The Best American Girl Doll Clothes

Buying Guide

Introduced in 1986, the American Girl flagship line originally featured three 18-inch dolls, Kirsten, Samantha and Molly — each of which is paired with a unique story of their own and a corresponding series of books. Since then, the brand has expanded to include over a dozen dolls inspired by different time periods in history, from the pre-Civil War era to the Great Depression. Their stories span over 200 years and are accompanied by accessories that are meant to teach girls age 8 and up about United States history and the role of women and girls in shaping the nation.

In 1995, American Girl launched a contemporary 18-inch doll line that encourages girls to express themselves (now called Truly Me), and in 2001, it introduced Girl of the Year, which boasts dolls that have a diverse range of personalities and backgrounds to inspire youngsters to expand their worldviews and practice acceptance.

Whether your little one has a historical or modern American Girl doll, each one deserves a killer wardrobe. While the company has its own expansive line of doll clothing and accessories, other manufacturers offer products that are often more affordable and just as fashionable. Better yet, there are tons of clothing sets available — which come with multiple high-quality outfits and accessories — making it easy for your child to mix-and-match their own styles and ensure their doll is dressed for every occasion.

• Eighteen-inch dolls are not included in the clothing sets.
• Don’t clean your American Girl doll clothes in the washer and dryer, as they are more delicate than human clothes. Instead, gently handwash the clothing in the sink using a mild soap, pat the fabric dry with a towel and lay them out to dry (avoid wringing them out, which may cause damage).
• American Girl dolls clothes and accessories are made for children ages 8 and older. Some of the features could be a choking hazard for younger children.
• Is your American Girl doll’s hair a mess? Don’t fret: Many American Girl Doll retail stores have salons, where kids can choose a new hairdo for their doll and have other spa services performed, including ear piercing and stick-on manicures.