You need a strategic plan for back-to-school clothes shopping. A plan that will make it clear as day what your kids need to start their new school year off right. Our Back-To-School Clothes Inventory And Shopping List will work as a guide to help you determine exactly what your kids need for their next school year.
At the age of three, my son only wanted to wear ‘soft pants’ (sweatpants), at ages four and five, it was overalls all the way! Then, for some reason, he couldn’t fathom wearing anything with buttons. We even cut the buttons off his AWANA vest because those buttons created anxiety for him.
Levi’s and t-shirts with a plain sweatshirt was Jack’s uniform of choice from 1st grade through his sophomore year. Do you know how hard it is to find a plain hooded sweatshirt with no logos? I ordered them from Russell because you just can’t find them in stores. Don’t get me started on the jeans. He was so tall and skinny we had to special order Levi’s 511 31W x 34L.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase after you click a link, we earn a commission but it won’t cost you a penny more. Disclosure
Your Strategic Plan For Back-To-School Clothes Shopping
1. Print the Back-to-School Clothes Inventory And Shopping List.
Click the button below to print a copy in full color or black and white.
The School Clothes Inventory And Shopping List was designed to be three-hole-punched so you can place it in a binder. I would suggest keeping it in a binder like The Big Book Of Everything For Teens which helps to keep your teenagers organized. This is also the perfect place to keep your child’s New Driver’s Contract and Community Service Record they will likely need for High School.
2. Take inventory of what your kids have that still fits and is in good shape.
Because we try our best to live simply, we go through the kids’ clothes each year and create a garage sale pile of clothes they no longer want or just don’t fit.
This activity can be challenging for us parents because our kids often want to get rid of cute clothes that still fit. It’s tough to see those clothes go, but if we make them keep that super cute shirt, it will just sit in their closet unused.
While you’re at it, you may want to deep clean and organize their rooms! Use these decluttering tips to guide you.
3. Determine your ‘build to’ numbers.
Every family will have different ‘build to’ scenarios depending on what your child likes to wear. (We will NOT be purchasing dress shoes for my son because he has no reason to own a pair nor would he ever wear them.)
Here is our basic ‘build to’ back-to-school clothes list:
Tops: 12
Bottoms: 7
Underwear: 12
Socks: 12
Bras: 5 (daughter)
Coat: 0
Sweatshirts: 7 (son), 2 (daughter)
Jacket: 1 (daughter)
Athletic Shoes: 1
Dress Shoes: 0
Other Shoes: 1
Dresses: 2 (daughter)
Pajamas: 5
Belt: 1
I know what you’re thinking. No coats? For years we made sure each of the kids had a good winter coat and, in their early elementary years, they wore them. After that, they hung quietly in the closet hoping, just hoping, there would be snow that year so they could see the light of day.
See what I mean? Your back-to-school clothes ‘build to’ list will more than likely be different from ours!
If you would like to see a comprehensive ‘build to’ list, check out Decluttering School’s How Much Clothing Do Kids Need? chart.
4. Write down how many you need for each item.
By clearly identifying these needs, you can streamline your shopping process and stay focused on purchasing only what is necessary. This will also help you avoid impulse buys and make sure your budget is spent on the essential items.
5. Shop!
With your list in hand, head to your favorite stores or shop online for just the items your kids need. Consider setting aside a small amount of money for clothing of your child’s choosing so they can feel a bit spoiled!
Throughout my kids’ school years, they were fortunate to receive hand-me-downs from their cousins. Some years, they didn’t need many new items, but we always made sure they picked out two new outfits along with essentials like socks, underwear, and shoes.
Once you’ve purchased the items on your shopping list, be sure to check them off to maintain a clear record of what you’ve bought and what still needs to be purchased.
7. Breathe easy!
Taking inventory and shopping for the items your kids need ensures they will have everything they need to start the school year. With a clear plan, you’ll avoid last-minute store runs and impulse buys. This preparation not only saves you time but also helps you stay within budget, saving you money in the long run.
With a clear plan, you’ll avoid last-minute store runs and impulse buys.
Once your shopping is done efficiently, check out these Fun Things To Do With Teens (without spending a lot) so you can make more memories before the school year begins.
What To Do When Your Shopping Is Done
Take a picture of your child with their back-to-school clothes! We made it a tradition to lay out our kids’ new back-to-school clothes on their beds and take a picture. These photos have become fun memories and a sweet part of our family history to look back on!
Organize their closets and dressers. Help them start the year off on the right foot by organizing their closets and dressers so they can easily find what they’re looking for on those early school mornings.
Wash all of their new things. Remove the tags and wash all of your kids’ new items before finding homes for them in their organized closets.
Save the new clothes for the new school year. One way to make the new school year more exciting is to save your kids’ new clothes for the first day of school, giving them something special and brand new to wear.
Back To School Clothes Inventory And Shopping List
You guys, my son actually wore a button-up shirt, tie, and black Levi’s for his 9th grade dance! That was the first time in buttons since overalls! I thought I was going to faint!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the National Retail Federation, in 2023 consumers spent an average of $257.12 on back-to-school clothing per person and $166.59 on shoes. Add in school supplies and electronics and the per person spending amount jumped up to $890.07. However, what you spend is entirely up to you and your budget.
To save money on back-to-school clothes shopping, make a list of what your child actually needs. Our Back-To-School Inventory And Shopping List is the perfect resource to help you with this. Then, watch for sales, use coupons, and shop at discount stores like Marshall’s. Buy items that your child can mix and match with other clothes and consider shopping garage sales for the clothing items on your list. Be sure to let your child hold the reigns and decide on whether they want to purchase just a few high-quality items or want to shop at a discount store. This is an excellent time to guide them toward the needs on their lists while still giving them control.
The best back-to-school clothes are the ones that fit your budget and your needs. From Target to Old Navy, JCPenney, Kohl’s, or Nordstrom, there is a wide range of clothing quality and prices. Don’t overlook hand-me-downs or garage sales to add high-quality pieces to your child’s wardrobe. You can often find name-brand items in good shape and at a fraction of the original cost at garage sales.
Hi! I’m Bridget!
I create printables and DIYs to help you get organized and celebrate special occasions! It’s my mission to inspire you to get creative and find joy in the everyday!
