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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Teenage dressing

101 replies

Piggywaspushed · 20/07/2017 13:08

Now , I know this isn't an AIBU but I am in a panic and worried I will get everything all wrong. DS1 is 16 next week. He's not really a very typical 16 year old. He's quiet reclusive and sits inside all day. He has already requested a table tennis table and some books about politics (yes, honestly!) but I want to get him the traditional mother's gift in our household of clothing. He lost a Top Man hoody a while back he actually quite liked (as far as his enthusiasm ever goes...)but for a 16th I feel it ought to be a brand. so, the question is, what brand are the boys wearing at the moment? I am a teacher, so you would think I would know but al I see is a sea of sixth formers in identical white t shirts and jeans. I know this is a potential big fail ( I remember once 'forcing' him to wear a GAP t shirt and him having a panic attack). He's not bothered about fashion but won't want to stick out. So, what is ;in' : Holiister still? Jack Wills? I sense Superdry is out...or something else? What about trainers ? What style, brand and colour?
DS2 got teased for wearing beige trousers recently.... who knew??

Please help! I have 24 hours to sort this out!!

OP posts:
rogueantimatter · 20/07/2017 14:29

Topman are online - perhaps they do a next day delivery?

WaxOnFeckOff · 20/07/2017 14:30

My DSs don't really mix in circles where people are wearing Hugo Boss polo shirts. Not all teenagers are the same. I would like them to take a bit more of an interest tbh but they seem to prefer going about in H&M jersey shorts with an assortment of plain-ish t-shirts (DS1) or Pink Floyd/Rolling Stones etc t-shirts (DS2).

My neighbours son is very into his clothes and wears similar to what you describe WeAll He likes to look immaculate - my DSs look they've been dragged through a hedge most of the time! :)

Blanketdog · 20/07/2017 14:33

My teens won't wear branded clothing!

notaslimceagirl · 20/07/2017 14:41

My ds wears:
North face hoodies
adidas trainers
Levis jeans
Levis, Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger tshirts
Uniqlo jeans and tshirts
Bit of primark thrown in the mix

LadyFairfaxSake · 20/07/2017 14:45

Canterbury is a good brand, well made & comes in generous sizing.

newnamenewnamenewname · 20/07/2017 14:48

It's tricky... When all DS's friends, and his girlfriend, were into Jack Wills, he wouldn't be seen dead in it, even though he had similar style. Teens aren't always logical Grin

Are you anywhere near London? Topman at Oxford Circus has a great personal stylist service - there's a great private lounge with changing rooms, free drinks, screens etc and the stylist will help your DS choose stuff. He can take a friend (or you) and they can relax in the lounge while he shops and tries things on. It was free and there was no minimum spend last time DS did it, not sure about now. If not, maybe a local department store that stocks the brands he likes has a personal shopping service? You could book it and give him a voucher instead of clothes.

MsHarry · 20/07/2017 15:00

If you do venture into Hollister, remember to take a torch.

Cantspell2 · 20/07/2017 15:07

My youngest is a bit older at 19. But in his crowd sports brands and clothing are only to be worn if doing sport. His day to day clothing comes from ASOS. Jeans must be black and slim fit, t shirts are in grey or beige with a collared shirt worn open over it. These can be in anything from check to plain white or black, same for sweatshirts. Footwear is a mix of vans and adidas. Shorts are chino in pale colours. Jackets are black or brown suede. Top man for suits and dress shirts. Ties must be skinney and either grey or a a pale block colour. Very little variation on this theme in his friend group. But they do look good.

pigeondujour · 20/07/2017 15:09

Champion hoodies are very very cool but have minimal branding. Obviously don't buy one full price unless you feel like remortgaging. Shop around but I think you can get them quite cheap on Amazon.

pigeondujour · 20/07/2017 15:09

Although actually does it really have to be a hoodie? Could it be a jumper?

TheWitchAndTrevor · 20/07/2017 15:16

Going to buy cake unless anyone thinks he should get his own?

Absofuckinglutely! Lazy git.
Sorry I'm joking Grin

Look I know what you mean. About a birthday present.

I also have a very socially anxious DS, who wasn't bothered in the slightest about clothes, especially brands.

But after pushing gently to buy his own. He will now shop for himself, he's very errmm unique in his choice of clothes. But that's his style and suits his personality.

He designs his own stuff to go on hoodies and t-shirts, is happy shopping in H&M and has decided he likes TK maxx I can't stand the shop for random clothes. (Not for brands just anything that catches his eye)

Sorry if my posts were harsh, I have just found as with my own DS, sometimes you need to put a little more effort into hand holding and encouraging them to over come somethings, otherwise they would happily live forever well within there comfort zone. Rather then gaining confidence in themselves.

Not meant to be a lecture, just saying were I'm coming from.

willymcwill · 20/07/2017 15:26

Ds1 (13) pretty much dresses in sportswear constantly! Hype, North Face and Nike seem to be popular at the moment.

Maryz · 20/07/2017 15:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Piggywaspushed · 20/07/2017 15:41

Thanks witch - I am hoping sixth form will bring him out of his shell.

We aren't near London as it goes but quite near MK. In the summer I may take him...

I ahd no intention of going in Hollister - how terrifying! I plan to order from Next online.

The only shops nearby in panic mode distance are Next , Sports Direct and Topman (Outfit actually) and Matalan!

A range of Hoodies have been ordered and I shall inspect. I don't think he wants great big logos but maybe just something a bit 'normal'. He isn't remotely 'geek chic' or tribal and isn't interested in music, which would be an awful lot easier.

Teenagers are a minefield!

OP posts:
Original poster
Piggywaspushed · 20/07/2017 15:43

He will not wear black jeans oddly enough, even though I know they nearly all do.

I didn't even mention his button phobia...

OP posts:
ReinettePompadour · 20/07/2017 18:02

Hackett is the favourite brand here for my teenage ds.

Seniorcitizen1 · 20/07/2017 18:33

It is his birthday so buy him what he wants - I get too many gifts that people want to buy me not what I would like to be given

Daydream007 · 20/07/2017 18:54

Superdry, Abercrombie and Hollister

Daydream007 · 20/07/2017 18:56

Next have lots of good brands and do next day delivery and easy returns

Original poster
Piggywaspushed · 21/07/2017 07:07

Exactly what I am doing Daydream. Next is the only shop near us. If it ain't available form Next, no one is getting it! They make a fortune out of me!

OP posts:
Original poster
Piggywaspushed · 21/07/2017 07:10

senior as discussed in the thread he both needs and wants a new hoodie. he will wear it, so it's one of those 'useful' gifts. He won't be mega grateful but he won't be ungrateful, so it's fine!

I bought him hoodie yesterday (several actually for choice) and they ranged from £30 to £60 which I think is not too bad (the £60 will go back) and a t shirt for £12. The oen I think I will keep has v little obvious branding on it :)

OP posts:
Failbydefault · 21/07/2017 07:15

I ask my teen DS to browse the internet and text me a range if things they may quite like, then I choose from the list. They don't know which they'll get but at least it's one or two from a range they've selected (and you can post it back if they don't like the one you choose). If you're already getting the TT table, that's the thing he really wants so anything else is just extra, I wouldn't swear too much about it.

Failbydefault · 21/07/2017 07:16

Sweat

Mamia15 · 21/07/2017 07:17

Please don't buy him branded clothes that he won't wear - there isn't a right brand, it all depends on who you hang out with.

Navy is a safe choice if he doesn't like grey.

For presents, why not buy an experience - i.e a day trip, a show/gig, museum. Much more meaningful than buying him clothes and you'll be making memories.

mummmy2017 · 21/07/2017 07:17

Seen a lot of Salt Rock in our area, on all ages.