The time is now to get set for a fresh new school year. And a big part of that process? Figuring out what clothes and accessories are needed to start the year on the right foot (and do it in comfort and style).
Back to school shopping can be tough, from navigating the latest back to school style trends to trying to check everything off your list before the first bell. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help give students the confidence to walk in on the first day loving their school outfits and ready to take on the year — and to give parents the peace of mind knowing that you got them the right gear.
Read on to get inspiration for back to school looks for all ages, all from adidas.
adidas Must-Haves: Our Faves For Back to School
Like folders and a good gel pen, a few closet staples can take your kid a long way during the school year. To get ready for the season ahead, here’s some of our favorites for back to school fits:
- Coordinating Sets: A classic uniform for the new generation, tracksuits and matching sets in colors and styles for every mood are a school day go-to.
- Comfy Tees: Effortless shirts that can be thrown on without a second thought can take any day up a notch and keep your student focused on learning.
- Soccer Jerseys: Take the beautiful game everywhere you go. Consider these the ultimate statement piece for any sport or style enthusiast.
- Classic Sneakers: Come walk a mile in our shoes, or to the bus stop, or to fifth period — you get the idea. Choose from Samba, Gazelle, Superstar, and more icons that are always on trend.
- Sportswear: Want sweatpants and sweatshirts in ultra-soft materials and stylish silhouettes that are as comfortable as they are current? Adidas Sportswear is no-brainer for long days of class, after-school activities, and beyond.
- Backpacks: Make sure you got everything, zip up, and you’re out the door! Our backpacks are roomy, comfortable to wear, and make organizing easy.
School Outfits Made Easy
Our back to school looks shopping list makes clothes shopping simpler for all students. Let’s dive in.
Tracksuits and Matching Sets
Whether we’re talking about kindergartners or college students with a packed day ahead, a matching set can be the difference between difficult morning decision-making or an easy trip out the door. From classic adidas tracksuits to comfortable tee-and-short sets, the colors, patterns, and styles are endless and make getting dressed effortless. Pro tip for the younger kids: Grab sets in their favorite color, so they’re even more excited to get dressed in the AM.
Durable, Comfortable Shoes
Running between classrooms, heading out to recess, hanging with friends on the quad — regardless of school age, students need shoes that can keep up with the action day in and day out. We suggest something comfortable and flexible that can be worn all day without issue. The reinforced mesh uppers on our Ultraboost shoes make them a go-to for kids and adults alike. Or go for one of our freshest lifestyle sneakers, the EVO SL. It combines Adizero technology with a bold and unique racing-inspired aesthetic for fast-paced days.
Layering 101: Tees, Jackets, and More Necessary Basics
An outfit is not just one piece; it is the sum of its parts — in terms of both form and function. That, friends, is where basics come in to do some major lifting. Simple, solid t-shirts can be paired with shorts, jeans, leggings, and skirts of any color or style, and can be worn under heavier layers when the weather changes. Speaking of, stock up on a few jackets and sweaters to throw on as needed. It’s an easy way to complete a look and be ready for random temperature changes between classrooms or the indoors and outdoors. We recommend a denim jacket, a crew neck sweater, and a classic adicolor zip-up jacket as good foundational layering pieces for effortless back to school style. Looking for outfit inspo specifically for your girls? This guide for girls’ back to school looks is here to help.
Soccer Jerseys: A Sport and Style Statement
Representing your favorite team off the pitch with a bold jersey is an easy conversation starter when heading back to school. From MLS to national teams, we have options for any soccer-loving student. Got a real hardcore fan? Try our official on-field kits for teams such as Arsenal or Real Madrid. Love a more retro look? Our Argentina 1994 Retro or Mexico 1985 Away are crowd favorites. Regardless of which one you choose, soccer jerseys can bring together any look with ease. Bonus points for pairing them with some T-toe sneakers like Samba in a coordinating color to complete the sport-inspired look.
Footwear Must-Haves
School outfits aren’t complete without shoes, and you really want to nail the balance between style and comfort to carry students through long days. Thankfully, we’ve got you more than covered with options aplenty. You can’t go wrong with timeless adidas icons like Superstar, Samba, and Gazelle, which can dress up or down and come in no shortage of colors to suit any kid. (Check out some Samba outfit styling ideas, and some Superstar outfit inspiration.) SL 72 is an effortless option that blends throwback sport-inspired style cues with modern-day comfort. And think of Spezial as the go-to accent sneaker to throw on for a casual school day look. Fresh and simple white trainers more their style? We have those, too. Learn how to style white sneakers for easy school day outfits.
Collegiate Wear for the Fans
Need something to rep your university? From a game day to gym time to a chill night in, we have you covered. For several lucky schools across the nation with an adidas athletic partnership — like Miami, Washington, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M to name a few — performance and style meet in the middle with team jerseys, hoodies, training shoes, shorts and more. Be loud and proud for your school with the 3-Stripes.
Sportswear: For All-Day Comfort and Style
Whether you’re holed up in the library working on a paper or hanging with friends in your dorm for a relaxed night in, comfort is key. It’s also one of our specialties — just look to our lineup of ultra-soft hoodies, sweatpants and shorts, crewneck sweatshirts and more from our ZNE and ALL SZN collections. The best part? You can throw these styles on to feel cozy without losing style points. Headed out? Throw on a pair of sneakers from our Sportswear collection and a crossbody bag to stash your headphones, student ID, and any other essentials, and you’ve got a complete back to school fit courtesy of the Brand with the 3-Stripes.
Choosing a Backpack for the Long Haul
Nothing makes your school day easier than a comfortable and reliable backpack — one you can count on when walking from class to class, around the library for some quiet time, or back home. With so many options out there, understanding how to choose a backpack takes a lot of different factors into consideration; it should obviously be comfortable, spacious, and sturdy for long days on campus. What’s more, backpacks are undeniably a fashion staple that can add a lot to your outfit.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you know what to look for:
1. Comfort is key
This is often the first thing to consider: a light, comfy backpack should have a good amount of weight distribution, padded straps, and padding on the area that rests on your back. Learning how to wear a backpack properly starts with some of the most basic features, like having two large, padded straps instead of just one that goes across the body — ideally wearing it tight to the body and relatively high, allowing the weight of the backpack to push from the top rather than pull your shoulders back. Ergonomic belts can also help distribute weight.
2. Pick something durable
Backpacks are an investment, like anything else you rely on to get you through the school year. Ideally, a well-made backpack will last you four to five years — or hopefully even longer. Some factors that can make for a long lifespan are reinforced stitching, strong zippers, and waterproof or water-resistant fabrics. The seams are also sometimes reinforced at certain stress points. Read our article on how to wash your backpack to keep it fresh for longer.
3. Stay organized
An extra compartment for your laptop is obviously a must-have in today’s day and age, not to mention extra pockets for all your needs: water bottle pockets on the side, internal compartments for extra books, and various other pockets for things like snacks, charging cables, and even headphones. Moreover, the pockets should all open and close easily, and the overall layout should help with the weight distribution — which will help immensely with how to wear a backpack properly to avoid discomfort.
We Are So Back
While at first it seems daunting to get a back to school wardrobe 100% right, we want you to know you’re doing just fine. Individual style is a life-long exploration, and if you feel good about what you wear each day, you’ll learn that you look good, too. To the parents and the students getting ready for school: You’ve got what it takes to ace this year.