SingaporeMotherhood | Preschooler & Up
December 2015
The Best Clothing Stores to Shop at For Tweens
A tween is defined as a child between the ages of nine and twelve. It’s that awkward age range during which your child is no longer a little kid, but not quite a teenager yet either. One of the irksome issues that accompany the entry into this phase is that of finding age-appropriate clothes. Suddenly, FOX Kids seems a little too kiddish and fashion labels for adults just don’t make the cut. So where do you hunt for stylish and suitable outfits when you are the parent of a tween?
You could start with a homegrown brand. Did you know that there is a clothing store catered specially for tweens in Singapore? The woman behind it is Ms. Erinna Khoo, a mother of four – of which three are tweens! So, why TweenAge? Ms. Khoo says that she had difficulties with finding suitable clothes for her kids, and after extensive research, she concluded that there weren’t many affordable options in Singapore.
[banner][/banner]
What should parents be looking out for on a shopping spree with their tweens? Ms. Khoo explains, “I would look for designs that are age-appropriate. The clothes should not be too childish, and also should not be too mature-looking.” The quality of the materials and the reputability of the brands are also factors to take note of. Here’s a list of nine stores in Singapore which offer fabulous threads for tweens!
1. Tweenage
From cheery printed dresses to matching sling bags, Tweenage has it all and is sure to be your one-stop shopping destination if you are a parent of a tween. The store brings in new collections for each season and we find them all extremely appropriate for the Singaporean climate. Our personal favourites at Tweenage have got to be the simplistic ballet flats for girls which come in an array of colours – oh so dainty!
Age range: 9 – 14
Sizing runs from: size 9 to 14
Store address: United Square, 101 Thomson Road, #01-39A
Phone: 6258 3001
2. Aeropostale
From camisoles and tank tops for the girls to joggers and shirts for the lads, you will find just about anything a tween would want to wear at Aeropostale! Their collection of shoes, however, is rather limited and not exactly ideal for the Singaporean climate. But – their range of stylish print graphic tees for the little ladies gets our two thumbs up!
Age range: 9 – 14
Sizing runs from: size 4 – 14
Store address: Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, #01-04
Outlets: Ngee Ann City, CityLink Mall, ION Orchard
Phone: 6634 1710
3. Desigual
We are not too sure about you, but when we think of Spanish label Desigual, we think of a really vibrant splash of colours! Their kids’ collection offers t-shirts, dresses and tops in a smattering of shades. Discover the Star Wars line of tees for kids and join the fun side of the force! (there’s one that comes with a detachable cape – worthy of Darth Vader himself!)
Age range: 9 – 14
Sizing runs from: size 9/10 – 13/14
Store address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #01-11/12
Outlets: VivoCity, Raffles City, Westgate, Marina Square
Phone: 6509 9805
4. GAP Kids
The GAP Kids’ range offers all the wardrobe staples a tween would be interested in – sweaters, shirts, dresses, skirts, pants and jeans. What’s new is GapFit – a new range of exercise wear which allows kids to run, jump and play in the coolest new prints and the best new details. Sounds like a good idea to drop by GAP before enrolling in that pilates class.
Age range: 10 – 14
Sizing runs from: size XS – XXL
Store address: United Square Shopping Mall, 101 Thomson Road, #01-62/63
Phone: 6732 0438
5. H&M
Do you want your tweens to look like the coolest kid on the block without having to burn a huge hole in your pocket? Look no further than H&M! The Swedish label offers a variety of smart casual wear for both genders at relatively affordable prices. Their skinny fit chinos and knitted sweatshirts will have your little man looking irresistibly preppy!
Age range: 8 – 14
Sizing runs from: size 134 – 170 (European)
Store address: Orchard Building, 1 Grange Road
Outlets: JEM, VivoCity, ION Orchard, Suntec City Mall
Phone: 6235 1459
6. Marks & Spencer
Classic British fashion never goes out of style, and if your tween boy is looking to follow in the footsteps of style icon David Beckham, Marks & Spencer would be your solution. The brand has recently come up with its Autograph Boys’ range in which you will find stylish denims and cool knits to smarten up the casual staples. Their embroidered dresses and playsuits for girls are simply charming as well!
Age range: 9 – 14
Sizing runs from: size 9 – 14
Store address: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, #03-33/40
Outlets: Great World City, JEM, Marina Square, Parkway Parade, Plaza Singapura, Raffles City, VivoCity, Wheelock Place
Phone: 6732 9732
7. Mango
Outerwear isn’t exactly a wardrobe essential for tweens here in sunny Singapore, but should he or she need one for the chilly days, Mango sure has some fine ones! Take your pick from biker jackets, cotton-blend cardigans, zipped hoodies and water-repellent quilted coats! Their chic Bow Tie Tuxedo Shirt for boys also caught our eye!
Age range: 8 – 14
Sizing runs from: size XS – XL
Store address: Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, #02-25
Outlets: JEM, ION Orchard, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Bugis Junction, Tampines Mall, 313@Somerset, VivoCity
Phone: 6336 9250
8. Uniqlo
Japanese brand Uniqlo has incorporated two amazing innovations into its clothing lines – HeatTech and Airism. The former keeps you warm in cold climates (perfect for those vacations to winter wonderlands) while the latter keeps you cool and dry amidst humid conditions – just perfect for us islanders. Airism tank tops or camisoles are the perfect inner wear for tweens at school – it wicks away moisture and fights odours too. If your tween is a fan of cartoons, Uniqlo doesn’t disappoint with its adorable range of UT Graphic tees, of which Peanuts and Star Wars are the latest stars!
Age range: 9 – 14
Sizing runs from: size XS – XL
Store address: VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-41/42
Outlets: JurongPoint, Kallang Wave Mall, One Raffles Place, Bedok Mall, Liang Court, Suntec City Mall, JEM, Plaza Singapura, Bugis+, Parkway Parade, Causeway Point, 313@Somerset, ION Orchard
Phone: 6376 8350
9. Zara
Are you on the hunt for stunning formal wear for your tween? Zara might just be the closest you get on a relatively modest budget. The Spanish label offers gorgeous tulle and jacquard dresses for girls as well as dapper suit blazers for the boys. They have also got quite a variety of stylish shoes – from high cut leather boots to boat shoes!
Age range: 9 – 14
Store address: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B2-03
Outlets: 313 @Somerset, VivoCity, Marina Square, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Phone: 6509 8840
All images are courtesy of their respective brands.
All content from this article, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from SingaporeMotherhood.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram for the latest article and promotion updates.
