There is no magic to make boys’ clothes last forever. Buying clothes for our boys is fun even though sometimes it seems as if you are always buying new clothes. Whether your boy is going through a growth sprout as they always do or is very active on the playing field which causes them to destroy their clothes, boys always need lots of clothes, and with so many options and styles available, shopping for them can be overwhelming. However, if you pay attention to the quality, and the appropriate style and keep an eye open for deals, buying their clothes can be a breeze. keeping their closets stocked can be very costly and can cut deep into the family’s budget. Thankfully there are ways we can buy boys’ clothes that last longer.
Type Of Fabrics
The fabrics for boys’ clothes should be of high quality. Boys are very active, much more than girls are and so they need clothes that are extra durable, especially for everyday wear. These do not have to be expensive, because it is expensive does not indicate that it is of good quality fabrics. Examine each piece of clothing to determine the fabric’s quality. Where possible feel the fabric to make sure it feels durable. Boys’ clothes should not get damaged by everyday activities like playing ball. You would also want to choose good quality fabrics for school clothes as those will be worn a lot and so you would want them to last long. Investing in good quality school clothes will save the time and money of buying more school clothes during the school year. Also because boys perspire a lot while playing it is best to choose play clothes made of cotton, as it is the best material for perspiration. In addition, cotton is breathable and soft and it will not irritate the skin. Fleece material will also work well in a colder climate.
Choosing Wisely
When choosing your boy’s clothes make sure they have input. See what they like. Although the final decision is yours, buying clothes that they love is a sure sign that they will be happy wearing them. It will also make the process of getting dressed faster. Here are also some points to consider when choosing:
(1) Boys are naturally messy. Buy dark-colored clothes which will hide a little soil or stain and is also easy to care for. Boys’ clothes should be practical and easy to maintain.
(2) Buy clothes that the fabrics are soft. Boys will not want to wear clothes that are rough and itching. Check to make sure the seams are stitched in place as unfinished seams tend to be itchy.
(3) Pay attention to sizes. Their clothes should be comfortable. They should not be tight or over big. If you are not sure of the size, if shopping in a traditional store, you can take your boy with you so he can try the clothes, if not you can take a size up or down. Many retail stores offer a husky size for boys, you can consider trying those, or you can choose especially shorts made from stretchy material or those with adjustable waste which can be tighter or loose. Also, be sure to check the return policy for the clothing.
(4) Buy clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Boys are almost always short on time to get dressed.
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Make Them Last
Nothing last forever, and that includes boys’ clothes. So let us be practical and real. We want them to last as long as possible. Here is a list of ways we can try to lengthen their days:
(1) When you are not sure where to start buying, start with the basics, like T-shirts, plain shorts, jeans, and sweater, making sure there is not a lot of patterns on the sweaters. These you can mix and match and they can be worn over and over again. Styles are changing fast so these basic pieces can outlast some of the trending ones.
(2) Shop out of season. Buy summer clothes during fall and winter clothes during spring. This will not only save time but money. This is also the time to buy clothes a size up, so they can last at least two seasons. Remember you boy is still growing.
(3) Buy pants that are a bit longer and have an adjustable waist. You can hem the foot of the pants and as he grows you can adjust the waist accordingly and loosen the stitches on the hem so it will still fit.
(4) Compare prices before you buy. To get the best deals you will have to see how the prices compare. Check the stores’ prices with the online prices. Also, check for buy/get offers and what is on clearance. Everything on clearance is discounted and you may see something that you like. Try not to buy clothes that are very expensive and that are more likely to get torn or stained as your boys play,
What to Avoid
In our effort to make clothing purchases as economical, as possible, there are a few things we should try and avoid:
(1) Appliques, sparkles, and embellishments. These look very pretty but may cause irritation to the skin. Also, the glitter and sparkles on your boys’ shirt may look really cute, but it will be the first thing to fall apart and break down during washing, especially in the machine. Look instead for embroidered designs or designs where different pieces of fabric join together for a unique look. You can also consider using iron-on patches.
(2) If you have a couple of outfits or a few pieces of clothes that your boy refuses to wear, avoid leaving them hanging in the back of the closet forever. Try a little DIY and turn them into his favorites, for example, turn a sweater into a vest or a pair of pants into shorts.
(3) Avoid wearing newly purchase clothes before they are washed. The dyes could cause them to develop allergic contact dermatitis.
Conclusion
Realizing that there is no way we can get boys’ clothes to last forever. They are growing faster than we can buy. However by selecting good quality fabrics, making some wise choices in regard to the type of clothing. We can be practical and find ways to extend the life of the clothes. There are also some things we have to avoid when buying clothes. With these tips, we can safely say we are expecting at least an extra season or two out of these clothes.
If you have any questions or comments or have an idea you would like to share, please leave them in the comments below.