Lifestyle Junior for back to school

Rain Jacket: Reading the Water Column

The waterproofing of a jacket is measured in millimetres of water column, according to the Schmerber method: this is the height of water that the fabric can withstand before letting a single drop through. At 10,000 millimetres, like on the Reima Lampi jacket, a garment can handle heavy, prolonged rain, well beyond a shower on the way to school. However, a waterproof fabric is not enough: sealed or taped seams, covered with a strip on the inside, prevent water from seeping through the needle holes.

Breatheability, measured in grams of water vapour expelled per square metre and per 24 hours, gauges the jacket's ability to let sweat escape. It matters for a child running in the playground, as a non-breathable jacket will feel damp inside. 3 in 1 jackets, like the Regatta Trekktain, combine a waterproof outer jacket and a removable inner jacket, which can be worn together in winter or separately in mild weather.

Fleeces, Boots and Rain Ensembles

Fleece is a brushed polyester fabric that traps air for insulation while remaining lightweight and quick-drying. Peak Mountain fleece jackets can be worn alone in dry weather or as a mid-layer under a waterproof jacket, allowing for outfit adjustments from a cold morning to a warm afternoon without needing multiple coats.

For rainy days, boots Reima and rain ensembles Mikk-Line, jacket and dungarees, cover children who are jumping in puddles. A rain boot should be chosen with a little extra room for a thick sock, but not too much so the foot doesn't sit too high with every step.

Kids' Sizes and Velcro Closures

Brands often classify their children's shoes by size ranges. At Asics, the labels PS, for Pre-School, and GS, for Grade School, refer to sizes for young children and then for larger school kids, the second category overlapping with the smallest adult sizes. The Asics Gel-1130 or Gel-Quantum Lyte thus replicate adult models in children's sizes. Allowing about a centimetre in front of the toes leaves room for growth without the foot sliding around.

Young children gain independence with velcro closures, as seen on Victoria sandals and trainers, a Spanish brand established in 1915 known for its canvas on vulcanised soles. Crocs clogs, made from lightweight and washable Croslite, can be rinsed under water and go from the playground to the pool, while Geox trainers feature a sole designed to keep feet breathable.

Brands in the Selection

Each brand has its own page in the back-to-school selection:

• adidas for tracksuits, sweatshirts and sports-inspired trainers.
• Puma for sporty outfits and sneakers.
• Reebok for the brand's classics in junior sizes.
• Jack & Jones for jeans, sweatshirts and boys' city jackets.
• Urban Classics for basic streetwear, hoodies and oversized t-shirts.
• Only for girls' fashion, jeans and tops.
• New Era for children-sized caps.

The Rest of Back-to-School

The back-to-school selection continues with shoes, from sneakers to sandals, backpacks for school and college, and sportswear for everyday outfits.

For resuming activities, training equipment supplies clubs and sports classes, and customisable textiles allow items to be marked in the child's name. All the details are gathered on the Back To School page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the millimetres displayed on a waterproof garment mean?

They indicate the waterproofing according to the Schmerber method: the height of water that the fabric can withstand before letting a drop through. At ten thousand millimetres, like on the Reima Lampi jacket, it can withstand heavy rain.

How do I choose a child's shoe size for back-to-school?

Measure the foot while standing, at the end of the day, and add about a centimetre of extra room for growth and movement. Check the shoe size every three months for little ones, whose feet grow quickly.

Why choose velcro shoes for a child?

Velcro allows children to put on their shoes by themselves, without knowing how to tie laces, while ensuring a snug fit. It's the ideal closure for preschool and the early years of primary school.

How do I care for children's rain boots?

Rinse them with clear water after muddy outings and let them air dry, far from a radiator which hardens rubber. A pair of warm socks compensates for their low insulation in cold weather.

Is a fleece enough for autumn?

A fleece keeps warm in dry and cool weather, but allows wind and rain to pass through. For damp days, pair it with a waterproof jacket, which protects while letting the fleece do its job as an insulator.