What bags are cool for year 7 boys ? For my nerdy shy boy

[HollyDaze88]

Bless him he’s dreading primary school and none of his mates are in his class either

So you mean secondary? Are there any rules?

Do you mean secondary? A Nike rucksack is pretty standard and what my boys went for

Plain black Nike, you can’t go wrong!

A black nike rucksack is best. It's what most Year 7 boys have in our school. And a plain black or clear pencil case too.

Go to sports direct r similar and get black Adidas or Nike rucksack. Not going to win any awards for style but will not stand out either

Oh thanks so much, what about lunch boxes

Clear adult one

We've always used plain sistema lunch bags that squash down when they are empty.

backpack as above until he feels confident to branch out.
no lunch box, just wrap the sandwich in something disposable (sorry planet earth) and snacks loose in bag.
plain water bottle

Thanks, he’s so nervous, just anything that makes him feel better at this point will help xxx

Oh, bless his heart. The switch from primary to secondary is so abrupt. It could be made a bit easier.

I'd go with black Nike as suggested above but get a tag or something to hang from it, so he doesn't get it mixed up with everyone else's. Maybe one that advertises one of his nerdy but not too nerdy interests - like Lego or Minecraft, in case it leads to some connection with other pupils with similar interests.

Do you know anyone at all in his class? Friends of friends? Could you invite them over for a game of frisbee or popcorn and a movie? Just so there is at least a familiar face. Or some kind older kid who lives nearby who mioght keep an eye on him on the way to school.

I agree Black Nike or Adidas bag. As big as possible to fit all their stuff. Its handy if PE bag can fit in there as well. Plain pencil case.

Yes to black Nike bag, my son just finished year 7. Does he need a lunch box? Most kids at my son’s school get food from canteen/snack bar?

What about shoes ?

Nike or adidas plain black. My son did ask for lunch bag as he felt embarrassed having a plastic bag so I got him a plain adult one from Amazon, he still keeps it hidden though 🤣

I’m guessing Clark’s Velcro shoes aren’t the done thing so what do most secondary school boys wear ?

The footwear depends on what school will allow. Ours are strict so it’s proper shoes but if it says they can wear all black Nike trainers then do that.

Don’t dangle a Minecraft tag off his bag please!

Coat, get him a Nike, Berghaus, North Face, Adidas.

He will find his friends eventually, tell him to just sit with anyone he recognises as having smiled or said hello to him previously at lunch. Don’t sit alone

Depends on the school ours don’t allow trainers even all black. My son did have kickers but he said they were uncomfortable so now just a cheap black pair that he chose himself.

Depends on the school rules...but my ds wore kickers at secondary school and told me that's what all the boys wore.

I agree plain black everything. My boys school insists on proper black school shoes that can be polished so we get a pair from Next boys school shoes range.

Just checked the rules and it’s days formal lace up shoes ones that look like trainers not acceptable

Agree with all on the plain black rucksack, Nike is good but without a very large logo ideally. White sports socks and black plain shoes. My ds school isn’t super strict on shoes so he has these. And a plastic jd sports drawstring bag for PE kit.

eTA I cross posted with your last one about the shoes! Ds got sonething like these in year 7, just plain and comfy www.schuh.co.uk/kids/boys-youth-schuh-rami-derby-black-shoes/5490447060/

Agree with all PPs - black Nike bag, black coat (although disagree it needs to be branded to be cool enough - that's not been the case for my DC), plain black lace up shoes - definitely not velcro. 100% agree with trying to find a bag that's big enough to fit PE kit in as well as other stuff, it helps with the transition because it's one less thing to lose! Although might be tricky if he's trying to fit in a lunch box.

Lunch box - plain, adult lunch box. Plain water bottle too.

Bless him - I'm sure he'll be ok and will find his tribe.

Acceptable backpacks include Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Montirex. Maybe New Balance too.

Acceptable lunchboxes - I’m not sure any definite ones exist as most kids will eat at school or go to local shops. However, if you must get one, get a clear adult one. Nothing with a character on it or a handle. Same goes for water bottle.

For a jacket - see bag brands. Black or grey is probably best.

Phone wise - don’t send him with a Nokia or something. Everyone else will have Samsung or iPhones.

When I say “acceptable”, I mean that in the social context of secondary school in 2025, before anyone comes for me. Yes there’ll be parents who send their kids to school with no brands and a brick phone while claiming that they’re never laughed at, but for a nervous boy just starting, blending in is best.

To add - Velcro shoes are an absolute no-no. As is anything dangling from his bag like a keychain or character. No fun pencil cases either - just plain black will do.