When I Grow Up . . .

. . . is a question many children are asked during their time at school. It helps to communicate their dreams, use their imagination and expand their understanding of the big wide world. It’s also lots of fun for their classmates to hear everyone’s answers.   

Whatever they want to be, we’re here to help dress them for all of their future ambitions. From swimwear for future swim teachers and activewear for tomorrow’s next big sports star to budding ballerinas, read on to discover more. 

In a world full of sights, sounds and new discoveries, many children are often drawn to the wonders of the animal kingdom. So, what could be better for mini wildlife enthusiasts than being conservationist or a zookeeper when they grow up? From feeding time to enrichment, practicality (and washibility) is the top priority when it comes to his wardrobe. Think cargo shorts with plenty of pockets (à la Joyday) and a backpack they can fill with the all-important kit — Stella McCartney has that sorted.  

There’s no taming the style of little ladies who dream of being a a wildlife expert. So, why not have fun with their outfit by choosing playful staples, like this KENZO KIDS’ sweatshirt? We love the tiger print on the back and it comes with clip-in paw mittens for a roar-some finish. On feet, comfort is key, after all they’ll be spending a lot of time hopping from enclosure to enclosure. Velcro trainers are a must; they’re practical, sturdy and easy for little hands to fasten.  

For boys who have their sights set on something sporty, we’ve got all the kit they’ll need, like breathable activewear shorts — this style from EA7 Emporio Armani’s Tennis Pro collection features VENTUS7 technical fabric which allows for plenty of movement on and off the court. If your little sports star prefers football, why not kick off their career with Molo’s nostalgic football shirt? Just pair with shorts, sports socks and boots. Oh, and don’t forget shin pads (safety first!).

Little girls are just as catered for too. Roarsome’s fun take on tennis whites will have her ready for Wimbledon in no time. Simply add a bold cap to keep her face nice and shaded in the sun. Talking of being bold, Billieblush’s iridescent sports bag is sure to be the coolest sidekick in the locker room. There’s plenty of space in the main compartment, plus side pockets for bottles, snacks and everything else. And when these gymnasts are travelling between competitions, Moschino’s perfectly pink set will be the cherry on top.  

Do they know their pirouette from their plié? Their good toes from their naughty toes? If the answer’s yes, there’s only two things your budding ballerinas need for their wardrobes: lots of pink and even more tulle!  

As they rehearse the steps to their latest routine, reach for Danskin’s functional ballet clothing. This dancewear designer has everything they could dream of, from leotards to cardigans and even dresses for showtime. When they’re not practicing in the studio, they can still live out their dancing dreams in an Angel’s Face tutu. The layer-upon-layer of featherweight tulle gives this piece a beautiful shape. . . 5,6,7,8! 

Whether they’re splashing their toes in the little pool or they’ve already mastered their front crawl, swim teaching will be the dream job for many little water babies. Whilst they gather the floats and learn the strokes, we’ll be on hand to find their perfect outfit. For outdoor lessons, where sun protection is a must, UPF50+ fabric will be their best friend. Our pick? Add long-sleeve swim tops from designers like Mitty James and Molo to their kit bag, they come in a collection of bright colours and prints so they’re easy to spot in the water. When it comes to choosing goggles, Bling2o is a firm favourite, with anti-fog lenses, comfortable silicone straps and UV protection, they’re every swim star’s best friend. Dive in! 

For parents on the lookout for swimwear that goes the extra length, meet Hunza G. Did you know all the designer's swimsuits come in its Original Crinkle fabric? This stretchy material is designed to grow with your little one for up to four years, meaning you won’t have to size up anytime soon. These cute costumes are also directly inspired by the adult collection, so matching with your mini-me has never been easier.