Finally! An Easy Top for Adventures With Young Children
As a mom of three young children, I’m always chasing after these three unicorns: 1. finishing a morning cup of coffee before it gets cold; 2. taking a family photo where everyone is smiling; 3. finding clothes that make me feel cute and comfy as I lift, carry, rock, and run with (and after) my kids.
Of course, a T-shirt and leggings will get the job done. But at seven months postpartum, I’m yearning to break free from spandex! So, the other day while dressing for my daughter Ella’s softball game, I gave myself two rules: wear green to match Ella’s team’s color and resist T-shirts FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
I then spotted and pulled on a top I’d never worn before: this button-up camp shirt.
Flash-forward to two hours later. My family and I are sitting on the sidelines of a hot, dusty baseball field, watching a pack of five-year-old girls chase after a softball. I’m bouncing my baby, Evelynn, in my arms as the sun beats down. I make peace with the fact that I’m about to have the world’s largest pit stains.
But here comes the plot twist. At the end of the game, I don’t feel sticky, and there are no sweat stains in sight. Instead, I feel cool and dare I say… fresh? Also, as I swoop up a rosy-cheeked Ella in my arms to congratulate her, my midriff stays completely covered. Below is a photo of me feeling myself in the shirt, after the game and a trip to the ice cream store with the kids.
What makes this shirt so magical is the cut and material: it’s made with a sweat-wicking material, but has that classic camp shirt feel. It has all the pros of a workout top, without looking like a workout top. The next time we have a family day, I’m planning on leaning into full camp counselor vibes, and wearing this shirt with high-rise khaki shorts and a bandana. Here are more camp shirts I have my eye on, made out of other lightweight and breathable fabrics:
Thoughts? How cool would it look if we all rolled up to a Cup of Jo meet-up wearing our favorite camp shirts? What other styles make you feel pretty and comfy these days?
P.S. Joanna’s mom’s style and five holy grail beauty products.
