I read a friend’s post once, and it got me thinking about how much times have changed—and how something as seemingly simple as clothing has a profound impact on our children’s thinking, behavior, and perception of themselves.
Clothing is more than just fabric; for many kids, it’s a symbolic representation of identity, belonging, and status. It determines how they’re perceived within their social circles and even how they see themselves. For them, it’s not just about covering their bodies—it’s about fitting in, standing out, and making a statement.
If you’re a parent, especially of a son, you might assume that shopping for boys is easier than shopping for girls. Fewer options, less drama, right? Wrong. Let me tell you, shopping for y 15-year-old son has been nothing short of a challenge.
One Sunday, we went shopping because my son recently shot up two sizes and now wears men’s clothing and shoes. He’s growing fast—physically and mentally—and, naturally, he’s drawn to what’s trendy. But here’s where the frustration comes in: the styles available for boys his age are, for lack of a better word, problematic.
The designer prints on the shirts? Harsh language, sexual innuendos, violent imagery, or glorifications of money. The jeans? Ripped, distressed, saggy, patched, or covered in graffiti I can’t even read—or worse, marijuana leaves. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
While I was standing there, shaking my head, my son was thrilled. He turned to me, grinning, and said, “Mom! It’s drip!”
I looked at him, unimpressed, and replied, “Well, son, the only drip you’ll get is from drying off after your shower.”
Am I wrong?
Yes, I know not every piece of clothing on the racks looks like this, but let’s be honest—that’s what sells. And I’m not impressed. In fact, I was downright frustrated. I struggled to find clothes that fit his body frame and that weren’t skinny jeans or saggy-butt pants.
It’s not just about the clothes themselves—it’s about what they represent. Clothes set the tone for attitude and behavior. I firmly believe that how we dress influences how we carry ourselves. I know that when I put on a dress, I walk differently. When I wear a pant/dress/skirt/suit, I stand taller and my stride changes. Even when I put on my glasses, my stare shifts. My attitude most often complements my style of dress.
So when I see these trendy clothes marketed to young boys—clothes that scream rebellion, aggression, or apathy—I can’t help but wonder what kind of mindset they’re encouraging our youth to portray.
I want something better for my son. I want the classic look: button-down shirts, polo shirts, wholesome and fun graphic tees with positive messages, khaki pants, non-print or artsy denim jeans, and cargo pants. Yes, I’m old school, but there’s a reason those styles have stood the test of time. They’re timeless, versatile, and, most importantly, they don’t carry the weight of a negative message.
Am I wrong?
I know times have changed. I know we can’t cling to the past and expect our kids to dress exactly as we did growing up. But I also know that clothing is a powerful tool in shaping identity and self-image, especially for kids in transition.
What we wear speaks volumes about who we are—or at least who we want to be. And as parents, we have a responsibility to guide our children in understanding that. It’s not about controlling every aspect of their lives, but about helping them make choices that reflect the values, confidence, and self-respect we want them to carry into the world.
So, yes, times have changed. But does that mean we have to accept everything that comes with it? I don’t think so.
Clothes do make the (wo)man. And for our kids, they can make all the difference in how they see themselves—and how the world sees them.
Am I wrong?