Lots and lots of research have been done prior to this post.
I see many threads on what items that need attention to bring to boarding school. However, there are little to no threads which pinpoint what sorts of clothes to bring and how the quantity of each. Are there any specific types of clothing which are more prevalent in boarding schools (non-formal dress code)? Also, how many should we buy? (eg. 10 polo shirts, 15 pairs of socks etc.)
Thanks!
Whatever you decide to buy, y that you can always buy more online and have stuff shipped to you, so I’d recommend buying less instead of more in case you find styles you want to get once you are there. That being said, although many choose to embrace the preppy look, I’m all for finding your own style. One thing you can’t have enough of are socks and underwear. Plan on at least 10 of each to tide you over until laundry is done.
Here is the Ultimate thread:
Start around page 58 for more current responses, but I will second what @doschicos says about less is more. ChoatieKid fit everything he needed for BS into one large (checked) suitcase, one carry-on rollerbag, and his backpack, so the number of each item was very low. At drop-off, we picked up a fan, some extra hangars, and laundry supplies. Really, you can get by just fine with very little. Those dorm rooms are pretty small. Pack as though you were just going to grandma’s for a couple of weeks.
Some of this depends if there is a dress code at your school. DS does not have a dress code, so he brings casual clothes plus a pair of khakis and a blazer. He joined band last year so needed black slacks for concerts. Plenty of socks & underwear is good.
Don’t bring too much at first. It’s easy to get more once you really know what you want. In terms of basics, I think a good rule of thumb is to be able to make it through a week+ with clean clothes.
Depends on how often you’re willing to do laundry too.