Buying Kids' Clothing

Buying kids’ clothing is a never-ending process. If kids don’t wear them out, they constantly outgrow their clothes. Many a parent has expressed dismay over the worn-once or never-worn dressy outfit that is now too small. With luck there is another child in the family ready to accept these like-new hand-me-downs. Whatever the family structure, buying kids’ clothing takes up considerable time effort.

Options in Buying Kids' Clothing

Keeping in mind children wear their clothes for only a few months, parents (and grandparents) do have some affordable options. With younger children, parents are pretty much in control of the clothes-buying and selection process. As kids get older, social pressures, brand labels, and other external issues come into play. Nonetheless, parents hold the purse strings and are the final decision makers when it comes to the purchase of children’s clothing.

Sources for kids’ clothes range from new clothes at department stores, discount stores, online stores, warehouse stores, and outlet stores; or secondhand at online auctions, consignment stores, and thrift shops. Each source has its advantages and disadvantages.

Buy New or Used?

When and Where to Buy Used

Everyone, including young children, loves new clothes, but new clothes almost always cost more than used. An unfortunate fact of life is that the supply of used clothing in good condition for girls exceeds that for boys. Boys generally wear out clothes sooner than girls, although there are always exceptions.

Buying kids’ clothing used makes especially good sense if the family budget is tight. Consider buying second-hand play clothes, where a few signs of wear and tear are insignificant, or dressy and special occasion clothes, which may be worn only once or twice.

Find good pre-worn play clothes at thrift stores like those run by Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Deseret Industries or at local consignment stores. Also check consignment stores for special occasion outfits that have been worn just a few times. On-line auction sites, like e-Bay, Kidswap and Yahoo Auctions, are also good sources for dressy outfits, especially for girls’ dresses. Search these sites with the name of the desired item (dress, jacket, jeans, etc.), plus the sex of the child and the size needed.

When and Where to Buy New

Buying kids' clothing new and at full price generally provides the largest selection of sizes and styles. Savvy parents know, though, that careful shopping can provide kids clothes at bargain prices without sacrificing too much in the way of choice. Besides high end department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales and moderately-priced department stores like JCPenney, Mervyns and Kohls, discount chains like Target, Walmart, and K-Mart offer large lines of children’s clothing. Target, in particular, provides good quality and up-to-date styles for low prices. Sales at boutique stores like Baby Gap,GapKids, Gymboree, and Baby Style provide unique items at reasonable prices. Get to know the staff at these stores to find out what days new clearance and sale items are likely to be put out for sale. Walmart and K-Mart are good sources of inexpensive clothing with licensed characters, such as those from Disney, Sesame Street, and other popular kids’ shows. Outlet stores are also good sources of kids’ clothing. Carters not only has outlet stores in outlet malls, but in other malls as well.

Special Considerations for Buying Kids’ Clothing

Fit

Although kids’ sizes are supposed to be consistent, it is highly advisable to have a child try on clothes whenever possible because sizes can vary widely. Also, designations like “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large” can represent different size ranges from different manufacturers. Getting to know a specific manufacturer or clothing line is helpful, because sizes are likely to be consistent from a specific manufacturer or retailer. If it is not possible to have the child try on the clothing at the store, make sure you understand a store’s return policies in case the clothing does not fit correctly when you get it home. While fit is not too important in underwear, pajamas, and t-shirts, it is essential for items like jeans and slacks. Note too that children’s bodies change and re-proportion as they grow, especially as they transition from toddlers to preschoolers and from big kids to pre-teens.

“Buying big” is a strategy that works for parents, but children are likely to be uncomfortable in clothing that is overly loose or long. A little bit of growing room is a good idea, but clothing that is overly large simply looks and is uncomfortable.

Durability and Washability

When buying clothing for children, keep in mind that their clothes are subjected to dirt, stains, and stress. Play clothes should be made of sturdy fabrics like denim, twill, and t-shirt knits that will resist tearing and give as a child plays and climbs. They should also be washable and require little special care when laundered. Ideally, play clothes won’t need to be ironed.

Dressy clothes can be made of more fragile fabrics, but depending on the child, they may still be subjected to considerable stress. Party clothes are just as likely to collect food stains as are play clothes. Party clothes that have to be dry cleaned have a negative impact on one’s wallet. Consider replacing dry-cleanable velvets with washable velour, rayon or silk satin with a washable synthetic satin, and wool sweaters and slacks with washable synthetics.

Comfort

When buying children's clothing, choose soft fabrics that have some stretch. Scratchy fabrics, like organza, are generally uncomfortable against the skin, as are woolens and unwashed denims. When purchasing denim jeans, look for those that have been pre-washed and softened.

Fabrics like t-shirt knits, corduroy, fleece, and velour are especially popular with kids because they feel good against the skin.

Buy kids’ clothing that fits well—that is neither too loose nor too tight. Clothing that is too loose can get caught on things, is a hazard around open flames, and is simply uncomfortable to wear. Clothing that is too long is a tripping hazard and hems that touch the floor may fray and show wear. Clothing that is too tight is confining and may bind or chafe a child’s skin. Sleeves and pants that are too short feel awkward.

External Kids' Clothing Links

• Bunny Creek Baby and Children's Clothing - Discount baby and childrens clothing. We offer affordable clothes, low shipping rates, gift ideas, and toys. Dress your kids or purchase gifts of quality clothing at outlet prices!!
• New Kids Clothes.Com - Shop our child clothing store for new name brand kids clothes for infants, toddlers and children up to size 6X. Gift wrapping available.

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