Cats School Smock

A litter of kittens peeks out from the front of the Gatos school smock, made from sky-blue gingham with white binding, for little ones aged 4 to 10. They are tabby and ginger cats on blue fabric, whiskers and all, and they achieve what no argument can: making them want to put it on.

In the dining hall, every plate is a risk to clothing, and this smock takes it in its stride: it covers the front, the sleeves reach the wrist and the collar with white binding fastens at the top. The T-shirt is saved from tomato and yoghurt.

• White buttons down the front, matching the trim on the collar and pocket.
• Elasticated cuffs keep the sleeve from getting wet in the cup.
• Sky-blue and white checks on the plain side, with the pocket at hand height.

The embroidered name on the chest is optional and, among twenty smocks hanging up when the children leave the dining hall, it is what helps theirs come back home.