How to Make Dressing Kids Less of a Hassle

If you have more than one kid, you know how quickly the clothes pile up. Someone’s always spilling something, getting muddy, or suddenly deciding their outfit is “too itchy” five minutes after getting dressed. And heading out? It’s a constant struggle of packing extra clothes “just in case,” and still forgetting something. After countless chaotic mornings, I’ve figured out a few things that actually help.

1. Choose clothes that adjust to the day – fewer outfit battles
Kids don’t sit still, and neither does the weather. Instead of packing extra layers every time, I go for clothes that can adjust easily—like jackets with simple zippers (because no one has time for fiddly buttons) or pants with adjustable waistbands that grow with them. The fewer times I have to stop and “fix” something, the better.

2. Waterproof and quick-dry = fewer outfit changes
Kids are drawn to puddles, and spills are bound to happen. A good waterproof jacket can wipe clean in seconds, so they won’t end up wet and cranky. Quick-dry fabrics are lifesavers too—if their pants get soaked at the park, they’ll dry before we even get home, which means less laundry for me.

3. If it’s uncomfortable, they won’t wear it
I’ve learned this the hard way—no matter how cute an outfit is, if it’s stiff, itchy, or too tight, my kids will flat-out refuse to wear it. Now, I stick with soft, breathable, and stretchy fabrics. If they can’t run, jump, and play comfortably, it’s going straight to the back of the closet.

4. Neutral colors = easier outfits + longer wear
Kids change their minds fast—what they love today, they might hate tomorrow. I stay away from overly trendy or flashy clothes and go for simple, easy-to-mix pieces instead. Neutral colors don’t go out of style and can be handed down from one kid to the next, which saves time and money.

5. Durability matters—fewer trips to the store, less stress
Kids play hard, and clothes that can’t keep up don’t last long. I look for reinforced stitching and durable fabrics that can handle all the running, climbing, and sliding. Clothes that last longer mean I don’t have to make emergency trips to the store, and I save money in the long run.

After years of trial and error, I’ve realized that buying fewer but better clothes really does make life easier. Now, I don’t have to pack a whole extra wardrobe every time we leave the house, and I spend a lot less time doing laundry. Life with kids is still messy, but at least this part is a little simpler.