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  4. Why Southern Mamas Love Jon Jons for Their Little Guys

Why Southern Mamas Love Jon Jons for Their Little Guys

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Anchor John Johns
Credit: littleenglish.com
It should come as no surprise that as soon as the temperature breaks 80 degrees in the South, you'll catch a few fashion " trends" gracing sidewalks, playgrounds, and front porches year after year. There are the little girls twirling around in lightweight, whimsical smocked dresses with big, floppy color-coordinated bows keeping their pigtails in place. There are the moms and dads carrying their little tots in the cotton bubbles that reveal those little, often chubby, legs. And then there are the can't-be-missed little boys racing or rolling around in their Jon Jons. Jon Jons—or John Johns, depending who is spelling it—are shortalls made for little boys and usually designed from a cotton print fabric. They're usually shorts length and sleeveless, and resemble overalls, but with far greater charm and character– like the little guys wearing them.Just like every popular fashion style, the Jon Jon has a story (or, in this case, a person) behind its origin. Take a look back at photos from the days when President John F. Kennedy was in office, and you'll see his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. (often referred to as John-John) running around The White House halls and on the Hyannis Port lawns in these sweet rompers. The style—and name—stuck. And this adorable one-piece romper has become a Southern classic.We often hear mothers, grandmothers, and aunts talking about how fun it is to dress little girls because of all of the styles available. Little boys don't seem to have as many stylish options. That is, unless you consider the Jon Jon– or John John. Look, and you shall find so many patterns and designs, from plaid and gingham to smocked and monogrammed to college colors and the not-so-ferocious creatures. Plus, they're easy and lightweight, making them a no-brainer for our long hot summers.It's also worth stopping a mama and asking her where she purchased a Jon-Jon you're admiring because her response might even be: "I made it from some fabric I found." And that's part of the natural Jon Jon charm. A few of them are one-of-a-kind. All of them were meant for being passed down from brother to brother or cousin to cousin. Here, a few of our favorite boutiques that carry this uniform that so many Southern mamas count on for getting through the summer heat. 
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Sailboat Smocked Jon Jon Navy Check

Sailboat Smocked Jon Jon Navy Check
Credit: smockedauctions.com

Buy It: $29.99; smockedauctions.com

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Train Applique Jon Jon

Train Applique Jon Jon
Credit: stellybelly.com

Buy It: $26.50; stellybelly.com

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Banana Split Appliquéd Tools Boys Shortall

Banana Split Appliquéd Tools Boys Shortall
Credit: madison-drake.com

Buy It: $50; madison-drake.com

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Blue Plaid Smocked Green Gators Sunsuit

Blue Plaid Smocked Green Gators Sunsuit
Credit: bestdressedchild.com

Buy It: $39; bestdressedchild.com

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Anchor John Johns

Anchor John Johns
Credit: littleenglish.com

Buy It: $58; littleenglish.com

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Liam's Monogrammed Jon Jon

Liam's Monogrammed Jon Jon
Credit: charmingmary.com

Buy It: $29; charmingmary.com

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Romper Blue Gingham Seersucker

Romper Blue Gingham Seersucker
Credit: shoppeggygreen.com

Buy It: $48; shoppeggygreen.com

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Classic Plaid Summer John John

Classic Plaid Summer John John
Credit: bellabliss.com

Buy It: $25; bellabliss.com

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Cooper Color Block Jon Jon

Cooper Color Block Jon Jon
Credit: thebeaufortbonnetcompany.com

Buy It: $56; thebeaufortbonnetcompany.com

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Blue Check Seersucker Applique Whale Jon Jon

Blue Check Seersucker Applique Whale Jon Jon
Credit: cecilandlou.com

Buy It: $19.60; cecilandlou.com

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Handmade Vintage Frog Shortall

Handmade Vintage Frog Shortall
Credit: etsy.com

Buy It: $13; etsy.com

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Yellow Seersucker Golf Shortall

Yellow Seersucker Golf Shortall
Credit: etsy.com

Buy It: $45+; etsy.com

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Crab Embroidered Seersucker Jon-Jon

Crab Embroidered Seersucker Jon-Jon
Credit: etsy.com

Buy It: $42; etsy.com

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    1 of 13 Sailboat Smocked Jon Jon Navy Check
    2 of 13 Train Applique Jon Jon
    3 of 13 Banana Split Appliquéd Tools Boys Shortall
    4 of 13 Blue Plaid Smocked Green Gators Sunsuit
    5 of 13 Anchor John Johns
    6 of 13 Liam's Monogrammed Jon Jon
    7 of 13 Romper Blue Gingham Seersucker
    8 of 13 Classic Plaid Summer John John
    9 of 13 Cooper Color Block Jon Jon
    10 of 13 Blue Check Seersucker Applique Whale Jon Jon
    11 of 13 Handmade Vintage Frog Shortall
    12 of 13 Yellow Seersucker Golf Shortall
    13 of 13 Crab Embroidered Seersucker Jon-Jon

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