the matching t shirt things

[Princess Me]

I love to see families in matching shirts at Disney World! I wish I could get my own family to do this with me. DH does not do matching, ever. He has even been known to change his clothes after seeing that he is wearing the same/similar colors as any of us. DNiece is almost 13, and very into her own fashion style now. I miss those days when she was excited to match & wanted to be just like me . I can't even get DMom on board for matching shirts, and she wears a fanny pack in WDW that mortifies all of us. I guess I will just continue to envy the other families while wearing my unique shirt for one.

 

[SCDisneyMom]

I think the matching t-shirts are cute and I would love to make some for us to wear, but it won't happen in my family. I know DH and my 14-year-old would look at me like I had 3 heads if I suggested wearing them.

 

[erincon23]

I made matching shirts for my family for our 2009 trip (see my sig photo). Younger DS was happy to wear his, DH grumbled, and older DS grumbled louder, but the day we wore them (at HS), DS changed into his after he did American Idol -- I offered to let him change out of it after a photo or two, but he kept it on.

DS20 and I are taking a trip together in a couple of weeks, and when I started to suggest that I could make shirts, the idea got shot down very quickly. However, I think I might make one set to wear if we get to go to MNSSHP (depends on whether we can fly in stand-by to get in earlier) and surprise him with it. I really like the matching shirts at WDW -- I think it's LOTS of fun, and I can't wait to have grandkids (well, since the boys are 16 and 20, I CAN wait) to make shirts for and take on a trip!

 

[sharplookingmouse]

Hmmmm....not sure I want it to be just a T shirt!

 

[amberpi]

My dad tried to do this to a large group of us when we were young. There was a coup. I can't even imagine broaching the subject with my DH. He'd have me committed, but we don't wear Disney clothes at home, so he'd particularly think I'd gone around the bend. That said, I am interested in seeing the Epcot 30th shirts in person. Will they be vintage-y enough to not be Disney-esque but also be awesome? I guess we'll see in a few weeks.

 

[taylor3297]

My family likes the matching shirts. This year we had matching shirts for the first day of our trip. It was a surprise and the back of the shirt said Disney Bound, the front had various Disney characters.

The other shirt we had were the tie dye with the mickey head in the center. The colors were green, brown and a reddish color.

We got many complements on both shirts.

DH doesn't mind wearing the matching shirts, but he does ask to see what I am planning before ordering. If I am planning on something he doesn't like then I will find something else.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

We wear matching Hawaiian shirts and dresses with Disney themes. Sold on Disney store website and others on eBay. Not every day, but makes for nice family pictures. I must have about 20+ Hawaiian shirts with Disney themes.

 

[hgeisler]

We did "color" days. Orange day, red day, purple day etc. Also did Purdue and Colts days, which the boys really liked. No extra cost for clothes either.

I like that idea

 

[mickeyluv'r]

When u asked about matchy-matchy-I don't think you were referring to tour groups or girls in torture.

Yes but if you read back, I was specifically quoting this poster who said:

A better question would be: Why do people let these things bother them?

I think you misunderstand what I was saying. I wasn't saying all folks who wear matching shirts behave badly. I was saying when I am distracted enough to notice what other folks are doing/wearing, a good part of the time they are wearing matching shirts/outfits.

I was specifically pointing out some instantces where folks in matching outfits did 'bother me.'

I've seen the mom/daughter in uncomfortable matching outfits mutliple times. It's not the shirts that are an issue- it's when mom (or dad?) goes all out making an elaborate outfit and gets carried away adding impractical frills. They forget the idea is to have fun, and the outfit takes over. I saw this just the other day, and it wasn't just mom- it was dad and maybe an uncle? as well. But the poor little girl had the most extras, and she was clearly uncomfortable. Again, I was specifically answering the question of when the matchy-matchy concept crosses into a problem area.

I also saw last week a daughter dressed in a princess dress: clearly happy - Brother and infant also dressed up in coordinating outfits: clearly unhappy. I wouldn't notice at all except that the boy was complaining loudly as he paraded past my table. The infant didn't look very happy either. Again, that's when I think a parent has pushed the 'we MUST match' bit too far.


This is one of those areas where the internet is a poor means of communicating. When you say 'family', most posters probably think of their primary family of four. When I was thinking of 'families that are a problem' - I was thinking of the extended family groups that are the size of tour groups (and field trips, and cheer groups, etc)- again- answering the specific query quoted above - when do they bother me. They cross a line when they behave like a tribe.

Large groups wearing matching clothes are more inclined to act with a 'tribe' mentality. I think that's exactly WHY matching outfits and uniforms appeal to 'tribes' of all kinds. It is without a doubt why the military does it. And that does go to the heart of the OP's question. I think part of the appeal is that the crowds at Disney are overwhelming. It makes you feel like a drop in an oean. If, however, your group is wearing matching outfits, then they become a teaspoon in the ocean. Lots of folks have said, 'it's easier to find our group in the crowd.' (It also might answer part of why matching outfits are culturally/historically frowned upon in Australia?)

I rest my case.

 

[pgianna]

Personally i think it looks cheesey, but to each his own.


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[angierae]

If people wanna wear matching shirts, that's cool for them and I have no problem with it. But I'd never do it in a million years, at Disney, at Cedar Point, anywhere. The best thing about my family is we all have our own style and expressions of taste, and I love that. I have no desire to see us all exactly the same.

 

[muffyn]

We were only one flag away from being a tour group.

oh tag fairy...................

 

[hollygolitely93]

I get it a bit...though it isn't my cup of tee. I refuse to wear same shirt as my husband and then think he looks better in it...too vain for that

What I don't get (tangent I know) is the catalogs like Hannah Anderson and Gymboree that sell matching parents and children outfits...Again, maybe for pictures but even then I can find complementary colours without having to wear and adult sized version of kids clothing. Judgmental...I know...sorry...just having fun!

 

[ppony]

It's a "get the spirit, go with the flow" kind of thing. Sorry you don't see it.

Most people see the world as they are, not as it really is. People come in all shapes and sizes, all walks of life. If some people enjoy it, then who are you (generic you) to put yourself in their positions and judging by your standards. Live and let live. You don't need to understand what others do. They enjoy it, so don't concern yourself.

We did it once when my DS and I wanted to do tie-dye Mickeys. It really made GREAT family shots! This year, we're doing it one more time, but this time, I'm making the Mickey's out of the autism puzzle fabric. Showing support for our DS with severe autism and also bringing awareness. Then when you see him in line in his stroller, you don't have to think ""hey, that kid looks OK, why is he "special.""" I get SO tired of those looks. LOTS of armchair doctors out there.

Honestly though, coordinated family photos look REALLY good in photos.

 

[cfw213]

You're at Disney....What passes for embarrassing outside the "world" is seen as part of the experience in the "world"....

Agree - haven't read the rest of this post but this is why I do it! During my "real life", I'm a conservative accountant...I would never wear matching shirts with my DH or sister outside of Disney, but Disney is for wearing matching Mickey t-shirts and Minnie ears!

 

[ppony]

We did "color" days. Orange day, red day, purple day etc. Also did Purdue and Colts days, which the boys really liked. No extra cost for clothes either.

Fun!

It's just something moms to do even the score after so many years of late night feedings, dirty diapers, meals prepared, parent-teacher conferences, driving lessons and teenage attitude.

You are probably right about this. BUT God bless the men who love their family enough or wife to just do it because its something SHE wanted and asked him to do. Thats what marriage and a partnership IS. My partner doesn't care to wear the Mickey ears BUT if I pull them out of the bag and ask him to put them on for a photo with Mickey or for something else he'll do it with a smile. If I ask him to wear a matching shirt for a day or two at WDW he'll do that to.

I asked my DH if I was forcing him to wear the shorts and wear costumes at the MNSSHP. It's true, I'm driving this bus, but I didn't want unwilling passengers that would be oh, unpleasant at WDW if we did. He said, much to my happiness that he wanted to do it becsue it's about the "experience" and will make wonderful photos to look back on and remember our time. True, he's more happy about the black shirts I'm making than the lime green ones, but hey.... Mommy likes COLOR! He also wears all his WDW t-shirts daily so it's not a huge stretch for him anyway. Today, he's in a Haunted Mansion shirt, because he loves it.

 

[estherhead]

Personally i think it looks cheesey, but to each his own.


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I think it looks cheesy too. And that is clearly where we differ. I LOVE cheesy.

We travel as a group of 11-12. My sister is a family of 6 & mine is 5 and we often bring a friend. Many of our group over the years has been under the age of 5. Sooooo nice to all be in the same color.

When we hand in 11 FP's they just wave us in as they count, easy to tell when we end. When they ask how many and we say 11, they easily arrange us in cars. When we lose a kid and are yelling their name, everyone around us quickly tells us where our kid is. Makes a 5 minute frantic search, about 30 seconds and not very scary.

We always get a lot of compliments. We never wear uncomfortable stuff. I'm actually quite the individual. I don't like letting others define me. And so when others saying matching t-shirts are cheesy it makes me smile. These are my people. I like knowing where they are. And I like looking goofy with them in the happiest place on earth. I like wearing mickey ears. I'm proud to be in a family that loves each other so much they vacation happily together every year (sometimes more! often) and dress alike.

We also dance when others aren't.

Randomly start singing in public.

Say O-H to no one in particular in stores and wait for a stranger to say I-O (noticed OP is also from Ohio) which a stranger ALWAYS does when you are in Ohio.

I won't tell you all our cheesy secrets. But I'll say this. I'm thrilled all of you hate them. I LOVE having my own trend. And when I see other families in matching t-shirts I think "Curses. They may be as cool as us, stealing our FP's, and going to the best park today."

And I'll tell you this, too. Our kids range in age between 4-15. And ALL of them choose to be with us over their friends, even not at WDW. The truth? We are more fun. They know there will be no drama (well, not NONE, but little), games will be played, giggles will be had, ice cream purchased,

Roller coasters ridden:

Hopscotch with Chip and Dale played:

Mermaids watched:

Instruments played:

Bring on the cheese. Just typing this all out makes me smile. Good times, good times.



Hope that helps you understand us kooky American families.

Don't worry, I look appropriate when I travel to NYC and Europe. Mostly.

See? Totally not dressed like my parents:

 

[ama223]

I would never dream of doing it.... Except at Disney!!!!!!! Love matching tye dye Mickey shirts

 

[ppony]

i think it looks cheesy too. And that is clearly where we differ. I love cheesy.

great shots!!!!!!
I tried to copy the first 2 of you guys at Epcot and in front of the RNR. Those were AWESOME! The links didn't work in the quote dang it.

 

[coco392]

this has been enlightening!!!!!

from the sounds of it main reasons are

1) its Disney
2) it's Disney and we wouldn't be caught dead doing it any where else
3) easy to keep group together

like i said in my original post it is something you NEVER see in Australia.

I have only ever seen it in the U.S. - mainly at Disney but also at other places. we only see matching outfits at rugby league or Aussie rules games!!!!!!!