It may surprise some people, but quality smocked clothing can be economical.  When you buy clothing for special occasions, you generally expect to pay more.  So if you compare smocked clothing and non-smocked clothing, you will find that the smocked clothes will fit a child much longer and then can be passed down to other children rendering the dollars spent to yield more benefits.

Smocked Clothes Give and Stretch

1.  The smocked portions of the garment "give"  and stretch with movement allowing the child to play freely and comfortably.  Smocked garments fit children in a soft, non-binding way.

2.  Since the smocking stretches, the garment may fit a child through the body for several years of growth. Mothers and grandmothers who smock and sew their children's clothing, have learned to make dresses with deep hems allowing them to be "let out" each year as the child grows taller.

3.  If hems are let out to enable a garment to be worn more than one season, then the smocked garment can actually become an economical choice for dressing up.

4.  Since smocking never goes out of style the smocked clothing can be passed down to your other children or given to cousins or friends.  The classic look of smocking is always special.

5.  The natural fabrics that are generally used in smocked children's clothing are cool and comfortable. Cotton or cotton/polyester are the popular choices.  (Kid's have no patience with uncomfortable clothing.)

Anavini Smocked Clothing

Silly Goose Smocked Clothing

Castles and Crowns Smocked Clothing

As much as I would like  to make most of my children's special clothes, practically speaking, there is never enough time.  So when I buy, I like to find children's clothing that is similar to what I would like to make if I could. Artistic Children's Clothing Store offers name-brand smocked clothing for children at prices that we can (usually) afford.