Children's Tallit and Kids Tzitzit Guide: Sizes by Age
A children's tallit is a smaller prayer shawl sized for a child, so he can join the prayers and grow into the mitzvah. Many families also start with kids tzitzit (a tallit katan) for everyday wear. Choose by custom, fabric and size, and pick the larger size if your child is in between.
When do children wear a tallit?
Customs differ widely. In many Sephardi and some Ashkenazi communities, boys wear a tallit gadol in synagogue from a young age. In many other Ashkenazi communities, a man begins wearing a tallit gadol after marriage, while boys wear a tallit katan every day. Follow your family's custom or ask your rabbi.
Children's tallit or kids tzitzit?
| Children's tallit | Kids tzitzit (tallit katan) | |
|---|---|---|
| When | During prayers | All day, under or over the shirt |
| Styles | Acrylic Tashbetz shawl or narrower tallit scarf | T-shirt or classic, cotton, mesh or Dri-Fit |
| Sizing | By width and length (see each product) | By age, US sizes 1 to 7 |
| Care | Machine wash in a mesh bag | Machine wash in a mesh bag |
Kids tzitzit sizes by age
This chart is for our cotton kids tzitzit (sleeveless). Measurements are in inches, laid flat.
| US size | Approx. age | Chest width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1–2 years | 10.2" | 13.0" |
| 2 | 3–4 years | 11.4" | 14.2" |
| 3 | 5–6 years | 12.6" | 15.4" |
| 4 | 7–8 years | 13.8" | 16.5" |
| 5 | 9–10 years | 15.0" | 17.3" |
| 6 | 11–12 years | 16.1" | 18.1" |
| 7 | 13–14 years | 17.7" | 20.9" |
For a children's tallit, compare the dimensions on the product page (for example 27.5" x 51") with your child's height. It should rest comfortably on the shoulders without dragging on the floor.
Which tying custom?
Children's tzitzit are tied in the same customs as adults': Ashkenazi, Sephardi or Chabad. Choose the custom your family follows.
Tips for parents
- Pick an easy-care fabric. Acrylic tallits and cotton or Dri-Fit tzitzit go straight into the washing machine in a mesh bag.
- Think about the day. For active kids, a Dri-Fit tzitzit shirt stays cool at school and at play.
- Keep spares. Multipacks save money and make sure a clean pair is always ready.
Shop for kids
Frequently asked questions
Is a children's tallit kosher?
Yes. Our children's tallits and kids tzitzit are tied under rabbinic supervision, and each product page lists the maker and the string type.
Is a children's tallit a good Bar Mitzvah gift?
For a Bar Mitzvah, most families choose a full-size wool tallit. See our tallit size chart to choose the right size.
What size kids tzitzit for a 5 year old?
For our cotton kids tzitzit, size 3 fits about 5–6 years (chest 12.6", length 15.4"). If your child is tall for his age, choose size 4.
How fast will it arrive?
Orders ship the same business day from our US warehouse, and US shipping is free over $85.
Everything for young boys
Children's tallit, kids tzitzit and multipacks, tied in every custom.
Shop kids