How to Save and Get the Best Buys on Kids' Clothes

CEBU, Philippines - Perhaps all parents want shopping guidelines on what to look for in identifying quality clothing for the kids and nifty ways to get more mileage out of those clothes.

Here are some useful ideas:

How to Shop for Quality

.Stitching:

Small, regular stitches are recommended. About 10 to 12 stitches per inch is ideal. Stitching should be reinforced at points of strain - elbows, knees, and underarms seams.

.Fabric:

Preshrunk cotton blends with a wrinkle-resistant finish, denim, seersucker and corduroy are all durable and easy-care. Avoid flimsy, very lightweight materials for everyday wear, and stay away from heavy, stiff or rough fabrics that most children would find uncomfortable. A loosely woven or knitted fabric is more likely to shrink than one that is firmly knitted or woven. Some lesser-quality fabrics are starched to look better. To check, run your finger nail over the material to see if starch flakes off.

.Pattern:

If the material has a pattern, check the reverse side to see that the pattern is woven into the fabric and not just printed on - a sign of poor quality. Keep in m ind that fabrics printed with small designs or patterns don't show soil or wrinkles as quickly as those printed with large designs.

.Seams and buttons:

Look for wide, carefully finished seams. Narrow or unfinished seams may unravel. Pocket seams ought to be reinforced. Buttons should be sewn on securely.

Shopping with the Kids

.Encourage the kids to make the initial selection; they'll be happiest in clothes they like. Then together choose what satisfies both of you.

.Don't do all your shopping in one day. Limit shopping time with young children                 to two to three hours.

.Discuss with your child what others kids are wearing before you go shopping. This will sidestep temper tantrums and outbursts of "But everybody's wearing it!"

Shopping Smarts

Take inventory of what fits and what needs replacement. Make a list and stick with it; you'll avoid extra hours in the store and avoid impulse-buying as well.

Getting More Mileage

Out of Kids' Clothes

.Choose clothes with stretch or "grow" features. A-line or wrap skirts, raglan or kimono sleeves, wide underarm and leg seams that can be let out and wide hems or tucks  in dresses all allow room for growing. Loose, straight-hanging dresses, without a defined waistline, and empire-waist dresses usually "fit" longer. While you generally shouldn't buy clothes that are too large, a roomy coat does trap the heat better and loose-fitting sweaters can be layered over blouses.

.Two-piece garments can usually be worn longer than one-piece garments. Both              parts can be lengthened and, if the bottom no longer fits, the top can be mixed and recycled with other clothes.

.Buy pajamas in the same color, style, and pattern so that you can match up tops and bottoms from various airs as the child's dimensions change. Also look for pajamas with two sets of snaps on the waistline. Turn old rainy-days pajamas into summer night wear by cutting off the legs and sleeves. Let t-shirts double as pajama tops in warm weather.

.For infants, buy the double-breasted undershirts that fasten with snaps because they will grow with the child. As a bonus, they're easier to put on than over-the-head styles.

.Buy a two-piece rainwear that's roomy. It's more versatile, too, since it can be mixed and matched with other outdoor wear. A waterproof coat can also be worn alone in warmer weather. Don't buy a coat that is double-breasted or fitted at the waist. Chances are it won't fit next year.

.Buy mitten and socks in two or more identical pairs so that odd partners can be re-matched. Tube socks without pre-shaped heels will "grow" with the child.

Making Clothes Last

.If a shirt starts to come untucked because your young girl outgrows it, sew an 8-inch-wide strip of material around the bottom of the shirt. The shirt will stay in place and the material ill now show.

. When you let the hem down on a pair of jeans, you can get rid of the unsightly white line by coloring it in with a non-washable dark blue marker.

.At the end of a season before you send a child's coat to the drycleaner, remove both the sleeve and bottom hems. Store the clean coat with the hems hanging. Next year, try the coat again on your child and make new hems without crease lines.

Extend the life of a long-sleeved shirt by making it short sleeved without sewing. Just cut off the sleeves and fold the cut edgesunder. Attached the edges to the inside of the shirt with an iron-on tape.

The Big Top

Today's oversized looks are a godsend when shopping for children. Those extra-large sweaters and shirts can be used for as long as they stay in one piece. As the child gets older, either the garment becomes more form-fitting or it is passed down to younger siblings.

Pretty Nightshirts

You can purchase men's small size undershirts on sale and embroider them for the girls to use as nightshirts. Then can also be worn as pretty (and practical) cover-ups with bathing suits. 

Double Purposes

Long underwear sets serve a double purpose. Not only do they keep out the chill during those romps out in the cold that many kids love to do, they can also double as long-lasting, warm pajamas on chilly rainy nights.

- From Hints, Tips & Smart Advice by FamilyCircle