Keeping my ds warm inside (long sleeved tops)

[RootAnn]

My 10 yr old is thin & gets cold easily - inside the house. He has slippers & lined pants, but I need to get him some long-sleeved tops that are warm.

He doesn't have many long-sleeved shirts right now. (None that he will wear right now, actually.) He's got some sensitivities so nothing too tight around the neck or scratchy will work.

He has one quarter-zip fleece pullover (given to us, I think) that he likes & that is my only option to give him when he's cold other than wrapping himself in a blanket which makes doing school more difficult  I want to get him 2-3 more things he can put on / layer when he's cold. The rest of us are either fine or toss on a flannel shirt.

I'm looking at 

Flannel lined shirt

Quarter zip fleece

A cardigan??

Toss your links at me. Nothing above $25 please!

ETA:  With your ideas, I found some things that will work. Thank you!!

Edited February 15, 2020 by RootAnn
Updated

[wintermom]

Ya, I'd do the layering thing if there are sensitivities of clothing right next to the skin. What about a hoodie? My boys live in them. They can cover their head which helps keep them warmer, too.

[itsheresomewhere]

Have they checked out his thyroid recently?  Many don’t realize kids can have thyroid issues too. 
 

The 32 degrees shirts at Costco are fantastic.  Uniqlo sells shirts and pants that reflect the body heat back.  I love my fleece I got from them and they have it in kids sizes. 

[katilac]

What about some really comfy thermal tops if it's about keeping warm? aka long underwear, thermal underwear

Get it big enough to throw on over another shirt and remove easily. 

Oversized sweatshirts also serve the purpose and even soft ones aren't very expensive if you get solid colors and not logos. 

Do you have a thrift store near you? You could get a stack of possibilities for $25.

With my suggestions, bear in mind that  our homeschool was always severely lacking in fashion. Your choices are much cuter, lol, but my standards for 'around the house' were very low. 

[Arcadia]

Columbia fleece can be rather scratchy if your son is sensory avoiding like me and DS15. We run it through the wash a few times with softener.  My kids also liked the children’s place outlet fleece hoodies but those also need to be washed a few times to soften.

I bought thin down vests and jackets from Columbia outlet for under $20. Not much choice in size and colors but they are great 650 fill ones.

My kids also have the Macy’s house brand blankets that have buttons to convert the blanket into a poncho.

[catz]

We live in the upper midwest and keep our house relatively cool in the winter.  Do you have thrift stores?  My kids layer long sleeve shirts with fleece zip ups, hoodies, and cardigans.  And flannel shirts at times.   It's nice to have like a week's worth of top layers.  Thick socks in the slippers make a big difference too.  

I sent my always cold kid to college this year and bought him 4 pairs of thermal jtops and bottoms because he's walking substantial distances outside every day all winter.  He is just a rail.  He's always been cold - doesn't really like swimming much either.  

[wathe]

Here's an alternative idea if you can sew a little:   My kid also likes wearing blankets around the house.  So I made him a scout's style camp poncho with a hood (which also gets used for scouts) out of polyester fleece.  It's cozy, feels like wearing a blanket, but stays on without effort and is sized so that he has full use of his arms.   Here's a video tutorial for similar. 

If you don't sew, you can make a rudimentary version by cutting a neck hole in an appropriate sized piece of polyester fleece.

[gardenmom5]

I would also consider thermal cotton Henley's.  they have a few buttons near the neck, that can be undone so there's more room.

just because he has slippers - doesn't mean they're warm.  (IME: a lot of cheap stuff, provides little warmth. - ESPCIALLY acrylics!)

Have him wear wool socks with his slippers.

also - multiple thin layers are generally warming than one thicker layer.

[wendyroo]

If you have thrift stores, I agree that they can be a good option for kids with sensory sensitivities.  I get almost all of my kids' clothes there because it is already broken in and soft; they can easily browse and try on a wide range of fits, styles and fasteners at one store; and the investment is very low if a certain piece doesn't end up working.

Also, if he likes blankets, then maybe he would like a bathrobe.  One of mine lives in his fuzzy, hooded bathrobe over his clothes around the house.

[PeterPan]

My ds wears fleece from Carters and they run great sales. Unfortunately, they may have already clearanced things.

  4 colors available Carter's | Kid Buffalo Check Sherpa Pullover Sweat... $7.79 Price reduced from *$32.00 Percent of discount 76% off Promotions Clearance: Includes x40% off       

    Carter's | Kid Camo Zip-Up Sherpa Vest $7.79 Price reduced from *$36.00 Percent of discount 78% off Promotions Clearance: Includes x40% off     

Surf around there, as he has this really fluffy fleece pullover thing in burgandy. It may have been Oshkosh, but you can order carters and oshkosh together. The vests are great, because you can layer them over his over stuff. Ds runs cold because he's thin for his height, so he wears the $5 tops, the vests, the fleece and yes the lined pants.

[RootAnn]

Thanks for all the ideas. The tight to the neck thing will limit some options. We don't have access to Costco, but we do have a small 2nd hand clothing store in our tiny town. I hadn't thought about starting there even though I was just there on Saturday. And, no, my sewing skills aren't good enough for making stuff, but his might be...

[Harriet Vane]

I spent years and years anemic in a very, very drafty Victorian fixer-upper. I know alllll about being cold in the house. 

Slippers need to be either wool clogs or down boots. The synthetic slippers they sell at most big box stores are useless. For years I wore down booties that they sell for winter camping. 

Layers are the only way to stay warm. Consider having him wear either warm coveralls over his clothes (like mechanics like to wear) or snow pants. The cheap version of that would be to get oversized sweats that can be pulled on over his clothes.

Another good option is a really thin windbreaker. You might not think it's warm because it's thin, but it works because it traps the body's warmth. For years and years I wore a pullover windbreaker in the house and wrapped a knit blanket around my waist like a sarong. If someone knocked on the door, I threw off the sarong so I would look "normal."😏

[Bambam]

I'd checked into Buffs for him. I have several (only one Buff but several generics). I cannot stand anything tight around my neck (even crew neck tshirts bother me), but these are loose enough that I'm fine with them. The Buffs are softer than the generic brand I purchased though. Keeping my neck warm helps the rest of me stay warm too. 
They have many colors, but here is one - https://www.amazon.com/Unisex-Original-Multifunctional-Headwear-Graphite/dp/B07BJ3D4PD

Well, that stinks. I went to look for a link, then found they have reversible ones (fleece on one side) and ended up ordering one of those for me. I need to stay off Amazon! 

Edited February 13, 2020 by Bambam

[J-rap]

One of my dd's used to get especially cold in the winter.  I got her a wool camisole that she'd wear under her shirts, and an electric portable radiator for her bedroom.  

So maybe a type of T-shirt that he can wear close to his body under his regular shirt that helps hold in the heat?

I found this at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/HEAT-HOLDERS-Winter-Thermal-Underwear/dp/B01N5D7JZV

That one isn't wool, but it might be effective.

[Arcadia]

58 minutes ago, RootAnn said:

And, no, my sewing skills aren't good enough for making stuff, but his might be...

DS15 did something like the photo on this link https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/throwbee-by-kona-benellie-reg-luxury-throw-blanket-poncho/3287988?bvstate=pg:2/ct:r with his favorite blankets. He use binder clips for sides and front so he could use the blankets as ponchos in the living room and as blankets for bedtime. No sewing required, just a few binder clips or barber shop style hair clips. 

ETA: He can sew but he doesn’t want to make a permanent poncho from his blanket 😂

Edited February 13, 2020 by Arcadia

[Katy]

Winter clothing is on sale right now.  I'd start at Old Navy if I were you.  Lots of warm layers, can try them on to make sure nothing is too scratchy.

[Pen]

If he likes a quarter -zip fleece I’d go with more of those. Over long sleeve crew T-shirt could help warmth and softness

an added fleece (or down?) vest could go over things to add warmth without bulk

oil on skin (like sesame for example) is an Ayurvedic and old time rural way to keep warmer

warm feet and warm head can help a lot

BBTO 3 Pieces Ear Warmer Headband Winter Headbands Fleece Headband for Men and Women (Color Set 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076WN742T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fAArEb2FCCBY7

 

This type thing can help keep warmer without being too much hat for ease of movement.  ~8 per 3 pack

my son has used This type thing, tops and bottoms, to add a warm underlayer:

TSLA Men's Thermal Wintergear Compression Baselayer Pants Leggings Tights, Heatlock Athletic(yup53) - Black, X-Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTFQ49G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HCArEb7G7DJBD

 

[Pen]

Another thing that can help is exercise...  

my son is an ice skater .  When having to sit around waiting their turn to skate it is really cold, but once actively skating he tends to start shedding layers.

 Possibly active movement at least every half hour would help.  

 

Maybe check places like Good Will too, we donate perfectly good but got too small boy winter clothes quite regularly and I’d guess others do too.  

[Pen]

Top and bottom set on sale for $13? 

Could be big, but might be fine in xs with sleeves turned back and ankles tucked into socks

TSLA Blank Men's Thermal Microfiber Soft Fleece Long Johns Top & Bottom Set, Thermal Fleece(mhs100) - Dark Grey, X-Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M6S8Y15/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jNArEb8V68GNH

Or maybe there are kids size ones

[AmandaVT]

Cuddl Duds make some good thermal type clothes for kids. DS will wear their stuff under his snow gear to keep warm. The neck doesn't seem too tight and they are very soft and warm.

[Pippen]

1 hour ago, AmandaVT said:

Cuddl Duds make some good thermal type clothes for kids. DS will wear their stuff under his snow gear to keep warm. The neck doesn't seem too tight and they are very soft and warm.

I was just going to post that's what I'd suggest! I prefer these over the waffle weave. 

Base layer sets: https://www.amazon.com/32-DEGREES-Layer-Black-Medium/dp/B01M66TWL0/ref=sr_1_7?crid=360KC4BI35A3C&dchild=1&keywords=boys+long+underwear+set&qid=1581634532&sprefix=boys+long+under%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-7

or fleece: https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3762334/boys-6-18-cuddl-duds-2-piece-fleece-base-layer-set.jsp?skuid=30395614&ci_mcc=ci&utm_campaign=BOYS 4-20 BASICS&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=30395614&CID=shopping15&utm_campaignid=196834412&pid=googleadwords_int&af_channel=CSE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkPrs7NDP5wIVS5yzCh1j8w2HEAQYASABEgKVO_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

And hoodies with the thumb hole (I prefer fleece over sweatshirt fleece). This one isn't cheap but along these lines: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/117990?page=boys-mountain-fleece-hoodie-full-zip-colorblock

[Pippen]

I don't know where you'd find these for under $25 but nothing keeps my feet warm and comfortable indoors like my Ugg boots. Maybe sale knockoffs?

[Laura Corin]

The layers that I wear in a 19th century house:

Smart wool socks, camisole, fleece lined trousers, soft flannel shirt, zip up fleece, down vest, warm slippers with a structured sole that insulates me from the cold floor.

Edited February 13, 2020 by Laura Corin

[katilac]

What I'm hearing in this thread is that  Snuggies actually weren't a silly idea! 😂

 

[katilac]

6 hours ago, RootAnn said:

We don't have access to Costco, but we do have a small 2nd hand clothing store in our tiny town.  

We find that Alabama has some great thrift stores if you're planning a visit anytime soon! 

[Pen]

Also consider hoodies, the hood can help keep ears and head warm. 

[Tap]

At that age, my kids loved hoodies. 

So much winter gear is on clearance right now, I would start checking out the stores in your area. If you have any sports stores around like Dicks, Sierra Trading Post etc, they can be a great place to buy good brand names that will last.

Nike isn't cheap, but my family is always happy with what we buy.  I would rather have a couple of nice pieces than a bunch of gear that we won't wear next season......but for growing kids, sometimes you have to replace it so soon (due to sizes), it doesn't matter.

[Arcadia]

Brookstone® NAP Wearable Throw Blanket $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/brookstone-reg-nap-wearable-throw-blanket/5381095

[TrixieB]

One of my kids gets super soft fleece throw blankets from the local discount store.  They are cheap, around $5-6 if you don't mind seasonal patterns.  Then pins them around their neck like a cape.  If you wash cold gentle cycle and tumble dry low, they stay soft for a long time.

ETA: like what Arcadia's son does.

Edited February 14, 2020 by TrixieB

My oldest son is tall and thin and gets the cold gene from me.  He perpetually is wearing a hooded sweatshirt around the house with wool socks and lined pants.  He also wears a bathrobe when he comes down for breakfast.  He is also known to sit around in his ski jacket or his swim parka when he comes in from outside.  He really doesn’t care for polarfleece, but does like the lands end cotton flannel shirts if I force him to remove the sweatshirt.

[BlsdMama]

12 hours ago, itsheresomewhere said:

 

The 32 degrees shirts at Costco are fantastic.

 

These are my staple. I’m super sensitive to cold these days and I’ve been wearing them since October. I may or may not be in bed right now wearing them... and wool blend pants, a hoodie, and socks. 😉

Things that help me the most - heated blanket, three layers on my core, wool socks  I’m miserable when I’m cold  it’s -23 windchill here currently and I really need it to warm up. I feel sorry for kiddo. I have one just like him. I’d give just about anything to be able to put some weight on her.

 

 

[gardenmom5]

11 hours ago, Harriet Vane said:

I spent years and years anemic in a very, very drafty Victorian fixer-upper. I know alllll about being cold in the house. 

Slippers need to be either wool clogs or down boots. The synthetic slippers they sell at most big box stores are useless. For years I wore down booties that they sell for winter camping. 

Layers are the only way to stay warm. Consider having him wear either warm coveralls over his clothes (like mechanics like to wear) or snow pants. The cheap version of that would be to get oversized sweats that can be pulled on over his clothes.

Another good option is a really thin windbreaker. You might not think it's warm because it's thin, but it works because it traps the body's warmth. For years and years I wore a pullover windbreaker in the house and wrapped a knit blanket around my waist like a sarong. If someone knocked on the door, I threw off the sarong so I would look "normal."😏

double knit poly pants are warmer than cotton.  (dd's favorite skirt in southern Chile- she was there for two winters - was a double knit poly.)   DD did winter crew- she also wore lycra spandex when they were on the water in upstate NY - some of which were pretty warm.

wool and silk will always be warmer than acrylic.   (polar fleece materials are usually warm - but I have encountered some that weren't.)

[Ausmumof3]

Aldi here do a good range of merino wool thermals about once a year.  They are significantly cheaper than any equivalent and my kids love them . They don’t tend to smell as quickly due to the wool I think so you can use it as an under layer for a couple of days or even more for younger kids before washing 

[ashfern]

My step-father is the same. He wears under armour shirts (long sleeve) under his shirts practically all year long. He likes them because they are form fitting and keep him very warm. 

[Rachel]

I would check into getting base layers. I’ve gotten them for my kids from Walmart.  I believe Costco sells them for kids too. This time of year all the outdoor brands are clearing out winter stuff so you may find them on clearance at REI, LL Bean, Sierra Trading Post, or any other outdoor retailer. There are some brands that sell them as 3/4 zip or v neck so they hopefully wouldn’t bother him. 
 

For fleece 3/4 zip tops, Childrens Place often has them for under $10, the fleece tends to be thinner than other brands but have held up well for my kids. 
 

I have found wool socks are much warmer than any other socks (my kids each have a couple pair and I keep track of them since they are pricey). If your son thinks they are too scratchy, get some thin socks or sock liners to wear underneath.

[RootAnn]

Thanks for all the ideas. We live in a rural area 1 1/2 hrs from a city big enough to have any of those lovely stores y'all mention. (We have a small Wal-Mart 30 min away.)

He & I hit the local 2nd hand clothing store this morning & he tried on a variety of things. We found a couple that will work. (Nothing close fitting on the arms, no scratchy or silky stuff, nothing with a hood, the breathable sportsy fabric is out, the list goes on...) I'm going to see if I can get him a down vest to try as that was one option they didn't have.

So, we have three good options (including a 2nd quarter zip) for him to rotate through & I'm going to see if a 4th will work as an additional layer.

Much appreciate all the ideas, options, & especially the links! 

Edited February 15, 2020 by RootAnn