Families have been dressing up kids in matching outfits for decades now. This is particularly visible in families that have twins or triplets who parents decide to dress up the same. But a new trend is emerging thanks to social media where entire famines-mum, dad, kids and even grandparents are dressing up in matching outfits. This ‘family twinning’ trend may not be as healthy as you think.
Holiday season special
The trend sees sudden hike during holiday season like Christmas where families get together and dress up in identical holiday jumpers for the annual greeting card picture. As a result of this, retailers flood markets with sale of matching family outfits.
The craze picked up last summer when H&M decided to launch a ‘mini me range’– matching clothes for mothers and daughters. While the trend started and is flourishing thanks to Instagram there are several aspects to be considered.
The twin bond
Young mothers argue that they dress up their twins in identical outfits to help flourish the special bond between them. The same argument is used for family twinning. The environment today has everyone staring at their devices over dinner tables, matching outfits is a fun way for the family to bond. For many dressing alike gives a united front and a message of family unity.
Convenience vs character building
When it comes to dressing twins or triplets, mothers often end up choosing the same outfit because it is convenient. The same style in different sizes seems a simple task at the end of a busy day. But research shows that dressing kids alike hampers with their character building and create an unhealthy environment.
Matching clothes has the potential to undermine the development of a child’s own personal style and taste. The same logic applies to family twinning as it prevents to highlight an individual family members personal fashion choices.
Individualistic identity
We live in a world where many people are trying to carve their own niche. Fashion has become more individualistic and rebellious than ever. In times like this, matching outfits is a sign of creating duplicates and harmful in a child’s growth. Every child feels confident for their uniqueness and personal style is a key factor in showing ones individuality.
While dressing up matching maybe the trend of the season, parents and families should consider the long term effects of such exercises. Yes, matching outfits definitely look aesthetically pleasing but it looks great when it also highlights individual character.