Eco-Friendly Children’s Clothing Companies
Buying clothes for kids is a seemingly endless task, and in the spirit of trying to be better stewards of Mother Earth, we wanted to share a few eco-friendly children’s clothing companies that we love. Kids outgrow their clothes so quickly that you might wonder whether it’s worth it to invest in more eco-friendly options. The great thing about buying sustainable clothes though, is that they are usually made with safer and higher quality materials. This increases the likelihood that they’ll be in good enough shape to pass on to siblings, friends, or even save as family heirlooms. In recent years, the waste that the fashion industry produces has been brought to light by awareness campaigns, individual ethical fashion companies, and documentaries like The True Cost. In addition to being mindful of how much clothing we purchase and from which companies, one of the most eco-friendly things we can do is to keep things from reaching the landfill in the first place.
We’ll be focusing here on children’s clothing companies that utilize eco-friendly materials and business practices. But what does that mean exactly? When it comes to fabric, one thing we want to look for is the use of organic cotton, because the absence of pesticides is better for our children’s health, agricultural workers, and the environment. If you want to be extra sure that your fabrics are being produced sustainably, look for products with GOTS certification or OEKO-Tex’s label (not necessarily organic, but tested for an array of harmful substances). Alternatively, we would like to see companies use more renewable materials like fast-growing bamboo or Tencel, as opposed to fabrics like polyester, which take many years to break down in landfills. Another important thing to look for is whether companies pay attention to ethical business practices at all levels of production. We want the companies we support to pay their workers fair wages and provide safe working conditions.
We’ve listed some fairly high standards, and it can be a lot of work to vet the source of each and every piece of clothing you buy your children. We’ve done a little bit of that work for you, and knowing that a company engages in sustainable practices can make shopping a little easier. Here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly children’s clothing companies:
Looking for great basics that don’t have kitschy sayings or logos on them? Primary is all about letting your kid shine with simple pieces that are bright, playful, and free of distractions. Though not all their offerings are organic, they do have an organic line and use recycled fabrics when applicable.
Bright primary colors are awesome, but when it comes to our younger ones, especially newborns, we might gravitate toward softer, more calming colors. Enter Colored Organics, which offers 100% organic cotton basics in beautiful muted tones. We love shopping this site knowing that every piece is made with safe, quality fabrics produced in ethical factories.
If your kid seems to be constantly sweaty, check out Lark Adventurewear’s clothes which are made from a performance bamboo fabric. Bamboo is sustainable, breathable, and moisture-wicking. If you’re wanting to move beyond solid colors, Lark Adventurewear offers super cute prints that you and your kids will love.
At some point, your kids may start asking for shirts and pajamas with their favorite characters on them, and when that day comes, you can look to Hanna Andersson. They started emphasizing sustainability and safe fabrics before ethical clothing became a thing, so they have a long history of being eco-friendly. Their clothes are soft and durable—sure to be coveted hand-me-downs.
Shoes are another item that kids seem to be constantly outgrowing, but we shouldn’t overlook the importance of shoes that promote healthy foot development. Ten Little emphasizes the importance of a good fit through an innovative fitting process you can do from home. Their shoes are made of vegan materials and are in a versatile style that works with many outfits—just one pair of Ten Littles, some waterproof shoes, and a dressy shoe may be all you need at a time!
While it would certainly be an admirable goal, no one expects to have their children’s wardrobes be 100% eco-friendly. However, with some awareness, we can still put in a little effort to buy more sustainable and ethical options, because every little step counts! Happy shopping!