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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wear children's clothes even though I'm in my late 40s? (Pic)

111 replies

IonaNE · 03/02/2017 19:26

Both the jeans and the top are from Tesco, 13-14 years boys' (I haven't tried on any girls' stuff, I don't like fitted tops... or fitted anything, really). So much cheaper than adult clothes, and I think they look cool. Blush Oh, and I already have some 13-14Y knickers from ASDA, I think they were £2.50 a pack. They are baby pink Hmm but no one at work will see that. Grin Anyway, I haven't actually bought this outfit, but this weekend I might just explore the children's clothes section in a few supermarkets. AIBU?

To wear children's clothes even though I'm in my late 40s? (Pic)
OP posts:
SugarMiceInTheRain · 03/02/2017 20:43

YANBU if they fit. I am 4'11" and not very shapely unfortunately - pretty straight up and down, so fairly often find stuff in the teen section of shops. Have never bought kids pants though (since adulthood)

Ericaequites · 03/02/2017 20:43

The difference between a boys' and small ladies' black turtleneck is seven dollars. Boys' turtlenecks are better made as well. Why not buy cheaply when you can?

NeedsAsockamnesty · 03/02/2017 20:48

I could be making this up but I think I read somewhere that adults wearing kids clothes was the reason that HMRC reduced the measurements for vat free clothing down to something like around age 14 round about the time that size 0 was the thing

Flingmoo · 03/02/2017 20:49

YANBU, I think that outfit looks really badass. To the comments about not having a very feminine shape, well I don't think looking stylish is always about showing your 'feminine shape'...! Androgynous style is really cool.

I am 5'3" and size 8-10, for jeans I'm nearly a 12, and I do sometimes buy from the teens section. I actually find that age 15-16 is usually too big for me and actually closer to an adult size 12-14 in some shops.

A couple of years ago all my smart work skirts were actually really cheap supermarket school skirts. Blush

Haffdonga · 03/02/2017 20:51

Irrelevant but

M&S packs of pants for 15 to 16 year olds are exactly the same size and quality as the adult men's pants (small) and are half the price

ToastyFingers · 03/02/2017 20:54

Sidge can you tell me more about these leggings? I'm 5'2 and women's ones are always too long and end up baggy and horrible. What size are you normally, and what size do you buy in kids?

Flingmoo · 03/02/2017 20:58

Haffdonga That's great Grin I'm going to tell DH to slim down so he can start wearing teenage boy pants again, haha!

NotMyPenguin · 03/02/2017 20:58

Definitely not! If your feet are below a size 7, do also check out the Kids section of the Ecco sale. Really nicely made shoes at very reasonable prices.

HelenaGWells · 03/02/2017 21:04

If they fit and you like them why not? I would if I was skinny enough!

I've noticed as DD has got older that as soon as you hit age 13+ the kids clothes are roughly equivalent to adult sizes. DD is currently in 13-14 and can also fit in a size 8 (although I don't buy her adult clothes yet). Her jeans are the same length as my petite ones. It varies between shops but most kids age 13-16 clothes seem to be equivalent to adults 6/8-10/12. The only difference I've noticed is style and cut as kids sizes aren't cut for ample hips and boobs!

SansaClegane · 03/02/2017 21:05

YANBU, I buy children's clothes for myself all the time!

As a PP has said, you have to be careful with the fit sometimes as they are cut for 'straighter' figures. However, I have some lovely organic cotton long sleeved Tshirts from H&M that were like 3 for a fiver, some Boden jeans (teenage range) for £10, and recently even bought the same lovely leather brogues which I'd bought for my eldest DS (I'm a size 6 and it seems most kids shoes go up to that size).
I don't see a problem with that at all Grin

Marcipex · 03/02/2017 21:07

Why not? I have m&s age 13 girls briefs. They are huuuuge.

LemonScentedStickyBat · 03/02/2017 21:08

This thread has made me wish I was skinny again Grin.

Olympiathequeen · 03/02/2017 21:09

I regularly buy the 13-14 size clothes in shops. Much cheaper and the styles are often the same aside from the endless pink appliqué butterflies that have to be stuck on the girlie clothes

Bunnyfuller · 03/02/2017 21:12

Why are you asking? I genuinely don't understand. I buy whatever fits, and wouldn't think to question it? Is this stealth boast that you're lates 40s and still fit in kids clothes? Confused

AngelsWithSilverWings · 03/02/2017 21:12

If they fit go for it! My current favourite pair of boots are Debenhams Blue Zoo children's. They only cost me £20 and they are so warm and comfy. It's great having small feet!

SomewhatIdiosyncratic · 03/02/2017 21:13

I'm a size 8 at the top and have a few children's items (5ft 2). Being a pear shape, my lower half is too curvy for most items although I recently bought some boys joggers from the supermarket. I can struggle with the size gap between 11-12 and 13-14.

I bought DS1 a lovely purple fleece hoodie. Very lovely... I went back for the age 14. When he went up a size, DS2 fitted it, and the stock hadn't changed and I bought another for DS1. We've never gone out in our his, his 'n' hers hoodies Grin

I also still wear clothes I had as a teenager in the 90s as I haven't changed size, and the styles were quite simple so haven't dated.

Original poster
IonaNE · 03/02/2017 21:14

Wow, so I'm not alone Smile

YANBU, I think that outfit looks really badass
Thanks, Mamushka ! Actually... I also think so Grin.

To the comments about not having a very feminine shape, well I don't think looking stylish is always about showing your 'feminine shape'...! Androgynous style is really cool
My thoughts exactly Smile. (Especially because after having lost more than 2st of comfort eating flab from last year I'm, well, proud of being able to pull off this not-so-feminine look.)

OP posts:
SquinkiesRule · 03/02/2017 21:16

I fit in teen sizes too. I needed more work trousers plain black so tried Asda teens school trousers, fit great with a bit of stretch and smart enough for work £7 a pair, I nearly went to marks and got the £20 ones. What was I thinking.

Talith · 03/02/2017 21:16

YANBU I think you look very cool and young. Smile

Original poster
IonaNE · 03/02/2017 21:18

Thank you, Talith Smile

OP posts:
ssd · 03/02/2017 21:19

good for you op, why waste money when you can find things you like and not spend a fortune

ArriettyClock1 · 03/02/2017 21:20

It's entirely up to you.

Despite being not small (5'7.5), my feet are a 3.

I shrug off comments from shop assistants who are usually incredulous, and happily buy Asics/Adidas/Converse from the children's range at a reduced cost.

MarklahMarklah · 03/02/2017 21:20

I would if I could, but I'm too fat! There are some brilliant things out there in kidswear.

Fighterofthenightman · 03/02/2017 21:23

Wear what you want. I wouldn't think it looked particularly cool even on a 13 year old boy but who cares?

HopelesslydevotedtoGu · 03/02/2017 21:24

@sidge what size Next girls leggings do you buy? I am same height as you and adult leggings are too long