Both DD's started caring in MS. Older DD is into brand names. Younger (by a year) DD loves hunting through thrift shops to wear things nobody else does. I do put a $ limit on older DD's purchases because it keeps things under control. I remember what it was like and think it's important for kids to feel like they fit in.

It really depends on the kid. My daughter wouldn't wear clothes with sayings or brands on them after 5th grade or so, but she wasn't picky about where the clothes came from until maybe 9th or 10th (then we bought a lot of Urban Outfitters)

I probably just picked out DS's clothes for him from Target and Old Navy until middle school. DD made sure he didn't wear graphic tees in MS, but he kept wearing pretty inexpensive stuff. He's still not THAT picky about clothes as a sophomore, but I certainly can't buy him Old Navy jeans or shorts anymore. He's mainly into $150 sneakers and will only wear one type of socks.

Totally depends on the kid. I have four DDs... one had strong opinions by 3rd grade, middle or early high school for the older two, and DD4 is already starting to request specific brands but luckily hasn't started refusing any.

Mine began caring more about style rather than brands around 15. Now she is addict to Rag and Bone, All Saints, Zadig and Voltair, etc. She is spending her own money for clothes thought, so she has to track the sales.

DD is 11 and while she is perfectly happy shopping at Target she did want some branded sports stuff this year - Adidas, Nike etc.

DS started caring about Under Armour in 4th grade. He only wears Under Armour now as do most of the boys in school. The parents laugh that every group picture of the boys is an Under Armour ad!

Neither of my kids (13 and 17) cares very much. But their peers started to notice brands by about 7th grade.

I have twins. One started caring at 7 and the other still doesn't care at 11.

My kid started caring that things were Nike, Under Armour and Adidas at 6.

Anonymous wrote:It really varies. My 18 year old's favorite brands are "sale" and "clearance!" Her little sister however is another story altogether.

+1. My oldest really could care less.

It really varies. My 18 year old's favorite brands are "sale" and "clearance!" Her little sister however is another story altogether.

My son is in 6th and doesn't have a preferred brand but is very picky about comfort. Everything has to be soft cotton and it's even better if T-shirt designs are somewhat sci-fi or scientific or have cool sayings on them.
He refuses to wear the Under Armor et al. athletic stuff that's all polyester and neon to boot. I have to say I agree with him! Blagh.

My DD did in sixth grade. Suddenly, everything had to be LuLulemon/Iviva. Ugh. I don't spend $100 on yoga pants for me, certainly am not spending that mush on an 11 year old! Under Armour is also really popular. Fortunately you can find it on sale at Macy's or at the outlet. I hate to give into the madness but distinctly remember when I was that age and everything has to be Benneton or Esprit and my mom wouldn't buy me those brands and it was upsetting.

Anonymous wrote:My DD is in 6th grade this year and so far this has not been an issue and she hasn't minded wearing whatever brands are available from Target or Ross but I know that kids do become brand conscious. What grades/ages does this usually happen for kids? Middle school? High school? I wore a uniform throughout school so this wasn't as huge of an issue for me growing up.

Depends on the kid. Middle school tends to be the age when they become more self conscious and start to be more concerned about their appearance. Also depends on her friend group. My son has always been specific about what he wants to wear- this became amplified as he wanted to express himself through his clothes. He has said he doesn't want to dress like every other boy, so he doesn't.

My DD is in 6th grade this year and so far this has not been an issue and she hasn't minded wearing whatever brands are available from Target or Ross but I know that kids do become brand conscious. What grades/ages does this usually happen for kids? Middle school? High school? I wore a uniform throughout school so this wasn't as huge of an issue for me growing up.