Back to School With Artisan Style

Every September the same thing happens at the atelier: families arrive with last summer's clothes, looking at what can still be used and what needs replacing before the school year starts.

Back-to-school doesn't have to mean buying everything new. It's often the perfect moment to go through the wardrobe calmly and decide with a clear head, instead of rushing at the last minute.

Pieces built to last the school year

In the Children's Clothing and Accessories collection there are pieces like the Safari Polo and Trouser Set, designed to keep up with a full school year without losing its look after the first washes.

"School clothes need to survive recess, not just the first-day photo."

Which fabrics hold up best to school life

Not all fabrics respond the same way to a school-age child's daily routine — recess, paint, meals, frequent washes. Good-weight cotton and blends with a touch of elastane usually hold up better than thin fabrics, precisely because they resist constant wear without losing shape. If you also need to dress a younger baby at home, in how to choose the right fabric for baby clothes by season I go over what to consider depending on the time of year.

Caring for clothes so they last more than one school year

Beyond the fabric itself, how you care for clothes at home makes a big difference — washing inside out, avoiding the dryer on delicate pieces, and storing them properly off-season. If you'd like to extend the life of a special garment, in how to preserve a children's dress so it lasts for years I share the tricks I use at the atelier for ceremony garments, and many of them work just as well for everyday clothes.

A backpack that keeps up

Beyond clothing, a well-made artisan backpack is an investment that shows — it holds up better to daily use than cheaper versions, and usually lasts more than one season.

If you'd like help going through your children's wardrobe before the school year starts, you can contact Atelier Yvicor and we'll look at it together.

Frequently asked questions

Which fabrics hold up best to a child's daily use at school?
Good-weight cotton and blends with a touch of elastane tend to withstand frequent washing and recess wear better than thin fabrics.

Is it worth altering last year's clothes instead of buying new ones?
Yes, a well-thought-out hem or waist adjustment can extend a garment's life by one or two more school years, especially for good-quality pieces.

How can I make my children's clothes last longer?
Washing inside out, avoiding the dryer on delicate pieces, and storing garments properly off-season all help them stay in good shape for longer.

"Dressing well for school isn't about buying more, it's about choosing better."

— Patricia Rojas