How to get Toddler to Wear Clothes

Why Is My Toddler Always Naked???

If you've ever found yourself chasing a half-naked toddler around the house with a shirt in one hand and pajama pants in the other - you're not alone. Many toddlers go through a "no clothes" phase. It's a combination of gaining independence, exploring boundaries, and, sometimes, just preferring the freedom of going au naturel.

But while it's developmentally normal, it can still be frustrating - especially when you’re trying to leave the house, get to daycare, or snap just one nice photo!

Make Clothes Comfortable & Easy

First things first: make sure the clothes you’re offering are actually comfortable. Tags, tight waistbands, itchy seams, or stiff fabrics are instant no-go’s for sensory-sensitive kids. Toddlers are more likely to resist outfits that are difficult to put on, so prioritize soft, stretchy, tagless items with easy zippers or pull-on styles.

If your toddler is in between sizes, clothes might feel tight without looking it — which is why finding the right fit is key. That’s one of the reasons we hand-pack bundles at Next Size Up to match your child’s real measurements, not just their age.

Give Them Choices

Toddlers love to feel like they're in charge and giving them small, guided choices can work wonders. Try offering two outfit options and letting them pick one. Even better? Make it part of their routine:
“Let’s get dressed so we can go outside!” or “You pick the shirt, and I’ll help with pants!”

Make it fun, use favorite colors or characters when possible, and give lots of praise when they make progress. You can also use visual timers or dressing charts if you’re battling the same struggle every morning.

Normalize the Experience (and Laugh Through It)

Every parent has a story of a naked toddler refusing pants in the middle of winter. (For me, my son would constantly ask to get naked at his sister’s bus stop because “mom, it would be so funny!”) The important thing is to approach it with patience and humor as best you can, and find clothes that truly feel good to your little one. Dressing should feel like self-expression, and less like a power struggle.

Need help building a toddler-friendly wardrobe that’s comfortable, soft, and easy to love? Our bundles are designed for busy families and real kids - even the ones who’d rather be streaking through the living room.