We’ve all been there - shopping with our Tweens, going from store to store, trying on endless outfits only to discover that nothing fits and then the dreaded complaints start rolling: “This is so unfair! Nothing that I like fits me right! It’s too baby-ish or too old for me!” And let’s face it, the latest social media trends don't exactly help with getting age-appropriate wears on our tweens.
Take a breath - we’re here to help. Whether you’re already an Athletik Tween convert or you're shopping around to find activewear that ticks all the boxes, we’ve broken down exactly what you need to look out for to make sure your tween feels like the confident, independent, strong individual they are.
-
QUALITY IS KEY
If your tweens are anything like ours - always dancing, always on-the-go - (aerial anyone?) then high-quality activewear is what you need, like, stat. It's always tempting to buy the most affordable options… until you realise that 2 wears and 2 washes in, the stitching’s coming apart and the once-snug fit that looked super cute is now coming loose and losing its shape. Then it’s straight back to the shops to buy a replacement! Not only are good quality fabrics (like 100 per cent recycled cotton) more durable and longer lasting, they’re also better for our planet and more gentle on your tweens young skin. So while it doesn’t always seem like a necessity to invest in good-quality pieces - when it comes to clothing that will be worn on high-rotation, a bigger investment goes a longer way.
-
STYLE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE (as long as its their style)
This one’s a no-brainer (we can see your head nodding to this already). Whether your tween is a fashionista, a casual cutie, or changing up their style from week to week, choosing a look that makes them feel confident, strong, supported and like a true individual is super important at this stage of life. They may not be fully-fledged teens just yet with a fixed idea of who they are, but they’re also not bubs-in-arms anymore, so the days of dressing them up how you want them to look are well and truly over. Our top tip? Include your tween in a styling convo sess before you head out to shops. Ask them what they would like in activewear? What are their top must-haves in terms of style? What kind of cuts and designs make them feel happy and confident? You can thank us later.
-
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE DURABILITY
Durability might sound a little boring - “what even is durability?” your tween might ask - but you know what’s actually boring? Buying clothing that promises to support the needs of your tween when in reality, they do the opposite. Active tweens are very busy things, cruising the local park with their besties, choreographing dances in the living room, laughing from play-date to play-date - they need long-wearing threads that can endure the same high level of activity as the people wearing them. If the material isn’t breathable, starts to break down after the first few outings and just doesn't feel good, you know it's not ticking the all-important durability box.
-
COMFORT, ALWAYS
Comfort is one of those things that gets easily overlooked when looking good is on the agenda. But the wrong fitting garments can cause all sorts of problems, like soreness from being too tight, to chaffing (not fun), and lack of support in all the places that our tweens need them most - comfort is key to a happy and confident tween. Trying on different styles, fits, designs and fits is always a good idea - and make sure they test out things like sitting and standing, a good ol’ and cartwheel to put the comfort factor to the test.
Yours in fashion and all things in-be-tween,
Samira.
Leave a comment