It’s a big year. Trends move in and out faster than ever these days. Good thing style is forever. Send them to school with the best fits for any occasion.
Ah yes, back to school. That time of the year of crowded malls, hearing your kids explain the new trends, and how the clothes you got them last year aren’t ‘in’ anymore. If only there was some easy-to-read online article written by a reputable, iconic global sportswear brand that had all that information and more…
Look, jokes aside, we know back to school shopping can be tough. Our goal here is to make sure your kids have the confidence to walk in on the first day, loving what they wear and ready to take on the year—while you have the peace of mind knowing that you got them the right gear.
Below, we’ll be covering all your back to school clothes needs at every stage, including essentials for every wardrobe, outfit inspo, fits for high school and college, and more.
Essentials: What are they and why your kid needs them
Like a good gel-based 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 favorite back to school essentials for every age:
- 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, and more icons that are $100 and under ($80 and under for kids’ sizes).
- Coordinating Sets: A classic uniform for the new generation, with colors and styles for every mood.
- Comfy Tees: Classroom coziness. A go-to tee can take any day up a notch and keep your student focused on learning.
- Backpacks: Make sure you got everything, zip up, and you’re out the door! Our backpacks are roomy and make organizing easy.
The Outfit Crash Course for Every AgE
Everyone deserves to look fly on the first day of school, no matter what level of school your kid is going into. From elementary to college, we’ve compiled a go-to guide on how to style your kids at any stage.
Recess Rules:
Elementary school. The land of missing teeth, overnight growth spurts, and random scuffs and scratches after a long day of learning and play. Buying clothes can be tough at this age, but we’ve got you covered with the best products to make sure your little kiddos’ clothes pass the stress test of elementary school.
Matching sets, a parent’s best friend.
When dealing with kids, simplicity is key. A matching set can be the difference between difficult decision making in the morning or an easy trip out the door. With several colors and styles to choose from, these kids styles are comfortable and versatile from assembly to picture day. Pro tip: Grab sets in their favorite color so they’re even more excited to get dressed in the AM.
Recess wear, the ultimate test.
As a kid, the playground is the best part of the day. As a parent, it can mean holes in pants and grass stains galore. Incorporating items like shorts and sportswear tees and leaning on breathable and athletic materials will do wonders for your kid's wardrobe. When the fun and games start, you and your child's clothes will be ready.
Durable Shoes, for every jump, step, slide, and stride.
On the topic of recess wear, your kid is going to need some shoes that can keep up with the fast-paced action of elementary school. We suggest something comfortable and flexible yet durable like the re-enforced mesh uppers found on our Ultraboost shoes. Want something a little more casual that can still hold up? Try our kids Samba OGs or Campus 00s, classic styles that can keep up with everything your kids get into.
Before the Bell:
High school is full of highs and lows. From trends that come and go to the development of personal style, it can feel like there's a lot at stake. Don’t fret, we’ve got everything your kid needs to dress to impress in the wide hallway world of high school.
Layering 101.
An outfit is not just one piece, it is the sum of its parts. Nowhere is that more evident (or important to nail) than high school. To pull off the layered look, here’s a best practice we live by: Stock up on Adicolor zip up hoodies and jackets. These are staples that instantly create a layered look. Just combine with a favorite tee or sweatshirt underneath and you have *chef’s kiss* a great look for any school day. Need something a little heavier? Our adidas denim jacket was made for maximum versatility, and for a top layer it’s an easy choice. Not to mention the fact that classrooms are notorious for being too cold or warm depending on the day. So layering is a great way to keep your kid ready for any situation, while also ensuring style comes first.
Soccer Jerseys, the ultimate statement piece.
Nothing catches the eye more than representing your favorite team off the pitch with a bold jersey. From MLS to national teams, we have everything your kid needs to pull off a fit. 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 look.
Power Colors, adding a splash.
Sometimes, all you need is a bright color to let them know you mean business. Whether it be a big test day or the start of the new semester, breaking up the neutrals is good for style and the soul. Get your kids’ closets primed with pops of color like bright reds, blues, pinks, and yellows. They can mix and match or wear their favorite color from head to toe with classics like three-stripe jackets and track pants, or basics from our Essentials collection.
Owning the Look, down to the shoes.
Nothing says classic like a T-toe shoe. No matter what the look, get your kid in a shoe with a timeless feel that’s sure to catch eyes. The Samba and The Gazelle are great options to go for, with several colorways and versatility they can be dressed up or down, depending on the day. Trends come and go, but there’s a reason these shoes have decades of heritage behind them.
Higher Learning:
It’s real now. Your kid is off to college and with any luck will prove themselves to be a semi-functioning adult. Time to discover what to wear on a college campus.
Collegiate Wear, for the fan in all of us.
Need something to rep your university? From a game day to a chill night out, 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 perfection meet in the middle with team jerseys, hoodies, shorts and more. Be loud and proud with the 3-Stripes.
Sporty and Studious, ultimate academic chic.
In college, what you wear can take you a long way. Every commute, coffee run, and passing period is like a mini fashion show. It’s time to own the sophisticated yet laid-back look that all the kids are talking about. Tennis skirts and varsity jackets, coordinating leggings and tanks, jersey-inspired shirts, and more—there's so many options to choose from to infuse your look with an athletic touch. Bring it all together with a timeless sneaker like the Superstar or Samba to make every step a statement.
Collegiate Comfort, the on campus go-to.
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, track suits, and more that you can throw on to feel cozy (without losing style points). Headed out? Throw on a crossbody bag to stash your headphones, student ID, and any other essentials and you’ve got a complete fit courtesy of the 3-Stripes.
Win Your Year
While at first it seems daunting to get your 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 kids getting ready for school: You’ve got what it takes to ace this year.