Do You Think Children Should Wear Fashionable Clothes? Style and Comfort for Kids

It depends mostly on parents. But instead of always allowing children to choose fashionable clothing, it is wise to sometimes parents choose and kids agree and vice versa. This will also help strengthen parents’ bond with their kids. 

Introductions  

When children start talking at a young age, they also start making points on what they want or not; even with clothing. As they grow older their statement on choices remains firm. So then, what is your thought? Do you think children should wear fashionable clothes? 

There are different viewpoints among parents and guardians. Some want kids to take the liberty and some don’t. So, in this article, we will dig into this concern more deeply. Let’s get started. 

Statements Supporting to Let Kids Choose Fashionable Clothes 

On one hand, many parents and elders support children choosing their own clothes. They consider, that this is not just about letting kids choose own clothes, it’s about letting them have the freedom, build confidence, and assist in their emotional growth. On the other hand, guardians don’t support their school-going kids’ clothes to be very fashionable. 

If you want to know more about what this decision of allowing kids to pick up their outfits does, here you go. 

Allows them to express their individual opinion 

When parents ask kids what clothing they want, they feel a little thrilled that they are being asked for an opinion. Thus, they can talk about what they like or not and you can understand their personality, clothing styles, or preferences on certain factors. Knowing more about them will help you strengthen your connection with them. 

Develop their decision-making skills 

Do you want your children to be self-dependent from an early age? Then, make room for them to decide. When you ask them, ‘What type of dress do you want for your birthday?’, this question will work as a cue to think about what type of dress they should settle for. A good start to improve them is to decide. This will help children develop.

Boost their self confidence 

Until an early age, most children aren’t very confident with their new environment, people, other children, etc. To get them to become familiar with newness, you need to boost their confidence. And choosing their own clothes can be a way to go. It helps them decide what they like and stick to that, till they buy it. 

They will stick to their choice 

If your toddlers are like mine, whatever I buy from them they throw tantrums at first, then wear. It’s a headache. So, it’s advantageous for you as well if you let kids choose their own clothes or what other things they like, and chances are they will wear them without raising a question. 

Improve being sociable 

You know kids have their own gang, where they share whatever they see, do, and buy and every other kid hears them out like some kind of important message is being shared. Allowing kids wear fashionable clothes will help improve their social skills and get along well with their peers. 

Arguments Against Fashionable Clothes 

Many guardians are against the idea of permitting kids wear fashionable clothing completely. They addressed their concerns on different points. Some vital points are: 

Fashionable items are costly 

Most apparel from clothing brands and custom-made are pricey and buying them frequently is difficult. If your kids are allowed to choose their own clothes, but families that can’t afford to buy those, this will dishearten them. 

Focusing on being materialistic 

We want our children to grow to be righteous humans, having qualities like intelligence, kindness, generosity, etc. However, being obsessed with fashion may lead to a focus on children being materialistic rather than developing humane qualities. 

Affects a child’s personal style 

Every child has a comfortable style normal clothes or clothing choices they prefer to stick to. Being concerned about fashion harms little ones’ minds and affects their regular styles. For example, private or public schools dress code. School uniforms of students have uniform policies. But many children seem to violate that while adopting stylish clothing. That’s why school authorities and teachers don’t support trendy clothes. 

Destructive self-comparison tendencies 

Children’s fashion clothing is worn by models. Grown-up kids unconsciously compare their bodies with models, leading to conformity to an unrealistic desire. This self-comparison creates issues like extreme-level dieting, resulting in poor health conditions. 

The feeling of seclusion 

Kids who are always focused on fashion will feel they need this and that. Whenever they don’t get something they want, it might create a dilemma and low self-esteem. 

Fashion creates unwanted pressure 

‘Go with the flow’ fashion trend has adverse effects on children. It’s not like every child loves fashionable clothing. So, for boys and girls who don’t care much about trendy kids’ clothes, when their friends are buying them, it creates pressure not only for them but also for the parents, not being able to fulfill their child’s desire. 

Suffering from mental illness 

Obsession with fashion, copying models, and desire to own the latest items are the habits that are destructive to mental health. It creates anxiety, fear, jealousy, and self-doubt among the kids and it is quite alarming. 

Impact of Fashion on Children’s Social and Psychological Development 

It has some psychological and social impact on children. The positive impacts are: 

• Practicing fashion helps encourage their creativity, as the industry is filled with creativity through outfits and other accessories. 
• It grows a sense of responsibility, as they can choose whatever fashionable clothing they like, and they wear it, taking responsibility for their choice. 
• Being fashionable helps them be aware of the latest trends. So, they can stay knowledgeable and updated. 
• It helps them become more cautious of what’s going on in the surrounding area, and the difference between fashion on different ages, cultures, and other metrics. 

Keeping in touch with fashion trends has some negative impacts as well, such as: 

• It may create social disparity as fashion hints at hierarchy.
• Obsession may lead to an unreasonable level of demand beyond the control. 
• Some fashionable kids’ clothes are way more inappropriate for children. Kids may not understand, this acts as an indicative cue to degeneration. 

Parental Perspectives

Parents have diverse opinions regarding this matter. 

One part of parents support the thought. Their logic is it saves them from the hassle of going from store to store or spending countless hours on a wide range of online stores just to find what their children might prefer wearing. 

Another part of parents is strictly against this idea as their opinion is this will lead the child to develop an autonomous characteristic and they should learn to obey their parents. 

And last but not least one part of the parents are there; who are staying in between. They somehow balance both the idea of choosing clothing for their children and permitting children to choose their own clothes. 

Personally, I like this idea of merging. Because it is granting their wishes without imposing parent’s decisions on them, a win-win situation for both parents and children. Children don’t know what’s best for them. To have them develop their own understanding, we parents must first guide them through. 

This is where both thoughts merge. 

Let me exemplify what I do. I decided to regularly wear clothing for my children. The clothing they wear regularly undergoes lots of work, they need extra care and washing. So, you understand well, that the regular ones have to be durable, and made of child-friendly fabric, and color needs to be a prime concern. And I believe, no parents expect their children to care about these factors!

But I let my children have their freedom when it’s time to choose clothes for special occasions, if we are visiting their grandparent’s house after a long time, arranging a family party, or participating in any local events. In such cases, they are allowed to choose and buy what clothing they like. 

Finding a Balance 

If you are concerned about your young child being attracted to fashion too much, I recommend you try to balance it. If your kids already like fashion, opposing every suggestion they make will cause the opposite outcome you want. If they are reluctant to stay stylish all the time, allowing them to choose fashionable clothing will create a burden on their mind. 

So, how can you find a balance between their and your choices? Here is how. 

Offer a wide range of choices with limitations 

Though offering too many options to a child may seem confusing, but has a limitation on it. Therefore, it will help children find the most suited option for them. Let’s say you are buying for your daughter, you can tell her, 

• Option a: Buy one pricey dress. 
• Option b: Buy one less pricey dress and a pair of shoes with the saved money. 
• Option c: You can divide the money into different items as you like. 

Applying this tactic will help them decide the most calculative option. But don’t do this frequently, rather every once in a while, or for special occasions. 

Set easily achievable achievements

Don’t just make fake promises with children, just to make them happy temporarily. What I mean is, if your child is asking for a PS store, but you don’t intend to do so, don’t say that you will. Set realistic goals. Try to convince them of other ways that they find important. 

Involve them in budgeting 

While you have the budget, you can let them know. When you involve children in this process, they can understand the cost factors, and clothing budgeting system and be aware of their expenditure. In the long run, you help them be financially educated. 

Communicate with the children 

Interact with your children, and talk about diverse topics with them. This way you can understand them well, and know their choices. I know many families following dress codes, for example, some families are very open to any type of clothing. On the other hand, some families are very protective of dressing up, even with their children. By communicating with your children, you can help them understand what type of clothing they are allowed to pick. 

Educate on family values 

If your family is following certain values, that should be a priority even with the clothing. But most importantly, children should not be allowed any overt clothing. Also, if you teach your child that clothing has inherent meaning, and how anyone is dressing up represents their mentality; your child can learn the value as well. So, educate them properly, so that their perspective on clothing is influenced positively. 

Collaborative decision 

Lastly, be understanding and try to adjust your thoughts to them. At times, you have to go with their choices so next time it’s their turn to follow your choices. Make collaborative decisions in a way that fulfills your target and makes your children happy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Conclusion 

So, what do you think of this? Do you think children should wear fashionable clothes? 

I recommend you stay connected with your children and make collaborative decisions, up until the age they are well aware of their personality and know what clothing to pick. Hopefully, you can make the right decision.