We all like to take time when choosing an outfit. Clothing can affect our mood and lift our confidence, and that’s why we all aim to dress for certain occasions. Patience and careful thought go into every single purchase, and that approach should be the same when buying for others.
As a parent who buys clothing for their children, it’s vital to consider their needs. Their mood and confidence will also be built up or shot down by what they are wearing and, as the purchaser, that leads to some considerable responsibility.
Preferred Styles
Away from the classroom and on certain social occasions where there may be a dress code, many kids gravitate towards the phenomenon known as streetwear. This category has evolved over the years to cover a host of different sub-genres including skate wear and sportswear. Whether it’s skinny jeans, boys slim fit cargos, T-shirts, or the right sneakers, these are important considerations.
It’s essentially a casual look, but one that has become highly fashionable for all ages. Individual items include colorful, sloganized T-shirts, oversized hoodies and jeans. Within each category there are choices. Skinny and baggy jeans are both seen as acceptable, so navigating your way through streetwear for boys can be problematic.
When you begin to understand the potential psychological effects of clothing on its wearers, making that choice becomes even harder.
Blend in or Stand Out?
Boys begin to develop their personality from a young age. Some will be naturally outgoing while others are more introverted in their approach to life. These two, very different mindsets, will likely have a bearing on their choice of clothing.
Those who are more introverted will likely be happy to blend in and wear similar items to their friends. If your child is more outgoing, they will be more attracted to unique products. Understanding their personalities is the first step in buying streetwear, and the science behind clothing confidence is well-documented.
The Science Behind the Styling
The phenomenon known as enclothed cognition underlines how the way we dress affects our moods. Our minds react to our clothing at any given time, and we can either feel confident and comfortable, or we may feel self-conscious and hide away.
The science of enclothed cognition applies to everyone of all ages, but in those early years, the effect on moods can be significantly more dramatic.
Streetwear Steps in
The good news for parents shopping for children centers around the diversity of choice. There are so many different products to choose from and this is one of the broadest categories within fashion.
It’s also encouraging to understand that so many different styles are ‘in.’ Baggy jeans and skinny jeans are both acceptable, while T-shirts can be plain or multi-colored with brand names or slogans to help them stand out.
Boys’ streetwear does, however, differ from its adult counterparts. Certain styles will suit specific individuals but, in general, logos are more important in kids’ clothing. As part of the search for confidence, it’s more important for children to have the right labels and for the branding to be seen.
Adults may have passed the need to be seen in certain products and that means that their logos may be tucked away. Adult streetwear may also be more subtle in its overall styling.
While fashion, by its very definition, provides a certain uniform look, it’s important to remember individual preferences. Even at a very young age, your child may well have developed an interest in clothes and, at the very least, they’ll know what makes them feel comfortable.
When shopping for boys’ streetwear, aim to involve them as much as possible. Take on board their opinions and look for options that will boost their confidence, rather than make them feel self-conscious about their style.
If you’re buying a gift or are shopping for streetwear on another occasion where your kids can’t be present, keep this advice in mind and remember the power behind a great outfit.
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