Are there any clothes that are considered "uncool" for middle-school boys?

[Cindy B]

GAP doesn't stand for Gay and Proud. That's an urban legend. Plus, even if it did what's wrong with it?

I know that. But the OP asked what was considered uncool and I told her. I never said the acronym but stated that other kids will notice and say it.

Note that I said I do stop the kids from saying it but they still do.

I've had to explain to some well meaning parents that have bought the once cool GAP clothes and have the kids ridiculed. If it prevents any kid from being ostracized, I'm all for it.

 

[Cindy B]

I go to middle school and tight jeans (especially black ones) are VERY popular! South Pole is a good brand for shirts, the designs are pretty cool. So is Converse. I also really like Black Jack, that has to be my favorite. For jeans: tight levi's is what almost every boy wears at my school. Plaid shorts are also pretty popular. I wear semi-tight levis. For shoes: Nike's are good, or if he's a skater then Vans. I hope I helped!

Oh, and DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT LET HIM WEAR SKATER BRANDS (VANS, I <3 HATERS, etc.) IF HE DOES NOT SKATE! That's AMAZINGLY important, and a poser is the absolute worst thing to be in MS.

No to VANS. They are considered poseur skate shoes. The rule is if you can buy them at Kohl's they aren't real skate shoes. According to my skater son, Vans are the skate shoes for kids who think they can skate.

Real skate shoes are bought either online or at skate shops/stores.

 

[Poohlovr]

I have one just finishing up the 8th grade. Around here, most of the boys skate, so that's a lot of what we see.

As a pp said, no Vans, no Tony Hawk. Emerica, Nike SB, Fallen, Lakai, ES, Osiris, Etnie and DC seem to be the most popular shoes. Shirts are usually tees with the same brands. Pants are tight jeans (I hate them) from Pac Sun. Shorts, if they wear them, are below the knee basketball type shorts (no team logos).

I also have a 10th grader, who does not skate. For them tight jeans are still worn, with rock band tees, either from a concert or Hot Topic. Shorts are long and plaid, worn with tees (again, usually the concert tees, but sometimes with plain tees).

No polo shirts. That may be because they have to wear them to school, so don't want to wear them outside of there.

All od them have collar length or longer hair, whether they skate or not.

I, too, think a lot of this will be regional and youe best bet may be to just buy a couple of things prior to the start of school and then see what all of the other kids are wearing.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I have a DS in 8th grade this year. Shorts are plaid and or long sport shorts. T-shirts are Hollister, Aero, Ambercrombie (don't fuss too much as the T-shirts are always marked down). Polo's with shorts if you are going to the show etc, as in to impress. Sneakers here are all over the board, so he goes with what he is comfortable with. Try Famous Footwear if you have one near you. My son is into skinny jeans so he shops Hot Topic for those, so I can't help you with that, but the best advise would be to go to a park near you and check out what the kids are wearing, and check the mall on a night when it might be cooler and they might be wearing jeans...

 

[MoniqueU]

It is interesting to hear what is in style in differnt parts of the country. American Eagle and Aeropostal are really really not big here in CA. I first heard of them on the DIS and saw one or the other of them in the mall and asked my dd who is on her way to middle school if she wanted to check them out and she said no way. Hollister and pac sun are her favorites. Sometimes A and F. And alot of independent stores at the Irvine Spectrum she shops at. She likes to have clothes that are not the exact same thing as her friends are wearing. She just got her graduatin dress at nordstronms and I am sure no one else will be wearing the same dress at the ceremony which is a good thing. She would wear clothes that were to small or too tight berore she would ever wear something form target, kohls or pennys. She is also the girl that will go hungry ratjer then eating something she doesnt like.I know some people are able to force their ideas and will on their kids but with this one its just not possible. I have been thereone that before.

My son who is in highschool wears a uniform but also lives to get up and go our. He wouldn't be caught in public in a polo shirt with one of his friends around.. He likes the longer lengh shorts and surfwear t shirts He wears mostly Hurley as he and my DH wear the same size shirt so for the simpleizing of laundry one wears *********** the other hurley. SHoes are big deal to him as that is the only thing he is allowed to pick out for himself to wear to school, He goes with the nike ones that are from his favorite players, right now Kobe and LT. They cost a bit but they hold up very well, much better then the skater shoes do. No long hair on him, he plays football and that isn't it for the football players not that I owuld allow that anyway.
Hoodies are popular with both my kids but I agree no gap and no old navy. But for that matter no Tommy Hilfiger either. And my son would go naked before he shopped at hollister or A and F. He thinks those stores are for girls and girly guys.

It is all a matter or region I guess. Justl like I NEVER see anyone here in CA in crocs save a couple of people at Disneyland and Vera Bradley is unheard of here. I learn alot about the east coast here and is very different then what we are used to.

 

[Bluestars]

My son is in middle school and they wear uniforms to school. When he isn't at school, he likes to wear Nike shirts, shorts, and shoes. He also likes the cargo shorts. He would never wear anything plaid though. That isn't really in style where we live.

Other than sports names, he wouldn't know a brand name if it hit him in the face. I buy his jeans at Old Navy, which I have done for years because it's easier than taking him to the store to figure out how the other brands fit. He hates going to the store to shop for clothes.

 

[ksjayhawks]

Cargo shorts, plaid shorts.

Hollister, American Eagle, Pac Sun, Ambercrombie shirts and hoodies.

Cool pair of tennis shoes is a must and no show socks.

 

[Cindy B]

I have one just finishing up the 8th grade. Around here, most of the boys skate, so that's a lot of what we see.

As a pp said, no Vans, no Tony Hawk. Emerica, Nike SB, Fallen, Lakai, ES, Osiris, Etnie and DC seem to be the most popular shoes. Shirts are usually tees with the same brands. Pants are tight jeans (I hate them) from Pac Sun. Shorts, if they wear them, are below the knee basketball type shorts (no team logos).



No polo shirts. That may be because they have to wear them to school, so don't want to wear them outside of there.

All od them have collar length or longer hair, whether they skate or not.

I, too, think a lot of this will be regional and youe best bet may be to just buy a couple of things prior to the start of school and then see what all of the other kids are wearing.

I like your list of skate brands. However, DC is cosidered an "out" brand here. Etnies is on that list too, but is still hovering as an OK brand. I see a lot of kids at my school wearing the Osiris brand. My son wears Emerica.

The hair is long all the time. Some boys have it cut in the "skater" cut. My son has thick naturaly curly hair, so that doesn't work.

No boy wears polos outside of school/worship. Occasionally you will see kids with them on for a family gathering. A polo is considered a dress shirt for my son!

 

[clarabelle]

This is interesting!

I agree with the PP that said wait until school has been in for a week or two before you do any serious shopping.

I wanted to mention that if they are having to dress out for PE make sure he has some underwear that he doesn't mind changing in front of others in.

 

[java]

My son is older now(15) but I'll give one piece of advice- while he couldn't care less about what was on his body- what was on his feet became very important.

SNEAKERS were the thing he cared about. I would not be running out to buy new school shoes until after the first week of school. When he may see a "cool" pair of whatevers that he wants. My son decided he loved skater shoes and I spent the middle school years buying DC, Etnies, and Adio.

Now that he's in High school it's back to Nike- but then it was all about the skater shoe.

UGH and those tight jeans are making a comeback for boys. Personally I hate them more than the loose ones. But whatever.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think the regional aspect of this is interesting.

I also wonder how much is related to how Dad dresses...

...and what the kids themselves are "into" - skaters, gamers, jocks, preps, etc (my names).

Hair and sneakers, too.

I can see how even with some of DS's long term friends their styles are starting to individualize a bit.

My DS read this thread last night and thought it was funny that some boys are wearing plaid shorts. We'll have to keep our eyes peeled to see if we see any around here.

I agree with pp's who say that Polo type shirts are worn for special occasion only.

I don't recognize a lot of the brands and styles mentioned on this thread.

 

[Shelton123]

Has the OP stated that her son skates? He shouldn't wear skate clothes if he doesn't skate.

Anyways, I forgot to tell you: a really really good brand is American Eagle. They're stuff is pretty popular around here with girls and guys. It's fashionable, durable (unlike that Hollister and Amercrombie), and not too expensive either.

 

[Cindy B]

Has the OP stated that her son skates? He shouldn't wear skate clothes if he doesn't skate.

Anyways, I forgot to tell you: a really really good brand is American Eagle. They're stuff is pretty popular around here with girls and guys. It's fashionable, durable (unlike that Hollister and Amercrombie), and not too expensive either.

Many middle school boys around here detest... with a capital D American Eagle.
AE is considered girly like hollister and abercrombie.

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

The boys at my school wear long shorts, lots of them wear striped or sold polos. Plaid shorts are in, too! As far as DON'TS, I would say don't wear long socks, or pants or shorts that are too short. I bet a solid polo that he likes and a pair of khaki pants or shorts, with sneakers, would be a good first day of school outfit.

Like others said, let him see what everyone else is wearing, and you can watch the kids as they go into school, also!

Good luck!

 

[SpecialK]

Has the OP stated that her son skates? He shouldn't wear skate clothes if he doesn't skate.

Anyways, I forgot to tell you: a really really good brand is American Eagle. They're stuff is pretty popular around here with girls and guys. It's fashionable, durable (unlike that Hollister and Amercrombie), and not too expensive either.

Boys here aren't into AE. And South Pole isn't allowed at their middle school because of some of the graphics (skulls, etc.)

Many middle school boys around here detest... with a capital D American Eagle.
AE is considered girly like hollister and abercrombie.

Funny - boys here wear Abercrombie but not Hollister. Pac Sun and Aeropstale are the hands down favorites. Older boys are at Buckle, too.

 

[KiminChicago]

My DS is just finishing up his first year as a middle schooler and I have to say that I don't think anyone in his school is that fashion conscious. I buy all his clothes at Target or Kohl's, and so do most of his friends' moms. The only criteria he has is that the pants and shorts can't be too short. Oh, and the sneakers have to be black -- no white ones ever!

 

[SpecialK]

My DS is just finishing up his first year as a middle schooler and I have to say that I don't think anyone in his school is that fashion conscious. I buy all his clothes at Target or Kohl's, and so do most of his friends' moms. The only criteria he has is that the pants and shorts can't be too short. Oh, and the sneakers have to be black -- no white ones ever!

This is so interesting - we're in the SW suburbs and everyone in MS is fashion concious. Black sneaker around here are off-limits!

 

[MoniqueU]

I am just laughing at the thought of my DS in a pair of plaid shorts and a polo shirt leaving the house. Or the tight jeans for that matter. I can't imagine him with long hair either. I would cut that off while he slept no problem. But the plaid shorts and the polo vision of him in my mind is hysterical. On and my ds doen't like skater or snowboard brands at all because that is what the "emo" kids around here wear. Even though he snowboards that's a no no.

 

[shortbun]

My son is entering 8th grade. Although there isn't any mean teasing at his school, everyone pretty much dresses the same. Long shorts and tees with basketball shoes are the #1 outfit and surf style shorts/plaid with long tees come in close second. The boys wear shorts until it's so cold their mothers are screaming, lol! Some wear them all year round. Longish hair is in although some of the baseball players have their buzz cut already. A few wear jeans and tees but no one wears shirts with collars. I insist my son have one or two for dressier occasions.

 

[tndisneyfan]

I think kids still give other kids a hard time for not wearing the right things. When DS was in 6th grade, he's starts 8th in the fall, he wore a WalMart brand shirt to school. One of the other boys at school commented on his WalMart shirt. He never wore it again and bacame much more conscious of what he wears.

Around here most of the boys wear American Eagle, Aeropostale, Hollister, Ambercrombie and Fitch. He also wears the long cargo type shorts to his knees, he absolutely will not wear anything above the kneel and I never see any of the other boys at school wearing shorts above their knees.

I will never for the life of me understand this fad of wearing shorts down past your knees. I aggravate DS all the time about it. I ask him if he's going to wear shorts down past his knees, why not just wear jeans?