A reader question:
Dear Editor,
This is a question for Muffy and the Salt Water New England readers:
Where can one find quality tailored blazers and pants for teenage boys? My son does not fit into children’s clothing anymore, yet does not fit into men’s sized blazers and pants either. What happened to Brooks Brothers, Polo, etc?! We live in Dallas now and it’s impossible to find local stores who carry classic looking clothing for boys. The few items that I’ve come across are either over styled, cheaply made or cost way too much for a kid who will outgrown the items within a year! Someone please help. Where do the prep school kids shop now?
Thank you for posting, Muffy!
This is a question I have had to solve for my own teenage son. I would suggest looking on eBay. It seems like everyone's father is dying and the deceased's classic pieces are all ending up for sale online. Take your son's measurements carefully, and if you shop with some patience and discretion, focusing only on brands you know and trust, you can find most of what you seek. Be prepared to do some cleaning and basic alterations. I have found blazers, tweed jackets, dress shirts, ties, khakis, loafers, and even formal wear for my teenage son, all at reasonable prices for growing boys. Given that my son wears a jacket & tie for school every day, he does get plenty of wear from these clothes. I grew up wearing hand-me-downs, so I have no qualms about wearing quality second hand clothing. Likewise, I have no qualms about passing on everything my son outgrows to a friend with three younger boys. In a way, this is not so different from shopping at the church or school jumble sale a generation or two ago. The format has simply moved online.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous above. Thrift shops and eBay dress me. I used to teach in boys' schools--day and boarding--and I was very spiffy in a trad sort of way, thanks to eBay and the thrifts.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine The Andover Shop still offers clothing for teenagers, it would be tragic and a disservice to their name if not.
ReplyDeleteI cannot endorse the quality of Brooks Brothers clothing in recent years, however I would imagine they still offer teen sizes.
I don't think The Andover Shop offers clothes specifically for teenagers but their sizes tend to run a little on the small side and their clothes are a little more fitted than most other stores that sell clothes of a similar style, so they would probably work well for a teenager.
DeleteOur son is 28; he tends to get blazers and even suits at places like Uniqlo, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and that has worked for a number of years. Will be interesting to see if that changes, he starts at a large international firm next fall. Looked at Jos. Bank with him once, didn't like how they fit. Department stores like Macys and Nordstrom are worth a look. Todd Snyder and Ralph Lauren (i think they have a store in Dallas) if you're wiling to spend more, but they tend to be oriented toward men, not teens.
ReplyDeleteEpiscopal Church thrift shops are your best bets ... specifically those in Alexandria, Richmond and Charlottesville ... collars up !!!
ReplyDeleteIt's been 20 years, but my son and his Groton mates bought their clothes mostly from JCrew in the wake of the enshittification of good quality classic clothing from the traditional stores and shops. I have bought good tweed jackets from the Andover Shop in the past 10 years or so. The shop has always had lovely stuff, but as students, years ago, we thought it was quite pricey.
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