There are a lot of differences between Southerners and Northerners, but who would have guessed children’s, more specifically boys’ clothing, would cause such an uproar.
Us, Southerners, really like dressing our kids to impress. It is not unusual to see kids at birthday parties, church and special occasions in smocked clothing. Smocking describes the images stitched in an upper panel of a dress or shortalls. I didn’t know that smocking was, also, on t-shirts and turtlenecks. I guess that is a good compromise for the mom that likes smocking, but has older boys. Personally, I am not a fan of the smocking on shirts.
What is the problem with Smocking for boys? Well some may say it is a little on the baby side or just not appropriate for the rough and tumble life of a boy. Add knee socks and saddle shoes and you better arm your boy for self defense on the playground, according to the moms on Babycenter. Like most things in kids’ clothing, girls can be seen in these dresses long after the toddler years, but boys not so much. It is not determined what is the age limit for boys, but I don’t think you would see many boys in Kindergarten in these outfits.
These outfits are popular in the South, for one reason and one reason only, our heat. Sure you can find these in long versions for the winter holidays, but they are best suited for the spring and summer months. The material is lightweight cotton and seersucker, which makes it a lot more comfortable especially if you have to dress up.
I have no opinion, really, on how long you keep your boys in smocking, jon-jons or Eton suits. Basically, these items are formal wear for little boys and isn’t it nice to have more to choose from than khakis and button down shirts. You, as the parent, are purchasing clothes for your child and what you say goes. I may wonder why your 10 year old is still wearing saddle shoes and short pants, but really it is none of my business. I would say that I think at some age the other boys may start to talk and that might influence his opinion on what to wear. I have own several smocking pieces for Amber when she was younger. They seem to be the perfect answer to comfortable formal wear for children. Actually, she would wear them more than just on special occasions. If I bought the dresses new it was from the consignment shop and never more than $35 a piece. Sam only had one bubble suit with an embroider Fleur de Lis bib(the bib is attached to the garment). I admit I was sucked into matching outfits and they were only used for pictures and one outing. A little much considering they were $80, together, but what can I say I am a Southerner.
A few examples of Smocking:
Isn’t that just the sweetest thing. (This is a bishop style dress.
More of an a-line, instead of a more fitted top.) There goes my
uterus, again.
There is no limit to what can be seen on smocking.
Here is one piece that might have some moms all in a tizzy.
It looks pink, but closer inspection it could be a light orange.
I mean it has to be manly, it has construction vehicles on the front.
I understand that this is a passion for some moms, but it wasn’t mine. Like all clothes, if I found a piece I liked then I got it. I never stopped to think what does this say about my child or me. I think that might be what some people have a problem with. These clothes are known as belonging to the upper class. I think it has finally trickled down to the masses, but that is just my experience. However, you do need some money to get these outfits, even used. I think we should keep the fighting among the adults, because really the kids didn’t choose their clothes, they are just out for some fun.
Child Style 