Kid Clothing

Kid clothing is on my mind lately. Great sales abound this time of year, and I try to take advantage by fullfilling current and future clothing needs. I always struggle with the “How many clothes do my kids need” question. I’ve used FlyLady in the past to answer this basic needs question. I’m referring to her list again, as well as another ‘searched’ list.

Each child has a dresser, varying drawer space, and closet space for hanging and folded items. Some are better at using the space wisely, but they’re still in training. I’m definitely NOT the type to ‘fill the available space’. I only want to buy or have on hand clothing my kids will actually wear.

I don’t remember which radio personality talked about this clothing decision making process, but it was on EWTN, and makes complete sense for older children who want more say … both parent and child have full veto power. Have you heard this before?? It means if I don’t like the article (inappropriate wording, wording in the wrong place, too short, too tight, etc.), I can say “No”. And, if the child doesn’t like the article for any reason, they can say “No”, too. This sounds like a great idea to implement with my oldest two. They are both at the point where there are items that are rarely worn. Some were gifts, but most were purchased by me. I have a hunch this rule will save us money and save me the frustration of purchasing clothes to hang or be folded in a drawer, but never worn.

Our clothing needs are somewhat different because we do live on a farm. The kids need clothes that can ‘get dirty’. The dirt is not going to come out most times, and I don’t worry about it! I marked Dash’s old t-shirts so he can tell which are for outside work … I need to include ALL the kids. If jeans or shirts become worn or stained, they’re designated everyday.

I do not (intentionally!) buy white/light colored everyday socks for the kids. Black is my favorite for boys and relatively easy to find in stores. They all have a few pairs of light colored socks which are reserved for church and special occasions.

This year I made a spreadsheet to keep in my purse and remind me of what each child needs for Fall/Winter. I marked current size, HAVES and NEEDS. I added measurements (inches) because earlier this year when Dash needed jeans, I purchased four pairs in different styles for him to try. Only ONE fit him! Returns are a time-waster. So, individual measurements and a tape measure in my purse will save time.

Clothing list for Fall/Winter, a combination of FlyLady and our household needs …

Toddlers and Pre-School
7-8 everyday outfits
1-2 pairs dress pants (worn mainly for church events)
2-3 long sleeve dressy shirts (worn mainly for church events)
1 sweater (at least)
2 belts (brown and black – OR 1 reversible belt)
3-4 pajamas
1 swimsuit
2 pairs play shoes (usually the oldest pair of tennies and shoes that can get wet - rubber boots** or mock-crocks)
1 pair dress shoes
1 pair winter boots
1 light weight jacket
1 ‘for good’ winter coat
1 everyday winter coat (usually a Carhart* with hooded sweatshirt underneath)
1 pair snowpants (or snowsuit)
12 pairs of socks
7-10 pairs of underwear, you might need more depending upon the child

School Age
3-4 pairs of jeans or school pants
2-3 skirts for girls
6-7 school shirts
1 sweater (at least)
1 white cardigan for girls (to be worn over sleeveless tops or dresses)
1-2 pairs dress pants (worn mainly for church events)
2-3 long sleeve dressy shirts (worn mainly for church events)
2 belts (brown and black – OR 1 reversible belt)
2-3 pajamas
1 suit for boys, 1 dressy dress for girls (optional)
1 swimsuit
2-3 gym outfits
1 pair school shoes
1 pair shoes for dirty work (usually the oldest pair of tennies)
1 pair dress shoes
1 pair rubber boots**
1 pair winter boots
1 light weight jacket
1 ‘for good’ winter coat
1 everyday winter coat (usually a Carhart* with hooded sweatshirt underneath)
1 pair snowpants
12 pairs of socks
3 pair tights (white, black, multi-colored for girls)
7-10 pairs underwear

Seasonal clothing is kept separate from current clothing. In September, I store all the Spring/Summer clothes in a tub in their closet; in April, I exchange the Spring/Summer clothes for Fall/Winter clothes that will (hopefully!) still fit later that year. I store 'non-current sized' clothes in marked tubs in the basement.

Boy clothes in good condition are kept, but I have started to give more away because I’m not sure my younger boys will grow the same way as Dash. I no longer keep girl clothes, unless they have special significance. Angelina is nine, so keeping clothes for nine years … just in case I might have another girl … doesn’t seem practical when I have friends who can put the clothing to good use right now.

*Carhart is a brand of outerwear. If you live on a farm, you’ll have heard of this brand which is constructed to withstand wear and hard work. The outside fabric is a heavy Duck material and the inside can be either lined or un-lined, depending on the season for which the coat/overalls are made. While this brand is an investment, the coats last. We haven’t worn any out yet, and most have been passed down from Dash.

**You'd probably be surprised at how often my kids wear rubber boots. Many times, they'll throw on rubber boots instead of tennies .... Also remember, we have no grass, so the area around our house is generally either muddy or recently tilled loose black dirt. Anyway, I consider rubber boots a MUST HAVE for our family.