From pirate hats to fairy wings, dress-up play is more than just fun—it is a powerful developmental tool. At Growing Kind, we know that imaginative play lays the foundation for emotional growth, social skills, and even early literacy. That is why we champion open-ended resources and role play toys that inspire creativity and confidence.
But what does the research say?
The Science Behind Dress-Up Play
According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, pretend play (or “symbolic play”) helps children process and understand the world around them. By stepping into different roles, children explore identity, social rules, and empathy. This type of play peaks between the ages of 3–7, a crucial time for brain development and emotional intelligence.
Research from Berk & Meyers (2013) also links sociodramatic play, where children enact real-life or fantasy scenarios, to increases in language use, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. When children play dress-ups with peers, they are not just “playing pretend”, they are negotiating, storytelling, and learning.
Why Dress-Ups Are Essential in Early Childhood
Supports Emotional Regulation
Trying on new roles allows children to express and process emotions safely. A child pretending to be a superhero may be working through feelings of vulnerability or confidence.Builds Empathy and Social Understanding
Whether playing teacher, doctor, or firefighter, children gain insight into other people’s perspectives. This lays a strong foundation for compassionate relationships.Boosts Vocabulary and Communication Skills
Dressing up sparks new language—children might use technical terms (like “stethoscope”) or imaginative speech as they narrate their scenes.Encourages Independence and Creativity
Having access to a variety of dress ups for kids gives children the autonomy to direct their own play. This freedom boosts self-esteem and creative expression.
Our Favourite Dress-Ups at Growing Kind
We proudly stock ethically made and beautifully detailed dress-ups for kids, including:
🧙♀️ Silks – Soft, flowing, and made for open-ended magical adventures.
🦁 Animal Wings – Encourage role play while connecting with nature and wildlife themes.
👑 Royal Crowns, Wands and Swords – Handcrafted with love, perfect for little kings, queens, and adventurers.
All our Australian toys and dress-ups are chosen to align with our values: sustainability, creativity, and the power of play.
How to Create a Dress-Up Corner at Home
Use a low rack or basket to display items at your child’s eye level
Include mirrors for self-recognition and exploration
Add props like bags, wands, and hats to extend the play
Rotate items seasonally or thematically to keep things fresh
A thoughtfully set-up dress-up area becomes a storytelling zone, a space to build identity and imagination. When children have access to high-quality, inclusive costumes, they play more confidently—and learn more deeply.
Final Thoughts
Dress-up play is not just adorable—it is essential. From improving emotional resilience to nurturing empathy, dressing up lets children rehearse the skills they will carry into adulthood. Explore our full range of dress ups for kids and other role play toys that celebrate learning through play.
👉 Browse our full Dress-Up Collection here.
