Selection of Dresses : Clothing for the Preschool child (2-4 years)

Clothing for the Preschool child (2-4 years)

Clothing for the preschool-age child may become a major problem for the family because it is expensive, yet is used for only a short time. It should be selected to help the child develop self-reliance, practice social skills and interact with peers. Garments should be flexible, comfortably warm, easily cleaned, soft, durably encourage self reliance, convenient for frequent toileting, adjustable to the rapidly growing body, and attractive in design and fabric. Children of this age also need make-believe clothing to accommodate their dream world fantasies.

Allowance for growth

               Growth is most rapid during the preschool years.

               Buying clothes with growth features will enable a garment to be worn over a longer period of time.

To provide for growth in height

               Skirts and dresses with deep hems or tucks at the bottom need to be provided.

               Dresses and trousers with tucks at the waistline to lengthen the upper part of dress or to lengthen the crotch.

               Overalls with adjustable long straps and deep hems are included.

               Yokes with crosswise tucks that can be released as trunk or body lengthens.

               Dresses with indefinite waistline or no waistline and deep hems to be added.

               Stretch fabrics and,

Two-piece garments are suitable cloth for pre-school.

To provide for growth in girth or width

               Use raglan or kimono sleeves rather than set in sleeves.

               Introduce tucks, pleats or gathers at the shoulder line.

               Use of large underarm or leg seams to let out as needed.

Garments should be reinforced at places of greatest wear, especially the knees of pants and overalls, crotch and underarm seams.

Self help features

A self-help garment is one, which the child can put on and take off with little or no help from an adult. This feature is as important to child as to his mother. The experience of learning to dress himself makes the child more independent and self-confident. Here are some points to remember in selecting garments that will encourage independence in dressing. (Fig)

               Simple styles are easier to manipulate than complicated ones.

               Long openings are located for easy reach. Front openings are easier to handle than back or side openings.

               Large buttons or fasteners are easier to manage than small ones.

               Ample armholes, sleeves and necks make garments easier to get into. .

               The back of a garment should be easily distinguishable from the front. In pants, it is wise to sew a colored thread either at the front or back of the waist to help the child distinguish one from the other.

               The side of the shoes that goes to the outside should be marked, to help the small child to identify the right from left.

               Collarless dresses, blouses, and shirts are easier to handle than those with collars.

               Avoid separate belts, as these get twisted and caught in the dressing.