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A clever winter clothing tip is heating up social media just as temperatures drop. Instagram creator @sarahstaysathome has gone viral after showcasing a simple way to extend the life of kids’ winter jackets and snow pants, helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing warmth.
Posted on November 12, the short video highlights a built-in “outgrow” feature found in many children’s cold-weather pieces — a detail that, when unlocked, can add extra length to sleeves and pant legs as kids grow.
“PSA to all kid parents out there,” Sarah says in the clip. “Make sure you are checking your kids’ winter gear for the outgrow feature. I know specifically Columbia does it in all of their kids’ stuff, but there’s a lot of other brands who do it too, so make sure you’re checking when you’re shopping, or before you buy new the next season.”
The video demonstrates how to use a small seam ripper to remove the interior stitching that temporarily shortens the garment. “I am working on extending out my daughter’s arms on her coat and legs on her pants because they are too short here, but they still fit in like the body length,” she explains. “It’s just this little seam on the inside of the arms and it extends out. You just take a little seam ripper… pop the stitches and then it’ll extend like another inch.”
Sarah shows the instant before-and-after: one sleeve extended, one not, with matching results on snow pants. “Literally saves me every year so that I don’t have to buy new stuff,” she adds. “I can get like two years out of it versus having to buy every single year.”
The creator says the feature is now a shopping non-negotiable. “I’m always sticking my hand up the sleeve to feel for that little seam because I want to make sure I get as much use out of that stuff as possible. They just grow so fast.” In her caption, she noted the tip “blew up on TikTok,” urging parents to check current gear before buying new and shouting out @columbia1938 as a family favorite.
How The Simple “Outgrow” Trick Works
Many children’s winter coats and snow pants are designed with a hidden growth accommodation: extra fabric is tucked inside the sleeve or leg and held in place by stitches that can be safely removed. Brands often label this as an “outgrow,” “grow,” or “extendable” feature, sometimes highlighting it on product tags or in online descriptions.
In practice, the process is straightforward. Carefully locate the interior seam or contrasting thread inside the cuff or pant leg, then use a seam ripper (or small scissors, with caution) to clip those stitches. Releasing that line frees up additional length — typically around an inch — without altering the body fit, insulation, or weatherproofing of the garment.
As with any DIY adjustment, patience and care matter. Work slowly, avoid cutting the lining or insulation, and check for any loose threads once the stitches are removed. Some pieces include instructions sewn into the lining; if present, follow the manufacturer’s guidance to ensure you’re extending the right seam.
Why The Tip Is Resonating With Parents
Winter gear is a costly line item — and kids outgrow sleeves and pant legs long before a coat’s core fit becomes snug. By unlocking those extra inches, families can often get another season out of jackets and snow pants that otherwise still fit. That means fewer last-minute purchases and a bit of relief during a notoriously expensive time of year.
The timing also helps explain the clip’s reach. With the first wave of cold weather prompting closet clean-outs and gear checks, many parents are discovering sleeves that suddenly sit above the wrist or pant hems that ride up the boot. A quick fix that’s already built into the garment — and doesn’t compromise warmth — is a compelling solution.
Sarah’s post, which she says took off on TikTok before gaining traction on Instagram, also spotlights a feature some families may not realize they already have. For anyone who’s bought kids’ outerwear from brands that tout “grow-with-me” design, the functionality might be waiting inside the cuff right now.
Brands To Check & What To Look For
While Sarah name-checks Columbia as a go-to for the outgrow functionality, she adds that “a lot of other brands” offer similar features. The exact terminology varies — look for phrases like “extendable sleeves,” “grow cuffs,” or “outgrow system” on product pages, tags, or in-store signage.
To spot it on existing gear, turn the sleeve or pant leg inside out and look along the lining for a conspicuous stitching line or contrasting thread that appears to be tacking down extra fabric. You may also find a small icon or note printed on the lining explaining the extension. If shopping new, ask an associate or check the care label and hangtag for a growth feature callout.
Parents picking up secondhand gear should still do a quick check — lots of gently used jackets and snow pants with extendable seams can be found on resale racks, which adds more value to an already budget-friendly route.
Once extended, give the cuffs a quick look to ensure nothing catches and that the lining is smooth. Then follow the garment’s care instructions as usual; the adjustment should not change waterproofing or insulation performance.
The Bottom Line
Sarah’s viral PSA is a timely reminder that some of the best winter “hacks” are built right into the clothes. With a seam ripper and a few careful snips, parents can unlock extra length in kids’ coats and snow pants, keeping gear in the rotation longer and cutting down on waste.
Before adding new jackets to the cart this season, check the sleeves and pant legs you already own. If that hidden seam is there, a minute of work could mean a warmer winter — and money saved.
