The carefree, fun-loving lives of our little ones revolve around playtime, outdoor antics, birthday parties and endless discovery. So, they need an easy wardrobe of durable, go-to pieces to keep up!

However, they don’t need endless options; they just need the right ones! Building a practical kids’ wardrobe is all about getting the basics right with pieces that mix, match, layer and survive the chaos of childhood. From after-school playdates and weekend adventures to playground mayhem and cosy movie nights.

And if you have a mini fashionista at home, practicality is only half the story. Clothes need to be comfy, easy to wear and fun enough for them to actually choose themselves.

Target has grown up with Australian Families for one hundred years, helping parents find everything they need for their kids - and when it comes to kitting out the closet, the range is enough to make a grown-up jealous!

With Target’s commitment to top-quality baby and kids' basics that offer great value, your little one will be ready for anything.

The Must-Have Wardrobe Essentials Every Child Needs  

Starting out in Geelong, Victoria, in 1926 as a humble drapery store, Target set the foundations for a century of iconic Australian retail. As Target celebrates 100 years this September, its commitment remains exactly where families need it most: practical, premium products that are great value.  

For parents, that means a kids' clothing range packed with timeless everyday pieces, plus playful styles that reflect their blossoming personalities - and more stress-free mornings!

Let’s Start at the Top

A solid collection of tops and T-shirts is the backbone of any kids' wardrobe. They're the pieces that get worn, washed, worn again on repeat. For younger kids, that means building a core closet of tops and T-shirts that can be mixed and matched all day, every day.

For kids 1 - 8 years old, Target’s Girls Tops and T-shirts and Boys Tops and T-shirts span from everyday basics to bold stripes, playful prints and colourful designs. You’ll find sporty essentials for playtime, classic options for special occasions and matching top-and-bottom sets for an instantly put-together combo that makes getting out the door even easier!

There are also plenty of long-sleeve tops for layering when the weather gets cooler, plus Australian cotton options that we love for their softness, breathability and naturally hypoallergenic qualities.

And because choosing their own outfit can be a big confidence boost, the range is designed to make getting dressed independently that little bit more exciting, with Bluey sets, Disney favourites and Marvel characters in the mix.

Add Shorts and Skorts for Busy Little Legs

When it comes to bottoms for kids 1 - 8 years old, Girls Shorts and Skorts and Boys Shorts are the warm-weather workhorses they need - and robust versatility is everything.

Shorts are made for everyday adventures and need to handle running, climbing, jumping, sitting, crawling and whatever else happens between breakfast and bedtime. For girls, skorts are a handy addition, combining the look of a skirt with the practicality of shorts underneath.

The result is a wardrobe full of cute, practical and durable pieces that kids can actually move, play and get messy in - off the rack, they work for real life.

Swimwear Essentials for Aussie Kids 

For Aussie kids, swimwear isn't an occasional extra. It’s a wardrobe essential.

For beach days, swimming lessons, backyard sprinklers and summer holidays, Target's Kids Swimwear and Bathers collection is full of seasonal staples designed for active fun, covering the all-important pieces including swimsuits, surfsuits, rashies, boardshorts, jammers and hooded towels; everything kids need for fun in the sun and the water! Is there anything Aussie kids love more?

There’s plenty of exciting designs to choose from, with Disney and Marvel characters adding a little magic and superhero action, while Bluey swim sets are made for young fans who would quite happily spend the entire summer with Bingo and Bluey.

Target also has swim accessories including floaties, swim vests, goggles and swimming caps, making it easy to get everyone kitted out for the pool or beach all in one place.

Pyjamas That Make Bedtime More Fun 

If there’s one drawer that needs a few spares, it’s the pyjama drawer!

Breezy cotton styles keep things cool when it’s warm, while flannelette sets and cosy sherpa dressing gowns are perfect for nippy evenings and cuddly movie nights.

At bedtime, comfort really is key! Target’s coveted collection of top-quality Kids Pyjamas and Sleepwear makes bedtime a breeze with breathable fabrics, soft textures and dreamy designs that make getting kids to wind down that little bit easier. Plus, an extensive range of kids’ favourite characters makes it way more fun! Themed styles that brighten up the night include Disney, Bluey, Barbie, Minecraft, Hot Wheels, Pokémon, Paw Patrol and Minions.

For a Baby Wardrobe, Practicality Comes First  

Target’s Baby Clothing Collection has everything you need for your tiny but mighty little bundle of joy, with rompers, coveralls, T-shirts, leggings, dresses, sets, shoes and accessories.

We all know babies grow way too fast, so value and quality are paramount - easy one-pieces, versatile layers and comfortable sets can take you from newborn days through those first toddler adventures.

Between feeds, nappy changes, naps, spills and the occasional unexpected outfit incident, newborn apparel needs to be easy to put on and take off. Multipacks can also be a lifesaver, because when you have a baby, having a spare is less of a luxury and more of a survival strategy.

Few things are as useful in a baby's wardrobe as a good all-in-one. Target's Baby Coveralls and Rompers are designed for simple, hassle-free dressing, delivering minimal fuss and maximum cute factor.

The range includes the iconic Bonds Baby Zippy Wondersuits, as well as delightful all-in-ones featuring storybook favourites such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Guess How Much I Love You Organic Cotton Baby Zip Coverall.

Starter sets are also handy for building your baby’s wardrobe, with matching hats and bibs included, making them easy to grab on the go! For babies, it’s all about being comfortable, cosy and free to wriggle.

Growing Up in Style 

Before you know it, the tiny-person closet evolves into something much more trend-driven. Welcome to the tween and teen years.

Target's Girls Clothing and Boys Clothing for ages 7 to 16 is designed to help older kids express their personal style (and help parents keep up) - with the right essentials for weekend escapades, sporty days and relaxed downtime with friends.

The collections include oversized tees, timeless denim, comfy trackpants, bold prints, airy linen, funky flares and retro‑inspired crochet, alongside the coolest licensed looks like Super Mario, Hello Kitty and K‑Pop Demon Hunters.

Sporty kids will love brands like NBA, Fila and Lonsdale for an athletic edge, and the teen-approved footwear options range from cosy sheepskin scuffers to woven ballet flats.

It’s a wardrobe that lets older kids get creative and stay comfortable with practical essentials.

A Timeless Wardrobe That Works

The secret to a great kids' wardrobe is having versatile pieces that work together, suit your child's lifestyle and can survive whatever the day throws at them. And it needs to be comfortable, practical, well-designed, and good value. These are the clothes children actually live in!

From a baby’s first onesie to a tween’s latest favourite tee, Target makes it easier to build a wardrobe that keeps up with growing kids, changing seasons and all the fun times in between.  

Discover Target’s collection of everyday essentials in store and online for a kids' wardrobe that works for every chapter of childhood.  

Shop Now at Target. 

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is written by parents, for parents. Our editors are the same people doing the school runs, planning the weekend activities, and trying to stretch the family budget without compromising on the good stuff. We cut through the noise to bring you the best deals, products, activities and finds for Australian families — the stuff that makes everyday family life a little easier, a little more fun, and a lot less expensive.

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