Back to School: What are Kids Wearing These Days?

Lands' End

 Q. I am very late with my shopping for my ten-year-old stepson for back to school. My mom seems to think he should be dressed in “nice” clothes. What are kids wearing these days?

A. It’s not too late to shop. Kids don’t necessarily need to have all their school gear on the very first day of school.

Their school clothes need to be versatile and comfortable. Kids don't come home from school and change their clothes before heading out to play. And even while they’re at school, they need to be dressed for recess and gym. So, no matter how much grandmothers may love the old-fashioned “nice” looks, today kids’ clothes need to be more realistic and useful.

Active boys can be hard on their clothing, so look for tops and bottoms such as basic T-shirts, polos, and jeans that offer durable fabrics. While it’s true that boys need durability, even young boys also want style. Striped rugby shirts, "hoodies," and down vests are not just for adults and teens. From the soccer field to science class, a roomy fit, looser styling, and carefree cotton make young guys happy.

And this season everything for boys has an "active" look. From athletic numerals to cargo pants, clothing comes in new tie-dyed prints, plaids, and bright solid colors, such as blues, greens, and reds, layered over the usual navy, green, and gray. Oh, yes, graphic Tees are everywhere. Boys like them because they are a way to individualize their look.

You will find a wealth of choices from department stores and such online sources as Lands' End Kids. Also check out quality discount stores like Marshalls for up-to-date items with the extra features boys want, like cargo pockets, all at greatly reduced prices.

In addition to rugged pants, relaxed shirts, and warm jackets, the one essential item in every kid's school wardrobe is a backpack. A recent survey revealed that about 30 percent of boys and girls ages 8-13 consider a backpack a must-have item for school. This is probably because kids put whatever they can fit into them. In addition to books and homework, they store iPods, art supplies, their lunch, and fun stuff not related to school, like video games.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, over-stuffing a backpack can lead to back problems later in life. Kids should carry backpacks that are no more than eight to ten percent of the child's weight and they should use both straps, allowing the pack to hang properly on the small of their backs. When loaded, an 80-pound kid’s backpack should not weigh more than eight pounds.

Color and pattern are on the top of kids’ list. 65% of kids said it was the most important quality for choosing a backpack, while 68% of moms said that durability was the most important feature in a backpack. The new backpacks at Lands’ End offer a variety of color and pattern choices and are built to last for more than one school year.

Kids have ideas of their own, especially about color, and they know what their friends are wearing. It makes sense to shop in partnership with your stepson, instead of just for him.