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The guide to children’s wardrobe essentials

Building our children’s wardrobes is an art of balance. Between busy school days, weekend adventures and family celebrations, clothes need to be an ally: sturdy enough for the playground, comfortable enough for a nap, and always infused with the touch of poetry that is part of Bonton’s DNA.

The idea isn’t to keep buying more, but to build a capsule wardrobe of 12 essentials. Interchangeable pieces, "Bonton" colours and natural fabrics that develop character over time. Here’s our guide to organising your children’s wardrobes around the different moments in their lives.

Essential clothes for children

At School: Comfort That Supports Learning

At school, clothes should fade into the background so children can focus and play. We choose "all-terrain" fabrics and cuts that never hold them back.

The Sweatshirt Signature

The sweatshirt rules the classroom. At Bonton, we make it from thick, ultra-soft fleece. Whether plain, bearing a playful message or featuring our iconic logo, it’s a comforting layer for taking on the day.

The Straight-Leg Jeans: A Timeless Classic

Denim is every child’s trusty companion. We favour quality fabrics that develop character over time. Well-cut jeans are a timeless children’s staple that never goes out of style.

The Cotton Blouse or Shirt

To add a touch of "Bonton" to everyday life, a blouse or shirt in cotton poplin is a must. Wear it under a sweatshirt with a frilled collar peeking out, or on its own when the first rays of sunshine appear.

The Weekend: Freedom to Explore

Saturdays and Sundays are made for exploring. Whether it’s a walk in the woods or an afternoon at the park, layering makes their wardrobe more adaptable.

The Workwear Jacket

Inspired by vintage clothing, this little jacket in sturdy cotton canvas is the perfect alternative to a heavy coat. It has bags of style and roomy pockets for hiding treasures found along the way (pebbles, conkers, secrets).

Two children dressed in denim

The Knitwear Cardigan or Cardigan

It’s the ultimate take-anywhere piece. Easy to slip into a backpack, the Bonton cardigan in blended knitwear provides just the right warmth on chilly mornings. We love its versatility: it dresses down a party dress or brightens up a simple T-shirt.

The T-shirt in Organic Cotton

The essential of essentials. We favour organic fibres that feel good against the skin. White, heather grey or colourful, it’s the foundation of all weekend looks.

Celebrations: Chic Without Taking Itself Too Seriously

Birthdays, weddings or Sundays at the grandparents’… For these precious moments, Bonton reinvents elegance. No stiff suits here, just an effortlessly chic look.

The Bohemian Dress or Colourful Trousers

For girls, a flowing dress with exclusive prints (the famous Liberty or our star motifs); for boys, colourful chinos. Elegance lies in the cut and bold use of colour, far from two-tone clichés.

Shoes with Character

Whether colourful canvas trainers or little soft leather shoes, Bonton footwear completes the look. It needs to be stylish and comfortable enough to last all day.

Time to Rest: Softness and Daydreams

Because style doesn’t stop at the bedroom door, sleepwear deserves just as much attention.

The Pyjamas in Poplin or Jersey

A good night’s sleep starts with breathable fabric. Our pyjamas are designed as proper loungewear, with prints that spark the imagination before bedtime.

Children’s wardrobe essentials

The 12 Essentials: Your Ideal Wardrobe Checklist

Here’s a summary of the Bonton capsule wardrobe, organised by life’s moments for effortless mix and match:

For school: A wonderfully soft fleece sweatshirt, lovely retro velvet trousers and a little Blouse/Shirt for that finishing touch

For the Weekend: A canvas jacket, a little knitwear cardigan, an organic cotton T-shirt and raw denim jeans or a Legging 

For Celebrations:  A patterned piece paired with a chic accessory

For rest: Print pyjamas for sweet dreams in style

For the Season: A raincoat, because you’re never too young to jump in puddles

This season’s skirts and shorts

The Art of Care: Making Clothes Last

A Bonton essential is a piece made to be passed on. For an older child’s clothes to be enjoyed by a younger sibling, careful care is important:

Gentle washing: 30°C is enough. Always wash inside out to protect the brand’s iconic colours.

Air drying: Fresh air is our fabrics’ best friend. Avoid tumble-drying to preserve their elasticity and softness.

Passing them on: Our clothes are made to last. When they become too small, give them a second life by donating or reselling them. 

Growing up free

The ideal children’s wardrobe isn’t one that follows every trend, but one that lets your child be themselves. By choosing these 12 essentials from Bonton, you can build a wardrobe that’s cohesive, long-lasting and full of joy.

Discover our new collection in store and on our online shop to put together the perfect wardrobe for your little explorers.

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