Clerys is just one of many shops offering First Communion clothing. Boys, as usual, are less expensive to clothe for the day than girls. At Clerys a communion suit with trousers, waistcoat, jacket, tie and handkerchief for the pocket costs £99.95. A dress shirt costs between £12 and £30. Therefore, boys' traditional outfits may cost between £111.95 and £129.95 without shoes.
Some families are dressing their boys in more casual separates. A pair of trousers, shirt, waistcoat and jacket cost around £85. Add in £3.95 to £4.50 for socks, £7.95 for a tie or £6 for a bow tie. Grandad shirts are a popular option that don't require a tie. A casual boy's outfit may run between £85 and nearly £98 at Clerys, not including shoes. According to sales staff at the store, 50 per cent of parents choose the casual option for boys.
For girls, the traditional bride-like white outfit is still the most popular option. Dresses, some with a bag, range from £89.95 to £170. The head-dress is £19.95 to £40, veil £20, gloves £8, socks £3.50, tights £3.95, parasol £12, bag £16£18; cardigan £42. Clery's does not sell children's shoes.
Optional extras include: rosettes at £1.50, rosettes and beads £3.99, medals are £6.99 and £8.99, rosary beads £1.99 to £6.99, communion books for £1.99 to £3.99, girls' communion book in holder £5.99, gifts and souvenirs from £1.99-£5.99
A few schools now require uniform robes for those making their First Communion or Confirmation as a way to reduce parents' expenses and competition between students.
