Finley La Pick THESIS

Baggy and Dark Clothing Was the Norm

Nice outfits can be worn over back braces
When a child wore a back brace to school, up until 2008 or so, the customary clothing was loose-fitting and dark clothing. Long T-shirts, yoga and jogging pants and sweaters worked to conceal the brace. Many children wore sweatshirts in all types of weather. The children often sweltered in summer since the brace made them hot along with the tank top under the brace. They complained about being being hot and unfashionable all year long.

Bulky clothes can still be fashionable
While baggy clothing or clothing a few sizes larger can still be worn, options are now more fashionable than they used to be, and the pre-teen doesn't necessarily have to forgo fashionable clothing when wearing the brace. The baggy or loose-fitting clothing now comes in all types of styles, textures, colors and patterns. The child should stay away from tight-fitting clothing that reveals the brace. Jeans are not always going to be possible, especially for back braces that extend past the waist. Some jeans, however, are made to be loose, such as cargo pants, and if the child wears that style a few sizes larger, wearing jeans may still be possible. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with fashionable yoga or jogging pants or even loose-fitting leggings for girls. Boys can wear the cargo pants and cool-looking sweatpants.

A shrug or cardigan helps hide the back brace
Layering is a great way to cover up the back brace. It allows for a mix of colors, since there are several layers working to conceal the brace. Layering can include an open button-down shirt, a cardigan or shrug, or a zippered sweatshirt. Loose sweaters can be beautiful and worn in any color since their bulk conceals the brace. Girls can wear ruffled skirts and accessorize with scarves, hats, loose belts and jewelry, which have the effect of making people focus on areas other than the brace. Because today's clothes are loose but come in a wide array of colors, the child is no longer relegated to dark clothes unless he or she wants to be.

Fashionable oufit worn over a brace
Pre-teens can still dress up while wearing a brace. Girls can experiment with makeup, if they are wearing it, and can style their hair nicely so that it's noticed. Boys can focus on a good hairstyle and pants, chains or belts to draw attention away from the brace area. Long sweaters, ponchos, hoodies, vests, loose dresses, skirts, and peasant tops can help children feel better about themselves. The key is confidence---if the clothing makes the child feel better, the child will be less likely to be upset about the brace and may tend to forget it for a little while during the day. The brace may soon be off and the child can still wear some of the clothes she wore during that difficult time.