Summer is all about spending time outside, soaking up the sun, taking trips to the beach, or finally departing on that long-anticipated vacation. With the new season coming up, you are likely in the process of curating your kid’s summer wardrobe, double-checking that everything still fits. For younger children, clothing is more about function than style, but that doesn’t mean their wardrobe has to be dull and uninspiring.
From breathable and lightweight materials for maximum comfort to bright and bold clothing choices, adequate sun protection, and comfortable shoes like sports sneakers and kids sandals by Melissa, dressing your children for the upcoming summer season can and should be easy, cost-effective, and most importantly, fun.
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Breathable Fabrics
When buying clothing for summer, focus on lightweight and breathable fabrics for your children. These airy materials will protect the skin while still allowing it to breathe. Fabrics like cotton and linen are the heroes of summer fashion for people of all ages, especially for children who like to be outside and active.
The improved air circulation and loose fit will help to prevent overheating or uncomfortable constriction. Additionally, these fabrics work well in absorbing moisture, with linen acting as a sustainable and anti-bacterial fibre, ideal for soft and sensitive skin.
Sun Protection
Regardless of who you are, sun protection should always be the biggest priority in summer. The sun’s rays can be extremely harmful to the skin, leading to painful and potentially dangerous sunburns, sunstroke, and heat stroke.
Alongside using a high-SPF, waterproof sunscreen, invest in additional accessories like sunglasses and a floppy hat to give them added protection, especially when spending long periods outdoors or engaging in activities near or on water. Sun reflecting off bodies of water and into the eyes can lead to debilitating eye damage.
Prioritize Durability
Quality kids’ clothing that is specifically designed to stand up to the wear and tear of their active lifestyles and time spent outdoors typically includes built-in features that improve their durability and ensure you get maximum wear before needing to replace them.
These features include reinforced seats and knee patches using strong materials that won’t tear or fade easily, and clothing made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics to maintain their solid structure when exposed to sweat, frequent washing, and other conditions. Furthermore, durable and good-quality clothing will likely last long enough to be passed down to a sibling, sold secondhand, or donated.
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Leg Freedom
Summertime is all about playing outside, running around with friends, and going on a lot of nature adventures that typically include climbing over tree stumps, boulders, and anything else kids can find outside. Ditch the constrictive limitations of long pants and embrace the freedom of shorts and skirts.
Not only will they have the freedom to run, jump, and play in ultimate comfort, but they will also get much-needed sun exposure for a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Avoid tight-fitting garments that can become uncomfortable or lead to painful leg chaffing.
Bright & Bold
Summer fashion is all about bright colors and bold patterns, wearing clothes that bring joy and laughter to reflect the sunny atmosphere. Unlike winter, which often requires clothes to be highly functional to protect against harsh and cold weather conditions, summer fashion allows for more freedom to play around with different prints and color combinations.
As an added bonus, bright neon colors are easier to spot in water, which is particularly important if you plan to spend a lot of time around swimming pools or lakes. Should your child encounter an issue while swimming or accidentally fall into a pool, you will be able to spot them quickly and efficiently.
Dresses
Any woman with a closet full of summer dresses knows the versatility and ease they bring to summer fashion. For low-key days where climbing and extreme adventuring will be at a minimum, dresses are a fantastic go-to outfit option for girls.
They seamlessly combine comfort, convenience, and style into one fun look. Their flowing nature means your daughter can skip, twirl, and run around in utmost comfort. Plus, they will make changing diapers a breeze.
Shop Thrifty
With children constantly going through growth spurts, changing their wardrobe to ensure their clothes fit correctly from one year to the next can quickly become a costly affair. Look for simple ways to save money when shopping for children’s clothes.
Hunt for hand-me-downs and second-hand clothing that is still in good condition. Reach out to family, friends, or neighbors, or visit consignment shops and online resellers to find pieces to outfit your child’s seasonal wardrobe.
Additionally, purchase clothing with additional features that will make it easier to hold onto. Shorts with leashes to clip hats to and clothing with ID labels that can clearly identify the owner will often spare you the hassle of replacing the garment sooner than you might want to.
It is important to note that many pediatric podiatrists recommend avoiding hand-me-down shoes, especially footwear with cushioned soles that can mold to the wearer’s feet. These shoes will often be molded to suit the previous owner, and the incorrect fit can lead to foot and leg pain.
