English Boys' Clothes: Chronologies--Early 21st Century


Figure 1.--Short hair cuts and sporty jackets were popular in the early 2000s.

A major problem with children's clothing is the implied "status" of designer wear. Children don't think they look 'cool' unless their apparel has a famous logo shouting out its message. It may seem a great expense initially, nevertheless, it certainly eliminates most of the pressures that designer wear creates. One English dad in 2001 reported that an powerful influence on boys is probably footballers. The regular changes of "uniform" made by premier league clubs may irritate some parents (financially!), but the boys are stronly influenced by fottball gear. He reports that his sons have pictures of the the latest uniforms of his club on their bedroom wall. He reports that the general effect of this culture is to make the wearing of shorts more politically correct (with greater street cred) than was the case 10-15 years ago.

Influences

One English dad in 2001 reported that an powerful influence on boys is probably footballers. The regular changes of "uniform" made by premier league clubs may irritate some parents (financially!), but the boys are stronly influenced by fottball gear. He reports that his sons have pictures of the the latest uniforms of his club on their bedroom wall. He reports that the general effect of this culture is to make the wearing of shorts more politically correct (with greater street cred) than was the case 10-15 years ago.

Garments

Boys and teenagers in the 2000s commonly wear casual shorts in various styles. There does not seem to be the stigma assosciated with wearing shorts, that there was during the 1970s and 80s when they were associated with childhood and most boys could not wait to get out of them. One English farther tells HBC that his boy like to wear soccer shorts and T-shirts and prefers the shorter length shorts to the long baggy ones that American kids prefer. He also said that most English boys do not like their boxers showing above their pants, a fashion fad popular among some American kids.

Schoolwear

School uniforms are still commonly worn in England, although there has been increasing public debate on the topic. Interesting as school uniforms begin to be more popular in America, the opposite appears to be the case in England. While commonly worn, school uniforms are much more casual than in previous years. Boys at many schools do not wear ties. Sweatshirts which are worn without tgies, have replaced sweaters in many schools. One reader reports seeing traditional grey school shorts carried by major retailers in sizes up to 13 and 14 years. Another reader reports that boys this age do not commonly wear traditional grey school shorts, boys are getting bigger and probably sizes are getting smaller. He indicates that "There are not many 14 year olds I know who could fit into a pair of M&S age 14 school shorts. In any case, it is rare for even 11 year olds dressed neatly in traditional school shorts. Actually during the summer, boys at some schools, even secondary schools, have indicated a desire to wear shorts--especially casual shorts. One reader comments, "Who knows perhaps we will see secondary schoolboys in shorts again before long, which would be ironic as this would undoubtedly be due to the relaxation of school uniform rules!" Another reader writes in 2007, "Here in England there is a big trend away from sweatshirts and back to regular shirts, pullovers and blazers. All of the schools in my area have reverted back over the past 2 years."

Casual Wear

An English reader writes in 2007, "I have noticed the number of boys currently wearing shorter length tracksuit bottoms with their football socks pulled up towards their knees. How fashions rotate - it does not look that dissimilar to knee breeches being worn! Saw a few boys outside the house today and it suddenly struck me."

Hair Styles









HBC




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Created: November 7, 2001
Last updated: 9:45 PM 4/3/2007