By Jimmie Sue, founder of Loud Little Outlaws
Short answer: Look for small brands that draw their own art instead of licensing logos. Original designs keep the attitude (denim, flames, bad sleep, rebellion) without turning your kid into a walking ad for one band. Loud Little Outlaws makes band-free bodysuits, toddler tees and hoodies for heavy-music families, plus matching pieces for the parents.
People assume a honky tonk is all steel guitar. Come stand on my floor after midnight. The radio up here is stuck on the station that plays it slow and heavy, and the jukebox downstairs comes up through the boards with whatever the last table paid for. Some nights it's a waltz. Some nights it shakes the coffee cup off the desk.
So I know a heavy family when I see one. And I know what happens when one of them goes looking for baby clothes.
Why would a metal parent skip band baby clothes?
Search "metal baby clothes" and you get two things: licensed band bodysuits, and shirts that say "Rock Star" in a font from 2006. Not much in between. A few reasons parents pass on the band stuff:
- Every relative buys it. You will get the same logo three times.
- The kid didn't pick the band. Some parents like leaving that choice open.
- It ages strangely. Your taste changes. The photos don't.
- It can look like a costume. Band merch on a baby reads "the parents dressed him up." Original art reads "this family is like this."
What makes heavy baby clothes actually cool?
They look like they came from the same world as the records, without copying anything. What I look for:
- Original illustration. Not clip art, not a borrowed album cover.
- A joke that works on two levels. Funny to the parents, harmless to everyone else at daycare.
- Old over shiny. Worn-in colors and western or tattoo flash influences age better than neon.
- A parent version. The best designs come with something the grown-ups will wear too.
What does Loud Little Outlaws make for metal and punk families?
Our Headbangin' collection is the heavy side of the shop. Some picks:
- Naps Are for Posers Baby Bodysuit and Toddler Tee: the baby has strong opinions about sleep.
- Honky Tonk Headbanger Baby Bodysuit, Toddler Tee and Toddler Hoodie: for families who play both kinds of loud. That's my floor on a Friday.
- Headbangin' Buckaroo Baby Bodysuit: the one that started it.
- Too Loud for the Rodeo Baby Bodysuit: a kid who got asked to leave.
For the parents: the Headbangin' Mama Women's Crop Top and the Headbangin' Papa Varsity Crewneck. For the wall: the Nap Riot Poster.
Is it okay to mix metal and country on one kid?
I'd be out of business if it weren't. Plenty of households run a metal playlist in the truck and an old country record on Sunday morning. The Honky Tonk Headbanger design exists for exactly that family: a steer skull, a red lightning bolt and lettering that splits the difference. If your kid's first concert was a punk show and the second was a county fair, pull up a stool.
What are the bodysuits made of?
Our standard baby bodysuit is 100% combed ring-spun cotton with an envelope neckline (easier to get over a head that doesn't want to cooperate) and a three-snap leg closure. Designs are printed direct-to-garment. There are also organic cotton versions of several designs, like the Headbangin' Buckaroo Organic Baby Bodysuit, in a natural color.
These are everyday clothes, not sleepwear.
What sizes do they come in?
- Baby bodysuits: 3-6m, 6-12m and 12-18m. No newborn size.
- Toddler tees: 2T, 3T, 4T and 5/6T.
- Toddler hoodies: 2T, 4T and 5-6T.
Measurements from our print partner's charts are on the size guide. Buying a gift? The size guide recommends 6-12m.
How long does it take to arrive?
Everything is printed to order, so nothing is sitting on a shelf. Production is 2-5 business days, then standard shipping is usually about 3-5 business days. Organic bodysuits take longer, about 8-14 business days. Shipping is free from $75 (merch subtotal, after discounts) and $9.99 below that. We ship within the US, including APO/FPO.
Is it only baby clothes?
No. We also make toddler clothes, Outlaw Mama and Outlaw Papa apparel, mugs, totes, posters and stickers. Start at Shop All.
And if the little headbanger has you up at 3 a.m., the hotline is open for confessions: 1-866-BAD-NAPS. I've heard worse. I've heard it all.
FAQ
Are there metal baby clothes without band logos?
Yes. Loud Little Outlaws makes original-art bodysuits, toddler tees and hoodies with no band names, logos or lyrics.
What are the baby bodysuits made of?
The standard bodysuit is 100% combed ring-spun cotton with an envelope neckline and three-snap leg closure. Organic cotton versions are available for several designs.
Do you have a newborn size?
Not right now. Bodysuits start at 3-6m.
Are these pajamas?
No. They're everyday clothes, not sleepwear.
xo, Jimmie Sue
