What Carter's Is and Where It Fits in Children's Clothing
Carter's is a retail chain that sells clothing, shoes, and basics for infants and children up to around age 14. The company operates both Carter's branded stores and OshKosh B'gosh locations (which it owns). You can shop in physical stores, on their website, or through major retailers like Target and Walmart that carry their line.
Carter's positions itself in the mid-range of children's clothing pricing — more expensive than discount retailers like Old Navy or H&M, but less costly than premium brands. The brand focuses on everyday wear: bodysuits, pants, dresses, pajamas, and seasonal basics rather than special-occasion clothing. Most pieces are made from cotton or cotton blends.
The company runs frequent sales and clearance events, which is how many families actually purchase from them. Full-price items are rarely the best value, but items marked down 40 to 60 percent appear regularly both in stores and online.
Key Takeaways
- Carter's sells basics and everyday clothing for infants through early teens, with prices typically 20 to 40 percent higher than discount chains but lower than premium brands.
- The brand runs constant sales and clearance events, and most shoppers wait for markdowns rather than buying at full price.
- Carter's clothing is sized by age and weight range for infants, then by standard children's sizes for older kids, so you may need to size up or down depending on your child's build.
- Return policies vary by where you shop — in-store purchases have different rules than online orders, and third-party retailers like Target have their own return windows.
- The company offers a rewards program (Rewards Plus) that gives you points on purchases, though membership costs money and only makes sense if you shop there regularly.
How Carter's Sizing Works and Why It Matters
Carter's uses two different sizing systems depending on your child's age. For infants (newborn through roughly 24 months), clothing is sized by age and weight: Newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months. A piece labeled "12 months" is designed for a child around that age, but the actual fit depends on whether your child is on the smaller or larger side for their age.
For children ages 2 and up, Carter's uses standard children's sizes: 2T, 3T, 4T, 4, 5, 6, 6X, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14. The "T" stands for "toddler" and indicates a roomier cut in the torso and shorter length than regular sizes. A child who wears a 4T in one brand may wear a 5 in another, so trying items on or checking the return policy before ordering online is important.
Carter's tends to run true to size or slightly generous, meaning a child at the top of one size range may fit comfortably in that size rather than needing to move up. However, individual pieces vary — some pajama sets run smaller than their everyday clothing line. Reading customer reviews on the website often reveals whether a specific item runs large, small, or true to size.
Where to Buy Carter's and Price Comparison
You can purchase Carter's clothing directly from carters.com, in physical Carter's or OshKosh B'gosh stores, or through third-party retailers. Target, Walmart, Amazon, and some department stores carry Carter's products, though selection and pricing vary by location and retailer.
Prices are generally consistent across channels, but sales timing differs. The Carter's website and stores often have different clearance items on the same week. If you have a physical store nearby, checking it during a sale week can reveal markdowns not yet reflected online, and vice versa. Third-party retailers sometimes lag behind on price reductions, so buying from carters.com directly during a sale usually offers the best deal.
Outlet stores (both physical and online at carters.com/outlet) sell previous-season inventory and overstock at deeper discounts — often 50 to 70 percent off original prices. These items are final sale, meaning you cannot return them, so inspect the item carefully before purchasing.
Understanding Carter's Return and Exchange Policies
Return rules depend on where you bought the item. If you purchased from carters.com or a physical Carter's store, you have 60 days to return or exchange unworn items with tags attached. You can return online purchases to any Carter's store or by mail, or exchange them in-store. Outlet purchases are final sale and cannot be returned.
If you bought Carter's clothing from Target, Walmart, or another retailer, that retailer's return policy applies, not Carter's policy. Target allows returns for 30 days, Walmart for 90 days, and Amazon varies by seller. Always check the retailer's policy before ordering, especially if you are buying online and cannot try the item on first.
Damaged or defective items can sometimes be returned beyond the standard window if you contact Carter's customer service with photos. This is not may provide, but it is worth attempting if a seam splits or elastic fails after a few wears.
Carter's Rewards Program and When It Makes Financial Sense
Carter's Rewards Plus is a paid membership program that costs $9.95 per year. Members earn points on every purchase (typically 1 point per dollar spent) and can redeem points for discounts. Members also receive exclusive sales access and birthday rewards.
The program only makes financial sense if you spend at least $100 per year at Carter's — roughly $8 to $10 per month. For families who buy most of their child's clothing elsewhere and only shop Carter's during major sales, the membership fee is not worth it. For families who regularly purchase Carter's basics and plan to use the brand for multiple children, the points accumulate faster and the membership can pay for itself.
You do not need a membership to shop at Carter's or to receive sales notifications. The company sends email alerts about upcoming sales to anyone who signs up for their mailing list, membership or not.
Common Reasons Carter's Clothing Does or Does Not Work for Your Budget
Carter's works well for families who want durable basics at a moderate price point and have time to wait for sales. If you buy primarily on clearance, the per-item cost is competitive with discount retailers. The clothing holds up through multiple children and multiple wash cycles, so the cost-per-wear often justifies the initial price.
Carter's does not work well if you need clothing when ready and cannot wait for a sale, or if your child has a very slim or very large build relative to their age. The sizing is designed for average children, and while the brand offers extended sizes in some categories, the selection is limited. If your child needs specialty items — adaptive clothing, specific fabric types, or unusual sizes — other retailers may serve you better.
The brand also focuses on basics rather than character clothing or trendy styles. If your child wants clothing featuring specific shows, movies, or current fashion trends, you will find limited options at Carter's compared to retailers like Target or specialty stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carter's clothing made in the United States?
No. Carter's manufactures most of its clothing overseas, primarily in Asia. The company does not produce a domestic-made line. If you specifically want U.S.-made children's clothing, you will need to shop elsewhere.
Can I use a Carter's coupon at Target or Walmart?
No. Coupons issued by Carter's are valid only at Carter's stores and carters.com. Coupons from Target, Walmart, or other retailers cannot be used on Carter's products unless the retailer explicitly states the coupon applies to that brand. Check the coupon terms before attempting to use it.
What is the difference between Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh?
Both brands are owned by the same company, but they target slightly different markets. Carter's focuses on basics and everyday wear for infants and young children. OshKosh B'gosh emphasizes durability and outdoor-ready clothing, with a slightly higher price point and more denim and workwear-inspired styles. The return policy and rewards program are the same for both brands.
Do Carter's clothes shrink in the wash?
Carter's clothing is typically pre-shrunk, but some shrinkage can occur with hot water or high heat drying. Following the care label instructions — usually warm water and low heat — minimizes shrinkage. Cotton items shrink more than cotton-blend items. If you are concerned about fit, washing in cold water and air-drying is the safest approach.
How often does Carter's have sales?
Carter's runs sales almost constantly. You can expect a major sale event at least once per week, with clearance sections rotating regularly. Seasonal sales (end of summer, end of winter) offer deeper discounts. Signing up for email notifications tells you when sales start, so you do not have to check the website repeatedly.