when they're a little oversized. A slightly big bomber jacket with the sleeves pushed up looks intentional. A pair of joggers with a bit of "stacking" at the ankle looks like a style choice.

Basically, if the chart says they are exactly a size 6, buy the 8. They will grow into it within three months, and it won't look "wrong" in the meantime. The only exception is swimwear. Do not size up in swimwear. Nobody wants saggy bottoms at the pool.

Why the Size Chart Matters for Resale Value

One of the reasons people obsess over the fit of this brand is that it holds its value incredibly well. You can often resell used Lola and the Boys pieces for 40-60% of their original retail price if they're in good condition.

However, if you buy the wrong size and the kid wears it once and blows out a seam because it was too tight, your resale value drops to zero. Checking the Lola and the Boys size chart is essentially protecting your investment. A well-fitted garment lasts longer because the stress points of the fabric aren't being pushed to their limit.

A Note on International Sizing

If you are ordering from outside the US, remember that Lola and the Boys uses US sizing conventions. For those used to European sizing (which is done by height in centimeters, like 92, 104, 116), the conversion is roughly:

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  • 92-98 cm = Size 2/3
  • 104-110 cm = Size 4/5
  • 116-122 cm = Size 6/7

Actionable Steps for a Perfect Fit

Kinda seems like a lot for a pair of leggings, right? It's not. Once you get the hang of their "cut," it becomes second nature.

  • Always check the "Description" tab. Sometimes the brand will literally tell you "This style runs small, size up." Trust them.
  • Focus on the height/weight combo. If your child is in the weight bracket for a 6 but the height bracket for an 8, buy the 8. Height usually wins in the "will this fit?" battle.
  • Wash with care. Even if you get the perfect size, high-heat drying will shrink these clothes. Between the sequins and the delicate fabrics, air-drying is your friend. It also prevents the "shrunken fit" that ruins your sizing efforts.
  • Look at the model. If the kid in the photo is 4 feet tall and wearing a size 6, and your kid is 4 feet tall, you have a visual baseline.
  • Join the community. There are Facebook groups dedicated to "Boutique BST" (Buy, Sell, Trade). Searching "Lola and the Boys fit" in those groups will give you real-world photos of kids in the clothes, which is often more helpful than a static chart.

The Lola and the Boys size chart is a solid map, but you’re the driver. You know if your kid hates tight waistbands or if they have long legs. Use the chart as a floor, not a ceiling, and when in doubt, just size up. Your kid will grow; the clothes won't.