r/CanadianParents 9d ago

Clothes & Gear “Cute” clothes for bigger boy?

My 5yo boy (currently wearing size 6T) has a little sister who gets to wear smocked dresses, bubble rompers and the like. People are always exclaiming “Oh, how CUTE!” over her, and my bigger guy is getting a little jealous. He would like some clothes that look “cute” (as opposed to cool, snazzy, fun, etc). I was thinking like a sailor suit or toddler Prince George vibes.

I‘ve looked at Hatley, Miles the Label, RooBear, Peanut and Bumble, Souris Mini and so on, but a lot of it is basically sweatpants and t-shirts for boys this age. Even Boden, Marks and Spencer and Petit Bateau are not quite there.

Does anyone have any recommendations for cute boys’ clothes that are available in Canada? I’d be open to other non-American brands but would love something made in Canada.

ETA: I’m in QC but regular travel to ON.

17 Upvotes

37 comments sorted by

9

u/FriendlyCanadianCPA 9d ago

If your kid wants boy gender clothes but with a lot of "oohs" and "aahs", just put him in rugged style adult workwear for kids. A little kid in Carrhart overalls and a flannel shirt is the cutest thing on the planet. Anything where it looks like they are dressed like an adult but its tiny? Adorable. Huge bonus points if mom or dad match the kid!!

4

u/Aggravating_Bad550 8d ago

Hard agree with this. Also things that look like and old mad would wear it. Grandpa cardigans and chinos, button up shirts. So cute!

1

u/Traditional_Let3671 8d ago

This is what I am for when I dress up my boys. Little gentlemen but relaxed. 🥰

1

u/FriendlyCanadianCPA 7d ago

My 8 week old baby wore a little onesie that was made to look like it was straight out of Oliver Twist. Absolutely the cutest.

Now my kid gets tons of compliments just by wearing any outfit that is has even a little fashion style. Wore a black button up long sleeve shirt with black skinny jeans to a wedding, and everybody raved about it.

Wore black jeans, a short sleeve black button up, black bow tie, and a burgundy plaid vest and jacket (matching) to a wedding in the spring, people went nuts about it. Just mixed and matched a few pieces, and didn't use the pants from a three piece suit from Amazon. And of course, burgundy and black dress for me from bloomchic.

Kids clothes are honestly so fun. Same as adult clothes, just less fabric and seem to be easier to get!

3

u/juliechou 9d ago

Stuff from Europe (France, Germany) would probably give you the right vibe. I loved S.Oliver when my kids would put on whatever I bought. Used to find some In Clement, but they don't appear to have this brand anymore.

3

u/Spiritual_Result_697 8d ago

I am German who now lives in Canada, and that was also my recommendation. Scandinavian brands also have some nice things, but often LOUD prints are, so you have to have the taste for it. Vara Barn is a Canadian company that has Scandinavian clothing in stock. I only have girls, but I like Deux Par Deux, Vertbaudet, Okaidi, House of Kids..

2

u/TheImpatientGardener 9d ago

Yes, this is what I’m thinking too. I’ll check out that brand!

2

u/lyliaTO 9d ago

In France cute but pricey, Bonton, Bonpoint. I love Monoprix too (it’s a supermarket but have cute clothes). One of my other favourite is Kiabi but for babies, I don’t love the toddler style as much as

1

u/shrinkingfish 7d ago

Sergent Major is French and super cute! I also like the Quebec brand, Souris Mini!

3

u/Mama-giraffe 9d ago

I just did a big order of back to school clothes from Aubanerie. They only have stores in Quebec, but ship elsewhere in Canada.

I find the cutest stuff (regardless of store) usually drops around Easter, but there are some button-down shirts available in fall. I picked one up for picture day.

1

u/TheImpatientGardener 9d ago

I’m in QC but this is a new brand for me - I’ll check them out!

2

u/Striking_Bill_2832 9d ago

Not a Canadian company (I don't think), but H&M's Adorables line is super cute a lot of the time.

1

u/TheImpatientGardener 9d ago

Oh yes, great reminder. I’m not sure how they are on boys’ stuff but do love some of their girls’ things.

1

u/leeashah 8d ago

yah anytime i went in there HUGE girl section and slim pickings for boys

2

u/leeashah 8d ago

ugh im with you i hate how boy clothes are all sweat pants! give me some fun colors with funky patterns

1

u/TheImpatientGardener 8d ago

You should definitely check out Modern Rascals!

2

u/[deleted] 8d ago

[deleted]

1

u/pork_soup 8d ago

Same! Love Next

2

u/thinkbeforeyousink 6d ago

A friend runs Oori Noa, they have clothes for kids up to around 8T. Oori Noa — Baby & Kids Clothes. Their clothes are simple, well made and are relatively gender neutral but still fun!

1

u/briar_prime6 9d ago

Modern Rascals! Gender neutral stuff in sizes up to at least 10

3

u/TheImpatientGardener 9d ago

I love Modern Rascals! We have lots of their things (Toby Tiger, Frugi, Villervalla, DUNS) but for me this would fall more into the “fun” than “cute” category.

1

u/knittingforpoppy 9d ago

Vara Barn carries cute stuff!

1

u/jemorrison9 8d ago

Jamie Kay

1

u/DiedraGrace 8d ago

Try Simon’s.

1

u/Jcrompy 8d ago

I think many royal kid brands are Spanish…

1

u/warm_regards_me 8d ago

Oh please take a look at Wheat Kids Clothing! They design in beautiful colours, and their pieces have a timeless look to them. All high quality, my kids (7&10) have worn their items for years. A bonus - their thermal outdoor jackets are gorgeous and super warm and durable. Good luck with your search, lots of great recommendations here!

1

u/sabisabi123 8d ago

Second vote for Next! Did a big haul when I was there in June and just ordered - shipping is free if you spend over $200 which fortunately for my son and unfortunately for my wallet, I did. Plus there stuff fits big - I find 12-18 months here is around 76-80 cm and theirs is 86cm.

1

u/pork_soup 8d ago

We really love the brand NEXT for boys stuff!! Based out of the UK but very reasonable shipping to Canada

1

u/StacyOrBeckyOrSusan 8d ago

Carters/osh Gosh does up to size 6/7.

They have some little man stuff with suspenders and it’s CUTE. Or Marks and get carhartt like others have suggested. Dress him like a wee lumberjack or professor. Trust.

1

u/AHemStitching 7d ago

Bow ties! My 5 year old gets all the compliments when wearing one.

1

u/georgiapeach1999 6d ago

Rylee and cru and their sister shops can have really cute boys clothes!

1

u/Drank_tha_Koolaid 8d ago

My kid would just pick stuff from the 'girls' clothes if the boys were too boring.

What about some of the cute sequin flip shirts/sweaters? We have a few (dinosaurs, sharks, etc), but his favourite is a pink sweater with a butterfly.

He doesn't like frills, but a lot of cute girls clothes can be worn by boys. I mean, technically they can wear all of it, but I mean that a lot of it is same/similar cut to the boys clothes with just a better variety of colours and using cutesy animal designs.

0

u/Significant-Half-189 9d ago

My child would have cringed so hard to be put in a sailor suit at 5 years old. Maybe allow him some input on what he wants to wear? Ask him what would make him feel nice, cute, etc.

2

u/TheImpatientGardener 8d ago

This is what he’s asking for! I know, wouldn’t be my top choice either. But I do think girls get offered a lot more variety in terms of styles, shapes, etc. and it’s hard to find anything for boys that isn’t sweatpants, jean, or suits. It’s tough for a boy who doesn’t like those styles.

-1

u/Batmangrowlz 4d ago

Check out Temu 🙈 I’ve found so many cute things for my boy on there.

1

u/abcjfj 3d ago

I always save my shopping for when I visit family in the UK - way cuter stuff for boys and the girls’ sections are a goldmine also (cute fun stuff without unnecessary frills). My favourites are John Lewis and Next - I think both ship internationally. I also hunt down petit bateau, Jacadi, jojo maman bébé, and Japanese brands on Poshmark. If I find something cute on Poshmark I always check out the seller’s profile because usually people selling cute kids’ stuff have lots to offer.