Tips for back-to-school shopping
August 18, 2010
With seven children between them, Yona Elishis and Daniella Kuhl know a thing or two about getting kids dressed in the morning.
The owners of Matooka Kids Couture offer these tips for making the most of your back-to-school shopping dollar by choosing clothes with staying power.
Buy fewer clothes and look for better quality. Since kids prefer to wear favourite items anyway, buy a handful of things your child will like, and that will stand up to frequent washes, rather than a closet full of fast fashion.
Look for comfortable fabric. And that doesn’t have to mean 100 per cent cotton. A little bit of polyester makes cotton wash better, and spandex helps it move. Matooka makes dresses and other pieces out of sweatshirt material because it’s super comfy.
Be smart about fit. Nothing you buy for your child should be form- fitting. It should be comfortable and loose so it will move with your child on the monkey bars, and so there’s room to grow.
Look carefully at wash and care instruction. Of course, avoid anything that requires dry cleaning. Not only do most dry cleaners use harsh chemicals, the expensive care routine will put both you and your child on tender hooks about getting ice cream on a party dress.
Incorporate some fun. For little girls, lace detailing, sleeves detailing and rosettes look current. Rocker T’s and a bit of pattern give boys some edge.