Finding Your Kid’s Back to School Wardrobe

As the summer turns to fall it is important to consider exactly what you need to do to get ready for the coming school year. Children grow quickly, so they will likely need to update their wardrobe before they are ready for their first day.

While it is easy to go overboard when shopping for your children, particularly with older kids who often want everything they see in the store, you need to make sure you really consider exactly what they need. It is best to get enough outfits for a full week, since you will likely be too busy to do laundry every day, with pieces that can be alternated and mixed and matched. This gives your child plenty of options to choose from each day. Once you look at what they need, you should consider what they have.

Every shopping trip should begin with a trip to your child's closet. Make sure you know what items still fit them, as well as what things they have outgrown or worn out. Your children should have kids clothes that fit properly. While it is important to find ways to save money, and it can be tempting to buy clothes that are a little big so that they can last longer, it isn't a good idea. Clothes that are too big will not be comfortable, and aren't safe for children who have a tendency to run and play. Loose clothes can become caught on things. In addition, they don't look right and will not give the impression you or your children are looking for.

Comfort is another important factor when you should consider when doing your back to school shopping. While style is important, if clothing isn't comfortable it will not be worn. Make sure your child is comfortable in the fabric and cut they are getting. Certain fabrics, such as wool, often cause skin reactions. Cotton is always a safe bet, however, as is fleece. Denim is another material that most people are comfortable with. Have your child try on all the options first and move around in them before deciding what to get. 

You also need to make sure that the clothing is something that you and they are comfortable in. Unless your school has a uniform, clothing is one way for your child to show their individual personality. They need to find style and design they like. However it is important that you are comfortable with it as well. While it an be hard to find a compromise, particularly as your child gets older, it is much easier to find the compromise while doing your back to school shopping rather than when they are actually getting ready for the school day.