Sustainable Kids Clothing : Your Ultimate Guide To Ethically Made Kids Clothes
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about where our clothes come from and how they are made. Sustainable kids clothing, in particular, has come into the spotlight as a result of the movement of sustainable fashion.
With consumers becoming more conscious about how their fashion choices and buying habits affect the environment, they are also becoming more careful with the clothes that they purchase.
Most clothing brands are considered to be ‘fast fashion’.
This is when clothes are mass manufactured and sold at inexpensive prices according to the latest trends and fashion.
Fast fashion has been criticized by the environmentally-conscious for not using sustainable or ethical methods to manufacture, distribute, and market their clothes.
Fast fashion is slowly becoming a thing of the past with more clothing and fashion companies catering to the eco-conscious consumer market to manufacture and sell clothes that are ethically made and sustainable.
This is not just confined to clothes for men and women but recently, this concept of sustainability in fashion has also expanded to an increased demand for sustainable kids clothing.
Below, we take an in-depth look at:
- What is considered to be sustainable kids fashion;
- Where you can find eco-friendly kids clothes online; and
- What you can do to support sustainable kids brands
Here is a summary of sustainable kids clothing we love :
- Saffron & Serai Kids Facemasks
- Lamaze Organic Baby Clothes
- Burt’s Bees Baby Pajamas
- Ehime Baby Clothes
- Under The Nile Organic Cotton Sleepsuits
- Mightly Girls Leggings
- Growing Bodhi Kids T-Shirts
- Lifecycle Apparel Organic Leggings
- The Extra Smile
- Frugi
Affiliate Link Disclosure
This article contains some affiliate links which means that we may earn a small commission when you click on them, at no additional cost to you. We do hope you find the information in this article helpful!
What Is Sustainable Clothing?
Many factors go into determining whether clothes are sustainable or not.
Essentially, sustainable kids clothing or sustainable kids fashion refers to clothes or fashion items (including bags and other accessories) that are environmentally friendly and ethically made.
This includes taking into account the following supply chain processes:
- Designing
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
Other factors that are taken into account to determine whether clothes are sustainable or not include:
- The type of materials that are used
- The source of the materials
- The conditions of the factory in which the clothes or items are made
- The amount of water used in the production of the clothes or items
Where Can I Buy Sustainable Kids Clothes Online?
Parents are becoming more conscious about the type of products that they use for their children.
Thus, the sustainable kids clothing industry is becoming more popular and ethically made kids’ clothes are becoming more easily available online.
These brands have plenty of stylish eco-friendly children’s clothing and are committed to making and promoting sustainable kidswear.
Here are some of our favorites!
1. Saffron & Serai Kids Facemasks
Saffron & Serai handmakes adjustable facemasks for kids aged between 4 and 12.
Made from recycled fabrics, these beautiful facemasks also carry the traditional Malaysian batik designs and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
2. Lamaze Organic Baby Clothes
These ethically made baby clothes are super soft and gentle on your baby’s skin.
They are made from 100% organic cotton and are eco-friendly as well. It is the perfect gift set for the eco-conscious parent.
3. Burt’s Bees Baby Pajamas
These sets come in a variety of patterns and colors.
They have won awards for being the softest and snuggliest pajamas! More importantly, they are made from breathable cotton that will leave your kids all comfortable and ready for bedtime!
4. Ehime Baby Clothes
These come in a set of 8 pieces that can be paired differently for a variety of outfits for your little one.
They are made from sustainable fabrics and even their packaging is environmentally friendly, made from paper that can be easily recycled.
5. Under The Nile Organic Cotton Sleepsuits
As the name suggests, these vibrant sleepsuits come in different colors.
They are also one of the few sustainable clothing manufacturers that expressly state that in addition to using sustainable products, they also do not use any pesticides or chemicals in the production of their children’s clothing.
6. Mightly Girls Leggings
These fair trade kids’ clothing are certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard.
They come in a pack of 2 with fun patterns and invisible reinforced knees for those rough times at the playground or when they are out there conquering the world!
Available for girls who are 2 years old to those who are 12.
7. Growing Bodhi Kids T-Shirts
These simple but super cute kids’ t-shirts are made from sustainable and ethically-sourced fabrics.
The prints are done with eco-friendly materials as well.
This brand places great emphasis on minimizing our carbon footprint when it comes to kids’ fashion. More importantly, a percentage of the sales are donated to American Forests to benefit their cause.
8. Lifecycle Apparel Organic Leggings
Lifecycle Apparel prides itself on each of its handmade clothes. These beautiful leggings are no different.
The organic cotton that they use is sustainable and ethically and fairly produced in the USA.
9. The Extra Smile
This brand sells incredibly stylish ethically made kids’ clothes. Their designs are lasting and functional and they ensure that their design, manufacturing, marketing, and logistics processes are all fair and sustainable.
10. Frugi
This UK brand is all about sustainability and giving back. They sell a wide variety of gorgeous ethically made kids’ clothes and their motto is to always put the planet first.
They also have a great eco-friendly gift guide if you’re looking for presents for the little ones in your life!
Why Is Sustainable Kids Clothing Or Sustainable Fashion Important?
We have seen above all the factors that go into determining what makes sustainable clothing. You may be wondering why the fuss?
Why is it so important for our clothes to be sustainable and ethically made?
There are plenty of issues to consider here but the two most important ones are:
- Human Rights Issues
- Environmental Issues
Human Rights Issues To Be Considered
This becomes relevant when we are looking at the manufacturing process of the clothes concerned.
Many fast-fashion brands outsource the manufacturing process to factories that are located in other countries and employ locals from there.
However, there have been situations where these brands do not pay their factory workers a fair wage or the factory conditions are in terrible conditions and not suitable for work.
An example of how fast fashion and poor working conditions in factories can go so wrong is the Rana Plaza incident of 2013.
Here, a factory in Bangladesh collapsed while in operation. The heartbreaking part is that the workers were forced to continue working in the building despite visible cracks and foundational problems.
They were threatened with non-payment of their wages if they did not return to work. Over 1000 women and children died as a result of the collapse, with more than 2000 people severely injured.
This is just one story of how greed in the fast fashion industry can lead to dire and fatal consequences.
You, as a purchaser of clothes, are more powerful than you think.
If enough buyers move away from fast fashion that is manufactured in factories that do not treat their workers well or pay them fairly, then these brands will be forced to rethink their production strategies and move towards a more ethical manner of producing their goods.
How Does Sustainable Clothing Benefit The Environment?
The environment and our planet are extremely strong reasons to move away from fast fashion and focus on sustainable kids clothing, adult clothing, and other fashion items, all the while ensuring that they are also ethically made and environmentally friendly.
According to Earth.org, the fast fashion industry is the largest contributor to the drying up of water sources and pollution of rivers and streams.
Furthermore, a whopping 85% of textiles and materials are dumped each year.
This is bound to block up rivers and ultimately, all of these end up in the ocean.
There is also the increased use of chemicals to process the materials and carbon emissions that we need to think about.
If you take a step back and think about it, there is so much that goes into making just one piece of clothing, what more clothes that are mass manufactured.
The Guardian, in their research, has revealed that in producing a T-shirt, 2.6kg of carbon dioxide emissions are released. A pair of jeans produces 11.5kg. These numbers are staggering indeed.
These are just some of the reasons why sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethically manufactured clothes must take more prominence.
It cannot be denied they will be more expensive. But this means that they will last longer and in the bigger picture, contribute to the overall health of our planet.
What Can I Do To Support Sustainable Kids Fashion?
This may be the question that’s on your mind if you’re thinking about moving your fashion choices for your kids towards a more environmentally conscious path.
Even small changes can make a huge impact. Here are just some things that you can do to reduce your fashion carbon footprint:
1. Research Your Brands
Research the brands that you are buying from to ensure that they are using sustainable and ethical methods of production.
While no single brand can state that they are 100% environmentally friendly, look out for the efforts that they are making in moving towards that direction.
2. Wash Your Kids’ Clothes Less
When you do wash, choose to hand-wash their clothes instead of using a washing machine.
Additionally, you can also dry them on a clothes rack instead of drying them in the dryer.
This will make them last longer, thus reducing the need for you to purchase new clothes for your children frequently.
3. Buy Pre-Loved Childrens’ Clothes
This will increase the lifeline of the clothes that are already out there in circulation. There are plenty of websites and even groups on Facebook (this depends on your location) selling pre-loved kids’ clothes.
Here are some recommendations to get you started:
These clothes are usually in good condition and can still be used effectively. You can even create a group among your mommy friends and swap your children’s clothes with each other!
4. Invest In Quality
If you are buying new clothes for your little one, invest in clothes that are well-made and long-lasting.
If they have younger siblings or cousins, it can be handed down and used by them as well!
5. Go Local
Buy clothes from local manufacturers or small businesses. When clothing items don’t have to be transported across long distances, the environmental impact can slowly but surely be reduced.
Other Sustainable Items To Look Out For
If you are thinking about moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle and being a more eco-conscious parent, here are some other things that you can look at that may be useful to you:
1. Saffron & Serai Batik Tote Bags
These bags come in 2 sizes and make the perfect diaper bag for a day out with your baby or toddler.
2. Vaireo Bamboo Kids Eco-Friendly Wooden Toothbrushes
These soft, biodegradable toothbrushes come in 6 different colors. They are sustainable, organic, 100% recyclable.
3. Jagrom Reusable Storage Bags
Pack your kids’ snacks or small toys in these thick, leak-proof reusable zipper bags. Bonus: They are BPA free too!
4. Saffron & Serai Organic Lavender Eye Pillow
This one is for all you tired mommies out there! It can be used as both a cold and warm pillow, depending on what you need. The soothing lavender scent will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to conquer the next parenting challenge!
5. Bean Products Kids Sticky Yoga Mat
Get your kids to join you in your yoga or exercise routine! These durable yoga mats are also eco-friendly and free from any chemicals.
Sustainable kids’ clothing is not difficult to find if you know where to look.
It is certainly helpful that more brands, and indeed the fashion industry as a whole are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion.
In taking cognizance of this, brands such as H&M are taking big steps and making substantial efforts to improve their production lines.
This is with the intention of making them more ethical and sustainable, especially in regards to their kids’ clothing range.
They are committed to being fair and transparent in the sale of their products, and to change the landscape of fashion.
Whether you are new to the concept of sustainable kids clothing or are experienced in sourcing ethically made kids clothes, we can all agree that being stylish or fashionable does not have to harm our planet.
We only have one. Let’s take really good care of it for our kids!
