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Shopping for children’s clothes
Children outgrow their clothes very quickly,
so it may seem as if your children’s clothing is either too big or
too small most of the time. Besides that, everything seems to cost more,
each time you go to the store.Young children get tired of shopping for
clothes very quickly, but if you plan ahead it may be more enjoyable.
Give thought to your child’s preferences and real clothing needs
before you go to the store.
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Managing the money for clothes
Children don’t need a lot of clothes
in any one size, because their size is always changing. If home laundry
equipment is readily available, a practical approach is to have a pair
of jeans to wear, one to wash, and one extra as back up in a size that
fits. You can save money on children’s clothing in these ways.
- Buy a few garments that will serve many
purposes. For example, a red knit t-shirt could be worn with a white
skirt or shorts, a plaid jumper, charcoal pants, or blue jeans.If it
outlasts your first child, your second can wear it, too!
- Bright clear colors (red, yellow, blue,green,
purple, orange) are worn by both boys and girls. (Pastels may not appeal
toboys.)
- Both girls and boys can wear boys’t-shirts—they
usually cost less than girls’t-shirts.
- Put your money into items worn most—coats
and shoes.
- Take advantage of sales only if the item
isreally needed.
- Garage sale clothes are really preshrunk
and won’t change size with washing.
- Accept hand-me-downs; perhaps perk them
up with new decorative iron-on trim.
- School-age children may enjoy clothing
as gifts, especially if it has the latest cartoon character, etc.
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Features that allow for growth
Certain styles can be worn longer as a child
isgrowing. Look for:
- separates to mix and match;
- tops with raglan, kimono, or no sleeves;
- garments with no waistline;
- adjustable shoulder straps with buttons
at two or three lengths;
- back-waist elastic in skirts or pants;
- stretch-woven fabrics and knits;
- tunic style tops (when in fashion);
- cuffs that can be turned down; and
- hems wide enough to be adjusted on skirts
or dresses. Avoid buying clothing that is too large. For example, the
winter season may be ended before your child grows into the item, and
then it might be too small for the next winter. Also, it might fade,
rip, or get worn out before it fits.
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Children’s clothing sizes
- Infant and baby sizes are indicated by
months that correspond tolength and weight measurements.
- Toddler garments, sizes 1 to 4T are cut
fuller to cover a diaper andallow for “baby fat.”
- Children’s sizes, 2 to 6X, are for
the child that is growing taller andslimmer.
- Girl’s sizes, for the undeveloped
figure, range from 7 to 14 and maybe regular, slim, or chubby.
- For developing figures, pre-teen or
juniorsizes are available.
- Boy’s sizes range from 6 to 20 and
may come in slim, regular, orhusky.Features that foster comfort
- Children’s constant on-the-go behavior
is necessary for their healthy growth and development.
Clothes should not get in the way
Look for clothing that:
- fits without bagging or binding;
- does not bind at the neck or armholes;
- has adequate fullness in the seat (espe-cially
if still using diapers);
- has adequate body length, if one piecesuch
as coveralls or sleepers;
- is soft rather than harsh or scratchy;•
is absorbent, but dries quickly;
- is light weight and not excessively bulky;and
- has elastic loose enough to not leavemarks
and block blood flow.
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Features that promote safety
Your child’s safety should be a number
one concern. Children's clothing can help keep your childsafe. Children have been
injured when their clothing caught in the school bus door so they were
dragged along.
Look for:
- coats, outerwear, and shoes with reflective
tape or trim for late evening and night-time visibility;
- light or bright colors when outer wear
is not worn;
- clothing that fits—so it doesn’t
cause children to trip and fall or get hung up,—so it doesn’t
restrict movement, (for example, pants that are too long in the crotch
may prevent normal walking and running);
- clothes without long draw-strings, sashes,
or ties that could get caught;
- long pants with reinforced knees to prevent
scrapes;
- separate rain hats or hoods that turn
when the head does;
- flat pockets rather than ones that poke
out to catch on doors, knobs, and so on;
- water-repellent rain gear;
- avoid sleeves that are too big and loose;
- avoid thin, airy cotton fabrics that
float onair and could catch fire easily; and
- avoid fishnet or thin fabrics that could
allow sunburn.
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Features that foster independence
By age two, children may want to help dressthemselves.
You can help by selecting children's clothing with self-help features:
- simple styles without complicated openings
and fastenings;
- ample room (not too tight);
- pull on pants with elastic waist (not
too tight);
- front openings;
- front and back are easy to tell apart;
- neck openings that stretch or open to
go over the head easily;
- stretch fabrics such as jersey knits;
- large buttons, snaps, or zipper pulls;
and
- coats with attached hoods that won’t
get lost.
Finding the right size clothes
It is always a good idea to have the child
try on the clothing before you buy it. Fit varies between brands and may
vary among styles within the same brand, because designers view their
styles and appropriate fit differently.
Although children’s sizes may sound
like their age, a child’s size 1 may or may not fit your1-year-old
child.
Children’s clothing is purchased by
size, not age, but you may have to try clothes on your child to find the
right size
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