The quality of the shirts is excellent, they don't shrink much when washed/dried. Ideal for school uniforms. I happened to buy a size up because my daughters are a chunky 9 and usually 10-13 fit her tummy perfectly after a wash or two, but these shirts don't shrink lol - that backfired. I'm not mad, the quality is great, the colors don't run and they are very soft. They will be great next year haha. But very true to size. If your child is 8 years old, buy an 8. It's a generous fabric even if he still has some baby fat.