| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Carter’s, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-31829 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-3912933 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Phipps Tower |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 3438 Peachtree Road NE |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 1800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30326 |
| City Area Code | 678 |
| Local Phone Number | 791-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CRI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001060822 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
