Professional Practice

Five Ideas for Awesome Art Teacher Apparel

Being an art teacher can come with a lot of pressure. Since we are so cool, fun, and creative the expectation to look amazing is there, too! Are you on the lookout for some hip art teacher threads? Are you looking for a way to look great without destroying your clothes in the unavoidable art room mess? Check out this list for some great apparel ideas!

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LuLaRoe

If you love comfortable, stretchy clothing and amazing patterns you’ve got to check out LuLaRoe. They are a fast-growing, direct sales company known for their buttery soft leggings. They also sell shirts and dresses that are perfect for teaching. LuLaRoe is only available through independent consultants, often through online shops on Facebook. Their clothing is soft, comfortable and comes in a huge array of bright and colorful patterns. Fair warning – it’s also fairly addictive!

The Sock Drawer

What art teacher’s wardrobe is complete without art inspired socks? The Sock Drawer has tons of great ones. Frida, Mona, The Great Wave and even Michelangelo’s David – there is so much to choose from! In the wise words of art education expert Tim Bogatz, “I love me some art socks.”

Cover Up In Style

Lee and student in matching outfits

Teaching is messy. You find something adorable and wear it to work, only to have it covered in paint or clay. Then you buy something new and… well, you get the idea. Lee Ten Hoeve, K – 8 teacher and AOE writer, recommends thwarting this vicious cycle by teaching in Dickies coveralls in her article, “Wear Your Color Wheel….and Get Your Mornings Back.” Of course, she adds some excellent art teacher flair to hers as well! Read all about it here.

Toms

Toms classic slip-on shoes are comfortable and adorable. They come in a variety of fun patterns and colors, and they often feature the work of famous artists. You can currently by Toms that feature the work of Haitian artists, Keith Haring or Los Angeles artist Tyler Ramsey. The best part? For every pair of shoes purchased, Toms donates a pair to a child in need.

Plaid

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Plaid is at once classic and trendy. If you haven’t embraced current plaid styles, now might be the time. Ian Sands, author, blogger, and high school art teacher advocates an exclusive plaid wardrobe for work attire. He explains it like this: “Since plaid contains multiple colors, it’s less obvious when I spill paint on my clothing. The geometrical patterns are also perfect for days I want to introduce Mondrian”.

Take a little time this holiday season to do a little shopping for yourself. You deserve it!

What are your “go to” places for art teacher wear? 

What is your favorite piece of art teacher clothing?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Purtee

Melissa Purtee is a high school art educator and a former AOEU Writer. She is passionate about supporting diversity, student choice, and facilitating authentic expression.

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