How to Dress Your Child for Day Camp This Summer

Summer is almost here. The registration is done, the backpack is nearly packed, and one question keeps coming up every year: what exactly goes in the "day camp" drawer? Between water activities, muddy games, outdoor adventures and sweltering heat waves, building a solid day camp wardrobe is worth a little thought. Good news: we have a few ideas to help you dress your kids for a full season of fun, without the stress.

What to Keep in Mind

Before filling the drawer, ask yourself three simple questions:

1. Can it survive a full day of adventures? Day camp clothes take a beating. Grass, paint, water, sand: they see it all.
2. Is it comfortable enough to move in? Active kids need freedom of movement. Stretchy, lightweight fabrics make a real difference.
3. Does it wash well? Because stains are inevitable.

Organic cotton is one of the best choices for summer: breathable, gentle on sensitive skin, and tough enough for the laundry cycle. It is also one of the signature materials at Deux par Deux. To make things easier, we have brought together all our favourite picks in our dedicated summer camp collection, designed with little adventurers in mind.

The Day Camp Wardrobe Essentials

Tops: Comfort and Practicality First

The t-shirt is the unofficial uniform of day camp. Look for lightweight short-sleeve styles that are easy to pull on and off. Stock up on several, because days can get messy fast. Our girls' tees and tops and boys' tees and tops are designed to keep up with kids on the go, in cheerful prints that match their personalities.

For cooler mornings or forest outings, tuck a light long-sleeve layer into the bag. It is handy for covering up quickly without overheating.

Bottoms: Shorts That Move With Them

Shorts are the other non-negotiable. Look for styles with an elastic waistband so your child can pull them up and down independently, especially during quick bathroom breaks. Our girls' skirts and shorts and boys' pants and shorts offer a great range of motion, whether they are running, climbing, or just sitting in the grass.

The Swim Kit

Most day camps include water activities. Pack a complete dedicated swim kit: a bathing suit (check out our girls' swimwear and boys' swimwear), a beach towel, and if possible, a long-sleeve UV-protective rash guard. That last item is especially useful for kids spending long stretches in direct sunlight. On that note, children's skin is particularly vulnerable to heat and sun exposure. The team at AboutKidsHealth from SickKids in Toronto offers solid guidance on preventing heat-related illness during summer activities.

Footwear

Closed-toe athletic shoes are the best choice for most activities. Avoid strappy sandals or flip-flops on active days, as they increase the risk of trips and toe injuries. Toss a pair of water shoes in the bag for swim days.

The Backpack and Lunch Box

It is easy to overlook, but the right gear goes beyond clothing. A well-sized backpack and lunch box make a real difference in your child's daily routine at camp. Practical, colourful, and durable, they are the perfect complement to a well-planned camp outfit.

Always Pack a Change of Clothes

No matter how old your child is, a full change of clothes is a must. Here is what we always recommend throwing in the bag:

• A spare t-shirt
• An extra pair of shorts or light pants
• A fresh pair of underwear
• Clean socks
• A light sweater for the end of the day

The Labelling Trick

It bears repeating: label everything. Day camp clothes have a way of wandering off. A first name written in permanent marker or an iron-on label on each piece will save you from more than a few mysterious disappearances.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Sending the "nice" clothes you are not ready to see ruined. Day camp is not the place for special-occasion pieces.
• Outfits that are too fitted and make quick changes harder.
• Belts and complicated buttons that little ones cannot manage on their own.
• Synthetic fabrics that trap heat on the hottest summer days.

A Quality Wardrobe Is a Lasting Wardrobe

Investing in well-made clothing for day camp means investing in pieces that will hold up all season long. At Deux par Deux, we design in Montreal with durability in mind, whether it is a first camp experience or the fifth. Need a hand building the perfect list? Browse our girls' must-haves and boys' must-haves to make sure nothing gets left behind. And as kids grow and sizes change, our RELOVE program makes it easy to resell previous pieces directly from your order history.

Summers go by fast. Might as well spend them well dressed.