Surfergirl

At least one pair of blue jeans and one pair of black jeans. Black jeans can double for so many looks -- torn t-shirt for that "I'm gonna be a rock star" look, or button down shirt and jacket for the nice place. Ties are unnecessary. Nice jacket is unnecessary for the theatre.

Bottom line is: whatever they feel comfortable in is (usually) fine. I like kerouac's suggestion, pack minimal and let them buy some cool clothing in the places they visit.

kerouac

Okay, here is how Parisians dress during the summer (and tourists dress even worse!): http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...ay&thread=3653

Lynnaustin

We never found any "cool" clothing for boys that age, guess it depends on taste.
Unless they want to I would not spend any money for new clothing for the trip. It sounds as if they can pack from their current items.
I did find out (when I bought these for friends) that soccer jerseys are not popular for most U.S. kids that age unless they are on a soccer team. Younger kids do like them. At age 16 they are closer to being young men rather than kids.
Have a great time and a great summer with your grandsons.

kerouac

I agree that soccer jerseys are not popular with North American teens, but if you can find rugby jerseys, they are an immediate hit.

dj2011

Thank you again. I think the boy's biggest concern was taking things that they would have to haul around and then not want to wear. This has all been very helpful. We're really looking forward to spending time with them like this--they're terrific kids.

november_moon

I think it's great that the kids are thinking ahead about what to take and want to make sure that the things they take are things they will want to wear. A lot of us spent years hauling around too much stuff before we figured this out. Kuddos to them for getting a jump on the process

One of my "luxuries" when traveling is sending laundry out - even if I send it out with the hotel service and pay the extra markup - I love being able to pack less and then have freshly laundered, pressed clothes mid-trip (that I didn't have to wash myself). It is totally worth it to me.

Dukey1

You can believe whomever yyou want here but IMO there are only TWO things those teenage boys need to know about "fashion" in Europe:

DENIM

ATHLETIC SHOES

Think I'm kidding? just wait...and BTW, this is a golden opportunity for THEM to decide what they might need or not need..I bet they've already researched it on the internet..and if they haven't, suggest it.

ssachida

I agree with the 'leave hoodies at home' or at least 'don't put the hood up'. While others may not have noticed anything in the past, I can assure you it carries some stigma and suspicion. Some cinemas and shopping centres explicitly state 'no hoodies'. Most likely no one will say anything, but if you don't want to stand out then, I'd suggest not wearing a hood. Alternatively, you could wear them and blend in very well in Deptford.

Otherwise anything goes.

kerouac

Even among the kids from the burbs, hoodies tend to get rare in mid-summer, and even more so with hood up.

kerouac

Even among the kids from the burbs, hoodies tend to get rare in mid-summer, and even more so with hood up.

annhig

pack the minimum possible is my advice.

we have clothes shops here if they run out.

My DS ended up in Rome with no decent shoes at all - he bought two pairs very easily with only [my] rudimentary Italian. he left the other ones behind.

Definitely lose the hoodies! [much too hot for June, i hope].

and no-one cares what you wear to the theatre or restaurant now, unless it's the Ritz/George V.

have a great trip!

nona1

If they want to blend in with most London teams they need to wear really baggy jeans that are fastened tight with a belt about 3mm above their crotch, with the back of their jeans actually underneath their buttocks, with their underpants sticking out several inches above. Then when they figure out how those jeans stay up, can they please let me in on the secret, I'm dying to know but too afraid to ask.

nona1

oh yeah, and walk with a severe limp, for some reason also beyond me.

I'm getting old.

lizziea06

Jesus have you people seen how half the teens dress in London? I worry about their reproductive health with how tight their jeans are. Many teens/young adults dress quite hipsterish in the American Apparel mode with tight jeans and ironic t-shirts. If your boys like this style, then take them into Top Man

http://www.topman.com

The other half look straight out of an Abercrombie catalog. In fact, if this is more their taste, then take them into Jack Wills. They will love it:

http://www.jackwills.com/Default.asp...FQZO4Qod01lbeg

I can assure you that many, many upstanding teenagers where hooded sweatshirts in the central parts for London in which you will touring. Khakis are not nearly the staple amongst young men here as in America. Dark jeans with a nicely fitting shirt and jacket will be accepted in most theatres/restaurants in London. Also make sure they bring nice shoes to wear.

lizziea06

where = wear, mea culpa

wayfinder45

Suggest that they bring a LIGHTWEIGHT rain jacket with a hood. I got one for my daughter from REI, but there are other outfitters that carry similar jackets made with the lightweight, high tech material that keeps you dry but doesn't make you sweat wearing it in warmer weather. They also look cool enough to wear for teens (mine would rather get soaked than wear a poncho or a heavy slicker, or sometimes even carry an umbrella). Also, I'm not sure Vans provide enough support for all day touring in the city. They may consider taking a running shoe or something similar as well. Your grandsons sound like they have a fine wardrobe to chose from, just suggest they stick mostly to darker colors as others have recommended.

annhig

If they want to blend in with most London teams they need to wear really baggy jeans that are fastened tight with a belt about 3mm above their crotch, with the back of their jeans actually underneath their buttocks, with their underpants sticking out several inches above. Then when they figure out how those jeans stay up, can they please let me in on the secret, I'm dying to know but too afraid to ask.≥≥

I thought that that daft fashion was going out but I followed a lad up the stairs at court the other day and by the top his trousers were round his knees! all us "grown-ups" were hysterical. so the answer is, they don't stay up, actually.

it hadn't had any affect on his "reproductive health" though - he was at court because there is a dispute about his unfortunate offspring.

i didn't see him limp.

november_moon

I can't believe that the baggy pants fad has had such staying power. I was in high school when guys started wearing their pants really baggy (we called it "sportin' the sag", very attractive sounding term) and I just got a Facebook message about our 20 YEAR class reunion. And it has only gotten worse. Enough already.

At least Hammer Pants were short-lived.

tarquin

I believe that these extreme trouser styles, whether saggy or skintight, are intended to - cough - draw attention to the area.

PatrickLondon

>.At least Hammer Pants were short-lived.<

I daren't even ask.

But then, My Byrite was a bit racy for me.