Sustainable Kids Clothing: A Guide

Introduction To Sustainable Clothing

When it comes to sustainable kids’ clothing, there are a few things to consider. How important is it to you that your child’s clothes are eco-friendly? What kind of materials do you want your child to wear? And how much do you want to spend?

Sustainable clothes are a reaction to the non-eco-friendly fast fashion

In this guide, we will explore these questions. We’ll talk about the benefits of sustainable kids’ clothing, as well as some of our favorite brands. So read on for all the information you need to make sustainable choices when dressing your little one.

Sustainability is often an afterthought in fashion especially in the last decade with the rise of “fast fashion“. However, the clothing industry has a large environmental impact, and the way we produce and consume clothing has serious consequences for the planet, so more recently there’s been a growing movement to counter fast fashion, with sustainable fashion or “slow fashion” ironically.

In fact, take a look at this info film by Patagonia, which to its credit, blames its own industry for being “the least regulated” and “highest polluting” industries. Since we wrote this article in 2022, Patagonia’s founder has handed control of the company to a trust so that its profits in the future are redirected to worthy causes that improve the planet.

Now that you’ve watched this video, I hope you’re as galvanized as I am.

Sustainable Clothing Definition

The definition of sustainable clothing is a bit slippery. Consumers mix a number of environment, social and governance factors (ESG) into the word. For ShrinkThatFootprint, our premise is quite simple, we urge everyone to consider ways to reduce carbon emissions because that is one of the most difficult to control, global impact on the planet that will have truly devastating consequences in the future.

We expect the addition of CO2 emissions to increase warming due to energy balance. For others, sustainable clothing will include other factors including: unnatural chemicals in clothing, fair labor production, use of pesticides that affect the land etc.

A full assessment is very hard because our value systems are different. Sustainable clothing is often more expensive than conventional clothing, but it has a design that lasts longer and has a smaller environmental footprint.

In addition, sustainable clothing is often softer and more comfortable to wear. And as consumers demand more environmentally responsible options, sustainable clothing is likely to become more widely available.

Why Is There Interest In Sustainable Kids Clothing

There are many reasons why sustainable kids’ clothing is becoming more popular, but the three main reasons are that it is good for the environment, it is good for the child wearing the clothes, and it is good for the people who make the clothes.

Sustainable kids clothing should be good for the environment in two senses. First it should be low in energy inputs so as to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions. For example OpenCO2.net maintains a database of carbon emissions of textiles that let a consumer see what we expect in “conventional clothing” and what a sustainable brand should aim for in terms of emissions.

This makes comparisons quantitative and measureable instead of qualitative and unmeasureable. Second, there’s also a desire that sustainable kids’ clothing be organic or pesticide-free which makes it good for the child wearing the clothes because the clothes are from natural materials that are gentle on the skin and cause less irritation.

Finally, sustainable kid’s clothing is good for the people who make the clothes because they are paid a fair wage and work in safe conditions.

The interest in sustainable kids’ clothing is reflective of a wider shift towards sustainable living. As we become more aware of the need to protect our planet, we are looking for ways to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our lives. There are also interests when it comes to sustainable toys, sustainable kitchen products, sustainable footwear, and even sustainable socks!

Sustainable Clothing For Babies

Organic cotton is a popular choice for sustainable baby clothes. It is grown without the use of harmful chemicals, and it takes far less water to produce than conventional cotton. Bamboo is another sustainable choice for baby clothes. It is quite soft and gentle on delicate skin, to the extent that we’ve covered bamboo pajamas for babies on this site.

Sustainable Clothing For Toddlers

Choosing sustainable clothing for your toddler can help the environment in many ways. It can reduce water consumption, lower the use of pesticides and herbicides, and reduce energy consumption. It can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are many sustainable clothing options available for toddlers, including organic cotton, bamboo, and wool. These materials are all environmentally friendly and will help to keep your child comfortable and stylish.

Sustainable Clothing For Older Kids

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to start thinking about what your kids will wear when they want to run around and play outside. You want them to be comfortable, but you also want their clothes to last. That’s where sustainable children’s clothing comes in. Here are some great options for sustainable clothing for older kids:

  • Recycled Cotton T-Shirts
  • Linen Shorts
  • Wool Sweaters

Sustainable Kids Clothing Stores

1. Polarn O. Pyret

Swedish children’s clothing company that was founded in 1976. The company’s mission is to make sustainable and durable children’s clothing that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Polarn O. Pyret’s clothing is made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wool. The company uses a variety of sustainable manufacturing practices, such as using less water and energy in their production process.

The company offers a lifetime warranty on their clothing, so you can be sure that your child’s clothes will last for many years.

2. Frugi

Frugi is a kids clothing company that is based in the UK. The company was founded in 2004 by two friends, Kerry and Alice. Frugi is all about making sustainable, ethical, and fun kids clothing. The company uses organic cotton and other sustainable materials to make their clothes. Frugi is also a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning that they donate 1% of their sales to environmental nonprofits.

Frugi has a range of clothing for kids, from newborns to teenagers. They have clothes for both boys and girls. Some of their popular items include their puddle proof jackets, rain boots, and leggings. Frugi also has a nice selection of baby clothes, including onesies, sleepsuits, and rompers.

Overall, Frugi is a great option for sustainable kids clothing. The clothes are well-made, fun, and reasonably priced. The company is also doing their part to help the environment.

3. Mini Rodini

Mini Rodini is another kids’ clothing company based in Sweden that was founded in 2006 by Cassandra Rhodin. The company’s stated mission is to make sustainable and ethical fashion for kids, and they are a certified B Corporation. Mini Rodini offers a range of sustainable kids’ clothes, including outerwear, dresses, leggings, and swimwear. The company uses a variety of sustainable and ethical materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel.

Mini Rodini offers a range of sustainable accessories, such as hair clips, hats, and bags. Mini Rodini is a certified B Corporation, which means that they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

The company is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve working conditions in the clothing industry. Since its founding, Mini Rodini has had a positive impact on the kids’ clothing industry. The company was one of the first to offer sustainable and ethical kids’ clothes, and they have inspired other companies to do the same.

4. H&M Conscious Choice

H&M has a label called Conscious Choice, which carries sustainble eco-friendly and fair trade clothing for children. The store provides clothing made from sustainable materials and manufactured in a way that is environmentally friendly. H&M offers a wide range of clothing items for children, including shirts, pants, dresses, and outerwear and accessories, such as hats, gloves, and scarves.

The store is a great option for parents who are looking for sustainable kids clothing. On their website, a statement says they manufacture the Conscious Choice sustainable materials (the name for one of their lines) in a way that is environmentally friendly.

5. Patagonia for Kids

Patagonia is a store that sells sustainable kids clothing. The store offers a variety of clothing for kids, including shirts, pants, jackets, and more. The store also offers a variety of sustainable and eco-friendly products for kids, including toys, books, and more.

6. Sustainable Kids Footwear

Parents often have a hard time finding sustainable kids’ footwear that is also affordable and stylish. Fortunately, there are a few brands that are beginning to meet this demand. One such brand is Pediped, which offers a wide range of shoes from sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton.

Pediped uses eco-friendly packaging and offers free shipping on all orders over $50. Another great option for sustainable kids’ footwear is See Kai Run, that includes use of recycled materials like tires and PET plastic bottles. See Kai Run also plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold, making them not only environmentally friendly but also socially responsible.

sustainable kids clothing

As more and more parents become concerned about the environmental impact of their children’s footwear, it is clear that sustainable kids’ footwear is here to stay.

Sustainable Kids Coats

Today, sustainable kids’ coats are popular, and they continue to be made from durable materials. In addition to being sustainable, these coats are also stylish and trendy, making them a great choice for any child.

Sustainable Kids Backpacks

A sustainable kids backpack helps take some of the strain off of your child’s back and shoulders while also doing good for the environment. Sustainable backpacks are usually from recycled materials, which means that they require less energy and water to produce than traditional backpacks. They also often come with features that make them more durable and long-lasting, meaning that your child won’t have to replace their backpack as often.

Where To Get Sustainable Kids Clothing

Besides the stores we list above, there are different options for sustainable kids’ clothing. One option is to buy from companies that use sustainable materials, such as recycled fabrics or organic cotton.

Another option is to buy from companies that practice fair trade, which means that workers are paid fairly and working conditions are safe. You can also look for companies that give back to their communities, such as by donating to charity or planting trees. Or you can shop at secondhand stores, which sell used clothing that is still in good condition.

Can You Make Your Own?

Making sustainable clothing is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. Not only will you be using fewer resources, but you’ll also be creating clothing that is unique. Here are a few tips for you to start making your sustainable product:

  1. Choose natural fabrics
  2. Consider used clothing
  3. Shop local
  4. Avoid fast fashion

Costs Compared To Normal Clothing

sustainable kids clothing

Is sustainable fashion worth the extra cost? Well, we know sustainable clothing is often more expensive than conventional options, there are several factors to consider. For example, sustainable clothing is typically from higher-quality materials that have the design to last longer.

Sustainable brands often invest in fair labor practices and environmentally friendly production methods. As a result, sustainable clothing can provide superior value in terms of both quality and ethics. But is this worth it to you as a consumer? That’s really a personal choice.

Conclusion

Sustainable kids’ clothing companies are doing a great job in making sure that our future generations will have a planet to live on. All of these practices not only help to reduce the company’s environmental footprint but also help to create a more sustainable product that will last longer and be less likely to end up in a landfill. We all need to do our part to reduce our impact on the planet, and supporting sustainable kids’ clothing companies is one way we can make a difference.

Anne Lauer
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Anna Lauer is a writer, gardener, and homesteader living in rural Wisconsin. She has written for Mother Earth News, Grit, and Hobby Farms magazines. Anna is writing a new book about growing your food for free and an ultimate guide to producing food at little to no cost. When shes not writing or gardening, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters.