Kids fashion in Singapore is steadily growing in popularity after photographs of children decked in beautiful and fashionable outfits took over the internet in recent years. Many parents enjoy styling their children in cute and trendy outfits and taking lots of pictures of them for keepsake and to share with friends and family.
While kids’ fashion is widely available all over Singapore, the variety of styles available online far exceeds your expectations, there are a plethora of unique and adorable designs you can choose from to dress your little one like the next top model. Check out where to buy children's clothes online and how to choose the most fashionable outfits for your child.
1. FROM TODDLER TO PRE-TEEN: PICKING THE BEST CLOTHES FOR YOUR CHILD AT EVERY AGE
Picking out clothes for your child is more than just finding one that fits; just like the way you take time to try on and select clothes that match yourself, the same time and effort is required to pick out a fashionable outfit for your child. There are numerous factors to consider when shopping for your child’s clothes; here’s a guide:
1.1. Toddler, Child, and Teens
Your child goes through a total of 5 age stages before they reach adulthood at the age of 18, this includes Baby (0 to 12 months), Toddler (1 to 3 years), Child (4 to 12 years), and teen stages (13 to 17 years).
Depending on your child’s age, their physical and psychological changes can affect how you dress them and how they would like to be dressed.
When your child progresses from infancy to toddlerhood, they become more self-aware as individuals and begin to become more independent, wanting to do things without your assistance. They begin to express their emotions verbally, and by the age of three, the majority of toddlers would have developed emotions such as fear, embarrassment, envy, guilt, and shame. At this stage, it is important to pay attention to your child's emotions and expressions when dressing them because this will give you a good idea of how they feel about their outfits. If they are constantly tugging on their clothes and attempting to remove something, remove it and replace it with something else.
Your child will grow and experience the most changes between the ages of 4 and 12 as they transition from preschoolers to school-age children, making new friends and seeing new things every day. They grow in their emotions and behavior, and their perspectives and tastes can shift based on the friends they play with and the things they see on a daily basis. It is important to regularly communicate with your child to find out what interests them and include them in the shopping and dressing process.
A good tip would be to fill your child's wardrobe with stylish and colorful clothes ahead of time so that you have a good inventory of fashionable clothes to choose from; this also helps them develop their own sense of style.
When your child reaches their teenage years, they begin to develop a stronger sense of self and individuality; they are busy figuring out who they are and where they fit in the world, and you will notice that they begin to experiment with new and different clothing styles, music, making new friends, and so on. This is when you should start allowing them to choose their own clothes.
1.2. The history of children’s clothing
Children's clothes lacked gender distinction in the late 1800s; both males and females of all ages wore some form of gown, robe, or tunic. Only European men and older boys would wear a short, close-fitting padded jacket called a doublet, which was paired with short pants called breeches; this trend only started in the sixteenth century.
A new style of transitional attire known as "skeleton suits" was designed for small boys between the ages of three and seven years old in the 1780s. These suits were made to fit tight to the body and consisted of ankle-length pants buttoned onto a short jacket and worn over a shirt with a broad collar bordered in ruffles. Boys wore these "skeleton suits" until they were six or seven years old, before graduating to cropped, waist-length jackets until they were in their early teens, when they wore cutaway frock coats with knee-length tails, signifying their adult status.
Knee-length pants were first introduced to boys aged seven to fourteen in the 1860s, the boys from three to six would eventually wear these pants with short jackets over lace-collared blouses, belted tunics, or sailor tops. Over the subsequent 30 years, boys were dressed in pants at younger and younger ages, gradually moving away from the skirted clothes that little boys wore prior to the twentieth century.
Unlike boys, kids' fashion for females remained relatively unchanged over the years. Females wore skirted outfits throughout their life, from infancy to old age; however, the cut and stylistic features of dresses for girls did change over time. One of the main changes was that dresses became longer as girls grew older, eventually reaching floor-length by their mid-teen years.
In the mid-nineteenth century, some children’s dresses, particularly dresses for girls above the age of ten, were inspired by women's fashions; with fashionable sleeves, bodices, and trim elements. When bustle fashions were fashionable in the late 1860s, this trend accelerated; with children's gowns mirroring women's apparel, adding more back fullness, more intricate embellishments, and employing princess seaming for shaping.
Floral and animal motifs first appeared in kids’ fashion in the 1920s. These motifs were initially unisex, but certain motifs became more associated with one gender or the other over time. Children’s clothing available in our society today is largely embellished with these floral and animal motifs, some even come with cartoon characters or other pop culture icons; the majority of these clothing and designs now have masculine or feminine connotations.
By the 1940s, girls of all ages began wearing pants at home and for casual public events, but girls were still expected to wear dresses and skirts for school, church, parties, and even shopping. Today, girls can wear pants in nearly every social situation.
Girls of all ages began wearing pants at home and for casual public events by the 1940s, but dresses and skirts were still expected in schools, churches, parties, and so on. Today, girls can wear pants in nearly every social situation, and not be frowned upon.
Clothes can be mixed and matched, just like how they were styled in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as long as they look good on your child. Get ruffle-sleeved blouses and short pants for your boys, or a skirt and shirt for your girls. It is acceptable to defy gender roles and disregard the connotations of kids fashion in Singapore in order to style your child in unique and stylish ways.
1.3. Factors to consider when choosing clothes for your child
Styles and designs aside, there are several other factors you should consider when choosing clothes for your child. These clothes should be safe for your child to wear, durable and comfortable for them. Depending on your child’s age, these factors may vary in importance.
1.3.1 Fabric
Some materials may cause itching or discomfort to your child especially if they are sensitive to how fabrics feel on their skin. Even kids who are not sensitive may be irritated by uncomfortable clothing. Here are two fabrics you should keep a lookout for:
1.3.2. Cotton
Cotton is generally an environmentally friendly fabric, it is a soft material that does not cause allergies, is durable and breathable. They are most commonly used to make dresses, baby rompers, kids button-down shirts, skirts and tops for kids, and more. They are usually blended with other fabrics such as polyester, so when you buy your children’s clothes online do make sure to check out what blend of cotton they use.
1.3.3. Linen
Linen is another popular fabric; it is a natural fiber that has a smaller environmental impact compared to cotton and is extremely strong and durable. Linen textiles are natural insulators and can release excess humidity, leaving your child feeling nice and comfortable. Their extremely breathable and absorbent properties also make them hypoallergenic, making them ideal for children.
Apart from Cotton and Linen, other soft fabric types such as Satin and Polyester, which are commonly used in adult apparel, may also be comfortable for your child.
1.3.4. Size and Fit
While children's clothing is frequently divided into age groups, don't be afraid to buy garments that aren't in your child's current age range because you should be buying clothes that are comfortable for them to wear. If your little girl is two years old but no longer fits into two-year-old dress sizes, consider getting her a children’s lace dress for three-year-olds. Likewise, if three-year-old clothing sizes are too big for your three-year-old toddler, then size down. What matters most is that your child feels comfortable.
Keep the following features in mind when shopping for children's clothing: Elastic waistbands are great for allowing your child to wear the same item for years; loose-fitting clothing, such as baggy bottoms or baggy shirts, may be more comfortable for your child. When shopping for bottoms, make sure they aren't too long or too tight, as your child may trip over long bottoms or become quite uncomfortable in tight clothing
1.3.5. Color
By color, we mean clothes that do not show stains. Children are still developing their motor skills and learning how to use their hands and legs and they can get dirt or food all over themselves. While white, yellow, and pink are lovely colors to put on your child, stains will show up quite clearly. Dress your child in darker colors like black, navy blue, brown, and red to hide the stains. However, if you don't mind the stains or if your child is relatively careful, you can definitely go for brighter colors.
Aside from these considerations, always consider what your child will enjoy wearing. It is also a good idea to involve your child in the shopping process so that they can tell you what catches their eye. Because they were involved in the selection process, dressing up will be a lot more enjoyable and fun for them.
1.4. Guiding your child towards finding their own style
At the age of four, children can begin to slowly develop their sense of style, even if it is a minor development such as discovering what colors they like or dislike, or determining which shirt is their favorite. It is important that your children develop their own sense of style, and there are ways you can encourage this development while also allowing them to freely express themselves.
1.4.1 Involve them
While it is much easier for you to shop for children's clothes on your own, it is actually a better idea to let your child participate in the shopping process and give you feedback on what he fancies. If you are unsure of where to buy kid’s clothes, you can begin by searching for kid's fashion stores online. Narrow down your options to one online store and do the browsing with your child next to you.
Allow your child to look at the clothing designs slowly and process it in their heads; when they've come to a decision, try not to discourage them from their choice; whether they chose a kids’ polka dot shirt or girls' two-piece outfits, buy it for them and encourage them to gradually figure out their style as they grow older.
1.4.2. Teach them
As a child, your kids will lack an understanding of practicality and style, which is why you will need to encourage and teach them to develop their own style as well as help them understand what is practical and fun. Teach them how to dress for the weather and the occasion, such as a short-sleeved children’s lace dress for a trip to the park and long-sleeved tops for an indoor shopping trip. On top of that, your child looks to you to help them develop their sense of style, so teach them how to match colors and styles; tops with patterns should be paired with solid-colored bottoms, baggy bottoms should be paired with fitted tops, and jeans go well with almost everything.
Always remember to compliment your child and encourage them to really think about what they want to wear; make them feel comfortable and happy picking out their own outfits, and they will enjoy this development process with you.
2. ADORABLE CHILDREN OUTFITS FOR EVERY OCCASION IN SINGAPORE
Aside from the guidelines for selecting your children's outfits, let’s nail down some outfit ideas you can explore when styling your child in Singapore. We are all aware that the weather in Singapore is highly unpredictable; it can be warm and sunny one minute and cold and rainy the next. Dressing your child can be nerve-wracking when you can’t predict what’s going to happen, here are some of our recommended outfit pairings to help you save some time and focus on watching your child grow.
2.1. Cutest styles for rain or shine
In Singapore, kid's fashion typically consists of skirts and tops for girls and shorts and shirts for boys. These are the essentials for dressing your child comfortably, and here's how you can take things up a notch.
2.1.1. Hot and Sunny Weather
2.1.1.1. Girls
Pair a kids’ polka dot shirt with the Cotton Solid Colors Draped Pleated Skirt for girls, or dress them in an embroidery lace dress for children. Pair it with some white sneakers and a cloth headband for an adorable outfit perfect for some outdoor fun.
2.1.1.2. Boys
Dress your boys in the Letter Print Casual Tees and Solid Color Knee-Length Shorts for a hip and comfortable streetwear look that is also great for beating the heat when you bring them outside.
2.1.2. Cold and Rainy Weather
2.1.2.1. Girls
To help your child keep warm and look like a princess, layer the Turtle Neck Full Sleeves White Blouse with the Ruffles Bowknot Mid Calf Dress or any sleeveless dress. For a more casual look, pair the same top with the Skinny Fit Denim Pencil Pants. Complete the stylish outfit by braiding your girl's hair and securing it with bows, then accessorize with a dainty bag.
2.1.2.2. Boys
Style your boys in the Casual Loose Long Pants and pair them with any t-shirt for a fashionable look. To keep warm, throw on a jacket, or simply swap the t-shirt for a hooded jacket or a knitted jumper.
The variety of boys’ and girls' clothes available online in Singapore allows you to dress your child in a variety of styles. Don't be afraid to experiment with textures, colors, and cuttings because you might discover new and better ways to style an outfit.
2.2. Styling your child for all occasions
There are various occasions for which you can dress your child, and even the most casual event can provide an opportunity for you to style your child in trendy kids' fashion. Parents frequently agonize over how to style their children but keep in mind that you can style them in the same way you would dress, this will help to simplify the process.
2.2.1. Formal occasions
Occasions such as weddings, dinner parties, and solemnization that require fancier and smarter outfits are a good chance for you to bust out all the dressiest clothing items in your child’s wardrobe.
Instead of a skirt and shirt for girls, put them in lace dresses with princess seaming, ruffled details, and glittery designs. For the boys, it is a good time to put them in suits and bowties, or pair your kid’s button-down shirt with some denim jeans or dress pants for children.
2.2.2. Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities such as picnics or walks in the park or on the beach, playing at the playground, cycling, and other activities will require a breathable and comfortable outfit; your top priority should be comfort, followed by style. Short-sleeved two-piece outfits for girls and boys are ideal for such occasions because the sets are already styled when purchased, making styling simple.
2.2.3. Indoor Activities
Indoor activities in Singapore include going to museums, shopping in malls, and watching movies. For such occasions, your child can wear whatever they want as long as it is comfortable for them. If you want to keep them warm and stylish, pair long-sleeved blouses with jeans or kids' button-down shirts with the Bermudas.
2.2.4. Playdates and Parties
At playdates and parties, you can expect to see a lot of running and jumping around, so it's probably best to give your child a comfortable outfit to move around in. Instead of lace dresses and denim jeans and jackets for children, which look great on them, dress them in cute printed t-shirts and comfortable shorts.
2.3. Potential clothing mishaps to take note of
While you’re focused on styling your child, don’t forget to ensure that their clothes are safe for them to wear. Kids’ fashion can sometimes be dangerous because of how they’re designed to look adorable; girls’ clothes have pretty sequin designs, and many boys’ clothes come with buttons. These can be harmful to your child if you do not resolve them quickly.
How can clothing harm your child?
- Strangled by the drawstring in hooded jackets, or if clothing gets caught onto external items
- Choke on little designs sewn onto their clothes
- Fall down and get hurt when something doesn’t fit
- Suffer from scratches and allergies
- Remove all drawstrings and cords from your child’s clothes
- Remove all scarfs, hair accessories, and other objects that are not safely secured on your child before allowing them to run around in playgrounds
- Purchase only hooded jackets secured with velcros as they can be easily removed
- Sew on buttons and other small parts a second time or ensure that these are firmly attached to the clothing
- Make sure that the shoes fit your child, shoelaces are tied securely and pushed into the shoes
- Consider getting shoes with velcro straps instead of shoelaces
- Choose shoes with soles that have good friction
- Make sure that the clothing material you choose isn’t too rough and does not contain sharp features
Other minor blunders, such as your child losing their hats and jackets, can be avoided by pinning the hats to their hair with a hair clip and ensuring your child does not remove their clothes without your supervision.
3. BASIC WARDROBE ITEMS FOR YOUR PRE-TEENS
Don't know what to get your child when it comes to clothing, or don't know where to begin when it comes to styling outfits for your children? Here is a list of essential items to get you started.
3.1. Essential items for your pre-teen girl
3.1.1. Graphic T-shirts
Printed T-shirts in any design and color can be paired with a variety of bottoms in a variety of colors and styles. Wear these graphic t-shirts over a pair of skinny jeans or tuck them into long ankle-length skirts for a casual look.
3.1.2. Solid Color T-shirts
Solid color T-shirts are appropriate for all occasions; they can be worn with both short and long bottoms for a casual look, or with a denim jacket or blazer for kids for a smart casual look appropriate for formal occasions. Sleeveless dresses can also be layered over solid-color t-shirts for extra coverage when you’re thinking of a dressier look for a casual outing.
3.1.3. Skinny Jeans
Jeans go with everything and are very comfortable to be in. They allow your child to participate in most indoor and outdoor activities in a safe and comfortable manner.
3.1.4. Skirts
Skirts are a good choice for indoor activities, but they are also appropriate for outdoor activities if your child will not be running around or participating in strenuous activities. Pair them with any blouse or t-shirt to complete the look.
3.1.5. Two-piece outfits
Two-piece outfits have been styled for you to purchase and are extremely simple to style; all you need to do is find accessories and shoes to pair with them. Girls' two-piece outfits include skirts and tops, blouses and shorts, and many other combinations.
3.1.6. Dresses
Dresses are another easy-to-style option, but they are not suitable for strenuous activities such as a day at the playground. They are ideal for formal occasions and indoor outings, and the variety of designs available online are endless.
3.2. Essential items for your pre-teen boy
3.2.1. Graphic T-shirts
Graphic tees are simple to style, and many kids' graphic tees have very trendy designs. Pair them with baggy cargo pants or long skinny jeans for a fashionable streetwear look.
3.2.2. Solid color t-shirts
T-shirts in solid colors are easy to match with anything and can be worn with shorts for outdoor activities or with long jeans for formal occasions; simply add outerwear to complete the look.
3.2.3. Long jeans
Long jeans, whether skinny or wide-legged, are ideal for boys because they are trendy and easy to pair, as well as comfortable and ideal for a lot of running around and other activities. Wear them with a jumper or tuck a t-shirt in for a simple casual outfit.
3.2.4. Shorts
Shorts are a must-have in your child's wardrobe in hot and sunny Singapore. Depending on the design of the shorts, they can be worn with a variety of tops and the outfit will look great. Start with solid neutral colors to be safe.
3.2.5. Denim jackets
Denim jackets are 'cool' fashion statement pieces that can instantly improve anyone's appearance regardless of age. For fancier occasions, layer the denim jacket over a graphic t-shirt and denim jeans, or a plain t-shirt with shorts for a more casual look.
3.2.6. Two-piece outfits
Boys' two-piece outfits consist of a jumper and pants or a t-shirt and pants; while the combinations are limited compared to girls' clothes in Singapore, there are still plenty of design options for you to choose from.
Styling your child does not have to be a difficult and time-consuming task. Regardless of your child's age, a good tip is to style them in the same way you would style yourself while prioritizing comfort and safety. When it comes to fashion and style, gender distinction is not important, and style is a very subjective topic; if you think a blouse will look good on your boy, have him dress in it; and if you think a pair of cargo pants for boys will look cool on your girl, feel free to style her that way.
Not sure where to buy children’s clothes online in Singapore? Check out our collection of cute and trendy kids’ fashion and shop away!