Tips for Shopping for Growing Boys
There’s no doubt about it — boys grow out of clothes quickly. Make the most of your boys’ clothes with a little planning and some creativity. Here, we’ll discuss classic wardrobe essentials for boys of all ages, along with ways to put together different outfits. With a few basic pieces, you can upgrade your child’s wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Wardrobe Staples for Boys
There are some apparel items that every boy should have in his closet, such as one or more pairs of jeans. Boys' jeans come in sizes including slim, regular, and husky. There are jeans with stretch for comfort, along with jeans that have reinforced knees to prevent holes from wear and tear. The great thing about jeans is that your child can wear them with all kinds of shirts, including pullovers and collared shirts.
Another type of pant that’s good for boys of all sizes is the khaki chino. They come in flat front styles for casual and dressy occasions, along with elastic waist styles that provide all-day comfort. Cargo pants are a versatile choice for boys of every age; they have multiple pockets for carrying small items. Many of the cargo pants for boys are enhanced with IronKnee® to prevent wear and tear. You may want to choose a pair with a small percentage of spandex, so your child can bend, run, and jump comfortably.
Shorts are another item that growing boys need. For the most wear, choose shorts with an elastic waistband. There are plenty of styles from which to choose, including roomy mesh gym shorts. They can be worn with your child’s favorite T-shirts for an outfit that’s great for gym class or outdoor play. Boys' swim trunks are another must-have, especially for summer. Much of today’s swimwear is enhanced with UPF 50, which provides additional protection against UV rays.
When it comes to shirts, every boy needs an Oxford button-down in his apparel collection. These dress shirts come in classic colors like white and blue, and they go with multiple types of pants including jeans and slacks. T-shirts are another wardrobe essential for boys, and they come in all kinds of solid colors and prints. There are graphic tees for a laid-back look, which can be layered underneath a poplin button-down in a vibrant plaid print.
Mixing and Matching Outfits
One way to stretch your son’s wardrobe is by creating different outfits from a few essential pieces. For example, a pair of jeans in a dark wash can be worn with all kinds of different shirts. In the summer, you can pair them with a tank or T-shirt; in fall or winter, they go well with long-sleeve shirts and sweaters. The same goes for boys' pants such as chinos — your child can wear these versatile pant styles year-round.
It’s easy to create lots of outfits when you choose pieces in classic colors. As mentioned, dark wash jeans are always a stylish option. Khaki is another color that goes with virtually any other colors. You can dress your child in khaki pants with a red, orange, or blue top for a touch of vibrant color. Or, you can opt for shirts in a neutral tone like white, gray, or black. Experiment with different apparel color combinations to see what works best for you and your child.
Shoes for All Occasions
When it comes to footwear, look for shoes that your child can wear for most occasions. Kids’ feet tend to grow quickly, so they may not have a pair of shoes very long before needing to go up a size. Start with a pair of athletic shoes with a cushioned footbed and foot support for school and play, which can be worn with pants and shorts for boys. You may also want to have a pair of slip-on loafers for dressier occasions. Slip-on shoes are a good option for kids because they’re easy to put on and take off, and they’re usually equipped with padding and other comfort features for comfortable wear.
Sandals are another type of shoe that boys can wear with various outfits. They only go with swim trunks but also cargo shorts and chino shorts. Boys can even wear sandals or slides with jeans and cargo pants. The most important thing when choosing boys' shoes is comfort and support, followed by your child’s style preferences. With so many footwear options available, it’s easy to find shoes that both you and your son can appreciate.
A Word About Easy-Care Fabrics
When shopping for boys' sweatshirts, tees and pants, you’ll find no shortage of apparel options. One thing that you’ll likely want is kids’ clothing made from machine-washable fabric, such as cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. In addition to being machine washable, you may want to look for apparel with a wrinkle-resistant finish. Some fabrics maintain a smooth texture for up to 50 washes. There are also boys’ clothes treated with a stain-resistant finish to keep them looking fresh and new for longer.