Not just for girls
Boys' clothes. What a wild little world.
You don’t really see it until you’re in it. I had no idea how dull, unimaginative, and mind-numbingly beige boys' clothing could be—until Theo was on the way.
Suddenly I found myself wading through a sea of teddy bears, trucks, dinosaurs, Marvel everything, and endless slogans in weird fonts. And not the cute, vintage kind of motifs—more like, why-does-this-shirt-exist kind of motifs. Walking into the boys' section felt like entering a world where fun went to die.
Now, I’ve worked in fashion. I’ve studied it, I’ve lived it. And I know that grown-up trends usually trickle down to kidswear eventually. I’d seen menswear get really exciting—tailored cuts, cool textures, that sweet spot where old-school meets street style. So how did we end up here? With sad sweatpants, saggy jeans, and T-shirts that look like they were found in a lost-and-found box?
So, I started hunting.
Most brands were either “unisex” or just leaning into the girls’ market. Yes, there were some boys' options out there, but they usually traditional and came with a hefty price tag.
Then, something sweet happened—my mother-in-law handed down a few things my husband had worn as a baby. There was a mix of nostalgia, lovingly hand-knit pieces, and some surprisingly playful touches. Not everything was my taste, but there was heart in them—and I could feel the difference.
One gem? A bundle of bandanas. Some were classic paisley, others a bit more modern. Max (my other half) had actually worn them now and then—sometimes with his Lederhosen at family parties, sometimes styled into his work outfits. So, as he accessorized himself each morning, I started doing the same for Theo.
A plain white tee or a simple sweater + one bright bandana = instant personality. It felt like something in a world of nothing.
And in the immortal words of Carrie Bradshaw: “It made me wonder…”
What if the secret wasn’t reinventing the whole boyswear wheel—but just accessorising better?
A little ruffle at the neck turned a basic jumper into something cool. An adjustable collar made a plain tee look intentional. A pop of colour or texture—a scarf, a bandana, a fun sock—and suddenly Theo’s outfit had charm, play, and a bit of attitude.
Who says accessories are just for girls? They’ve got hairbands, sparkly clips, tiny purses. But boys? Boys have their own kind of magic—and sometimes, all it takes is one simple detail to let it shine.
