Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DS4 doesn’t want to wear summer clothes. Is is a complete nonissue?

59 replies

RainIsCool · 10/05/2025 12:26

DS4, NT, if it makes any difference refusing to wear any summer clothes - T-shirts, shorts in a heat for a second year in a row. When I changed his pyjama, which is also long sleeved and long legged, refused to put on a T-shirt despite the fact that it’s hot. We have a back door open, we’ve been out, playing with cars, enjoying the sun and he refuses to take of the long sleeved top and sweatpants. Last year I had the same battle. Even in the middle of summer when nights are almost unbearable, he prefers to sleep in a long sleeved pyjama and even socks. I always take them off after he’s asleep.
Only time he would wear t shirt is nursery, he comes into t shirt and hoodie on top and later someone takes it off I guess because 9/10 when times I pick him up he is without it. Or if I somehow put a T-shirt on him, he needs a jacket of some sort on top. And then if we are out and it gets very hot sometimes it’s possible to take the jacket off and leave him with just shirt.
Forget the shorts tho - impossible to put then on. He lives in his sweatpants. He always says his arms and legs are cold which I respect but somehow refuse to believe that he’s cold nonstop in the middle of summer in 30 degrees.
I don’t force him to wear something if he doesn’t like, but at the same time, it’s hot, everyone is in shirts and shorts and he’s the only one fully dressed like it’s freezing.
i also understand that fundamentally it’s not the end of the world if that’s what he prefers but somehow it just drives me crazy!

OP posts:
ifyoudont · 10/05/2025 12:35

have you talked to nursery about how 9 times out of 10 they manage to have him end up in just a tshirt?

And have you tried sweatpants shorts? Ds won’t wear denim/ cargo shorts that are rough and have pockets but will where shorts made out of leggings or sweatpants material.

I don’t think this is an issue I would drop, he might be saying he’s not hot now but in certain weather he will be and that could make him ill. There needs to be a compromise/alternative found.

UnbeatenMum · 10/05/2025 12:34

DS will wear anything but hates suncream, total full on meltdown. So the last couple of years I've dressed him in long sleeved tops and lightweight linen or cargo trousers.

verycloakanddaggers · 10/05/2025 12:34

Unless he's becoming unwell due to heat - let him choose.

Like many preferences in young kids, the more you try to push this the more he'll resist.

Ablondiebutagoody · 10/05/2025 12:33

This would really annoy me too but I would let him wear what he wants. I would have shorts and t-shirt in my bag if we go out. If he gets hot he will tell you.

InfoSecInTheCity · 10/05/2025 12:33

Not an issue just try to choose light, thin, natural fibres where you can. I actually find long sleeves and legs more comfortable on hot nights too, I hate the feel of sticky hot skin against sticky hot skin, even my own arm on my stomach or side feels horrible, it feels much cooler and more comfortable with a thin cotton fabric layer.

DrCoconut · 10/05/2025 12:32

My DS is much older at 14 but he's like this. Currently sitting in joggers and hoodie.

ChandrilanDiscoDroid · 10/05/2025 12:31

I'm with PP; it doesn't appear he's sweating excessively or getting overheated, so leave him be or buy him breathable lightweight long sleeved stuff.

GammonAndEgg · 10/05/2025 12:31

Mine two! I bought elasticed linen trousers.

shalamakooky · 10/05/2025 12:29

Probably just not used to having his arms and legs exposed

buy light cotton/linen long sleeve tops/trousers from next

my boy was like this