14 Back-to-School Clothing Essentials for Kids of All Ages

For many kids, back to school is an exciting time to reconnect with classmates and sport some fresh outfits to mark the beginning of the school year.

For the adults in their lives, on the other hand, the season can come with stressors. From adhering to dress codes to ensuring garments are suitable for a range of daily activities (like transitioning from the classroom to the football pitch), making practical purchases is key.

The solution: gear up little ones in the functional garments they need for the first day of class and the playground—and find items that will feel comfortable and let kids express their style, too. Check out the top Nike clothing and footwear essentials for back to school.

• Nike offers recommendations for three groups: little kids (sizes 4T to 7), big kids (sizes XS to XL) and pre-teens.
• Key apparel picks include hoodies, joggers, tees, track jackets and more.
• Footwear picks span Air Force 1, Air Max, Dunk and Pegasus silhouettes.
• Dri-FIT options are available across all groups for active school days.
• The pre-teen section covers performance-ready styles built for the athlete in between childhood and teenage years.
• Shop by group below, or browse the full Nike kids collection.

When it comes to back-to-school basics, you can never have too many tees. Look for soft cotton blends for everyday wear, or for particularly active days, opt for a Nike Dri-FIT T-shirt. This lightweight fabric is designed to wick moisture away from the skin, so it'll help keep kids cool and dry if they're running around on a hot day.

If you can picture the kid in your life twirling, sprinting and jumping on the first day back to school, they may want to pick out clothing that's comfortable, stretchy and flowy.

Enter: a Nike Younger Kids' Dress with soft fabric and a roomy cut. Consider pairing a dress with shorts or tights if a child wants more coverage—and style.

Polos are a simple way to make a kid's outfit look a little more dressed up, if that's their style (or a dress code requires it). With sweat-wicking fabric, this Nike Dri-FIT Younger Kids' Polo keeps kids dry and comfortable from the classroom to the playground to dinner with family.

Keep the little one in your life warm and cosy when the autumn months start to roll around with Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Younger Kids' Joggers. While the no-fuss design is ideal for staying comfortable, the super-soft fuzz on the inside is perfect for lounging at home at the weekend, too.

The Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Younger Kids' Pullover Hoodie is designed for comfort, with brushed fleece for softness and warmth and a loose, roomy fit. Don't be surprised if they never want to take it off.

(Related: 5 Simple Steps to Wash Your Hoodie So It Stays Soft and Fluffy)

Nike lifestyle trousers are back-to-school winners for a couple of reasons. First, they're designed to feel comfortable and stretchy like a pair of athletic trousers, but they offer a more tailored fit than a pair of gym joggers.

Second, they're practical—many come with zip pockets for storage and an elastic waistband with a drawcord for a more customised fit. For example, the Nike Sportswear Older Kids' Utility Trousers come with two pockets (one that zips shut and one that has a stitched-down flap) and the fit tapers towards the ankles for a clean look so kids can show off their favourite kicks.

When temperatures dip and kids need something warm, look for a pair of fleece-lined Nike Sportswear tracksuit bottoms, which are sure to help kids stay toasty at playtime. Some styles feature a flare-leg design for kids who love the trend, while others are more fitted around the ankles.

For kids who want to make a fashion statement, check out Nike dresses and skirts. They range from flowy styles with bold patterns to athletic cuts, like the Nike Dri-FIT Icon Clash Two-in-One Training Skirt. This skirt has built-in stretchy shorts, making it a good fit for class or after-school sport.

If the kid you're shopping with loves a matching set, take a look at Nike tracksuits for kids. With a soft and relaxed look that feels put together at the same time, there's a reason tracksuits have been a Nike signature for decades. They're versatile for a kid's lifestyle, too—ideal for everyday wear or for warming up before a match.

Like a set of freshly sharpened pencils and backpack, a hoodie is a must-have for back to school. Kids can layer a soft, fleece Nike Sportswear Pullover Hoodie with a jacket on cold days or slip it off and tie it around their waist if temperatures warm up in the afternoon.

With dozens of colourways and designs for kids, including low-top, mid-top and high-top styles, you can't go wrong with a Nike Air Force 1. The Nike Air Force 1 LV8 Next Nature sneakers feature a multi-colour design, Nike Air cushioning for comfort and a rubber sole for traction. For a more classic look, go for the all-white low-tops.

Nike shoe sizes for older kids run from 3 to 6. For kids who have outgrown those sizes, check out Nike Air Force 1s for adults.

(Related: How to Clean Air Force 1s)

Pre-teens need more than just the basics. They’re finding their style, and their back-to-school clothes should reflect that. These picks blend performance and style, with options that work from the classroom to practice without missing a beat.

For the pre-teen who wants to show off their style, a colorful Studio Fleece Crew sweatshirt is just the option for them to mix and match. Layer a polo or jersey underneath and let the collar pop out, or wear it solo. It’s up to them how to style their Nike clothes for pre-teens.

Equal parts comfort and style, the sweater tank is an iconic piece of their almost-a-teenager uniform. Let it serve as a base layer for early morning classes or sports practice. They can finish the look with a hoodie, track jacket or long-sleeve tee on top.

Your pre-teen doesn’t have to be heading to the tennis court or golf green to throw on a skort. These soft, stretchy bottoms have all the comfort of shorts, while adding a more fashion-forward touch. If your pre-teen has been experimenting with their personal style, refresh their back-to-school look with a skort they’ll want to wear Monday through Friday.

With the life of a pre-teen often feeling like it's on overdrive, they need a pair of shoes that can get them from class to practice to after-school hangs unscathed. Consider the Air Zoom Pegasus as one of the best Nike shoes for back to school, as it’s built to serve them in motion. The lightweight foam and springy air unit keep them comfortable on their feet.

Before you know it, summer weather will be over, so while you do your back-to-school shopping, stock up on cool-weather staples for your pre-teen, like a light pair of Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece Joggers. Designed to be smooth yet soft, they’ll keep your kid comfortable and looking cool.

These days, they may ask you to drop them off down the block, but you’ll earn major cool points with your pre-teen if you let them pick out a Nike Sportswear Tee that shows off their personal style. Whether it’s bold and graphic or something more low-key, they’ll have something comfortable and durable to wear all day long. (You may even want to buy them in bulk).