Essential Pieces of Clothing
Kids’ clothes are an ever-changing landscape, but there are certain pieces that every child needs in their wardrobe for any season. From playtime to school days, and summer to winter, these 10 essential pieces of clothing will ensure your kids are stylish, comfortable and ready for whatever life throws their way. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, a dressy shirt for special occasions, or an all-weather coat, this list of must-haves will help keep your little ones looking their best and feeling confident no matter the situation. With these key pieces, you’ll be sure to keep your kids feeling their best and ready to take on any challenge.
1. Jeans
There are so many kinds of jeans, and there are more kinds of denim than ever before. It can be hard to know what type to get, but most kids can wear the same types of jeans that adults wear.
- Look for jeans made of sturdy denim, preferably 100% cotton denim, or a cotton/poly blend. Lightweight jeans and stretch jeans are much less durable and are best for casual wear or kids who are very small.
- The waist of the jeans should be slightly higher than the natural waist, so it covers the waistband of a kid’s underwear. This helps prevent the underwear from showing outside the jeans.
- The rise of the jeans should be low-rise, or below the natural waist.
- The inseam should be at least 30 inches.
- Try to avoid real-stretch denim, as this can get baggy and saggy over time.
2. T-shirts
T-shirts are a great choice for school uniforms, play clothes and daily wear. A good quality, well-fitted t-shirt will last for years and can be worn with jeans, shorts, leggings or even a skirt.
- Natural fibers such as cotton or linen will give you the best value for money. Viscose, rayon and synthetic materials may be less expensive, but they tend to pill, or form little balls on the surface of the fabric, quicker.
- Get kids’ t-shirts in the same size as you would get them in a sweater. Kids’ bodies are proportionally different from adults, so they don’t wear the same size as adults.
- Look for t-shirts with a soft, brushed surface. These shirts will feel soft against your child’s skin, will breathe easily, and will last longer than a stiff, scratchy shirt.
3. Sweater
Sweaters are a wardrobe staple, whether your child wears a uniform to school or is free to dress as she pleases. A good wool sweater will keep your child warm and toasty on the coldest of days.
- Try to get a sweater made from a wool blend. Pure wool sweaters are great, but they are very heavy and can be too warm on a mild day.
- The best sweaters are made of a wool/nylon blend. These sweaters will be warm and very durable, but not too heavy.
- The fit of the sweater is as important as the type of fabric. You want the sweater to be roomy enough that it covers the body completely. This will help keep your child warm and it will also last longer.
4. Dressy shirt
Dressy shirts are important for a few special occasions each year, like family photos and school plays. Newer fabrics are more durable and wrinkle-resistant, but look for shirts that still have an interlining in the fabric. Interlining makes the shirts more structured and less likely to wrinkle.
- Look for a shirt that is made from a durable fabric like cotton, linen or polyester. It’s nice if the shirt is washable, but most important is that it be durable and wrinkle-resistant.
- Longer shirts that go past the waist are more likely to be wrinkle-free. Shorter shirts tend to wrinkle more at the waistline.
5. Jacket
A jacket is not only a great layering piece, but also a really important piece of kids’ clothing. It’s the piece that protects their upper body from the elements, and it needs to be durable enough to last for years.
- Look for a jacket made of a water-resistant fabric, like an all-weather fabric. This is the most important feature in a jacket.
- Choose a jacket that is warm enough for your climate, but not so warm that it will make your child sweat.
- A jacket with patches of fabric that can be removed can be machine-washed, which is nice for kids who get really dirty.
6. Shoes
Shoes that your child can walk, run and play in are the best investment you can make. Well-made shoes will last for years, and replacing them less often will also save you money.
- Get shoes that are made from real leather (not man-made materials). The best shoes are made from full-grain leather, which is the strongest and most durable type of leather.
- Remember that the shoes should be wide enough that your child’s toes aren’t squished or scrunched up. The best way to check this is to see if the child’s toes just barely touch the end of the shoe.
7. Shorts
Shorts are a great option for warm days, whether at the park or on the playground. Look for shorts that have an elastic waist and pockets for easy on-and-off and for stashing a few treasures.
- Look for shorts that have an elastic waistband. These are easy to pull on and off, and they are comfortable. Pockets are another great feature, especially for very young kids.
- Make sure the shorts are long enough to cover your child’s knees when they bend down. If they’re too short, they’re likely to ride up when your child is standing or walking.
8. Leggings
Leggings are great for layering or wearing alone. They are made from a variety of fabrics such as cotton, spandex or wool, and in many different colours.
- Leggings are best when made from a thicker fabric such as cotton or wool. The spandex types are great for yoga, but they aren’t as warm.
- Look for leggings made from a fabric blend like cotton/spandex or wool/spandex. These fabrics provide the best of both worlds.
- Patterned leggings look great for playtime or for casual wear. Solid colours are best for layering, especially in cooler weather.
9. Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit has many of the same features as leggings, but it closes at the back with buttons or snaps, so it’s easy to get on and off.
- Look for a jumpsuit that is made of a heavier fabric, like cotton or wool. These are the most durable and will stand up to many wearings and washings.
- A jumpsuit that has a snug fit will be easier to get on and off, and it will be warmer, too. Looser-fitting jumpsuits are better for cooler weather.
10. All-weather coat
The biggest mistake parents make when shopping for a coat is buying one that is too warm. A warm coat is great in winter, but it is too heavy and bulky for other seasons.
- Choose a coat that is made from water-resistant fabric. A coat like this will protect your child from the elements and will stand up to many wearings and washings.
- Look for a coat that has a removable liner, so you can remove it when it’s not very cold. A removable liner is also a good idea if you live in a climate that gets colder or warmer at different times of the year.
Conclusion
Kids’ clothes are an ever-changing landscape, but there are certain pieces that every child needs in their wardrobe for any season. From playtime to school days, and summer to winter, these 10 essential pieces of clothing will ensure your kids are stylish, comfortable, and ready for whatever life throws their way. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, a dressy shirt for special occasions or an all-weather coat, this list of must-haves will help keep your little ones looking their best and feeling confident no matter the situation. With these key pieces, you’ll be sure to keep your kids feeling their best and ready to take on any challenge.