Jane
Ethical clothing brands for kids are often overlooked when considering more conscientious shopping habits. For years, it was one of the last areas of fashion to embrace sustainable options. Given how quickly kids grow and how rough they can be on clothes, spending more than the minimum on children’s apparel may seem wasteful. However, investing in ethical and sustainable clothing proves to be more cost-effective and less wasteful in the long term.
Understanding Sustainable Kids’ Clothing
Sustainable children’s clothing focuses on ethical production and eco-friendly materials, contrasting with traditional kids’ clothes that often embody the principles of fast fashion. Fast fashion brands exploit workers, pollute rivers, and use chemical-laden fabrics and dyes—substances that can come into direct contact with a child’s sensitive skin and are more likely to end up in their mouth. That’s why natural, chemical-free fabrics are crucial for babies and young children.
While it’s true that kids grow fast and can be tough on their clothes, opting for cheap, poorly made items that only last a short time isn’t the best solution. Instead, consider investing in durable, high-quality, and eco-friendly children’s clothing that’s designed to last longer and offer peace of mind. Not sure where to begin? Luckily, we’ve curated a list of 14 ethical clothing brands for kids from around the globe.
14 Ethical Clothing Brands for Kids for Sustainable Shopping
1. Hanna Andersson
Hanna Andersson, recognized as the original pioneer in the realm of sustainable clothing for children, has been at the forefront of this important industry for over 35 years. With a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, they specialize in crafting soft yet durable apparel that allows kids to fully enjoy their daily activities—whether that involves dancing, playing, sleeping, or simply living life to the fullest. Their clothing is designed to be both functional and stylish, ensuring that children are comfortable while also expressing their unique personalities.
For a delightful family bonding experience, consider outfitting your entire family in a charming set of matching pajamas that feature a whimsical print everyone will adore. This fun idea not only adds an extra touch of cuteness but also creates lasting memories as you all relax and unwind together in coordinated styles. It’s a perfect way to make bedtime even more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
2. Pact
Pact specializes in providing affordable, organic clothing specifically designed for children and babies. Their collection features super fun cotton basics that are essential for constructing a hassle-free wardrobe suitable for three distinct seasons. These versatile pieces are designed with both comfort and style in mind, making them ideal for active little ones as they play and grow. Additionally, Pact offers a fit guarantee, which is especially useful for parents dealing with the unpredictability of sudden growth spurts that can happen in young children.
In addition to their commitment to quality, Pact offers Fair Trade children’s clothing that caters to babies up to 12 years old. This ensures that the materials used are sourced responsibly and ethically. Furthermore, Pact has a unique initiative that allows customers to return their used clothing to be donated to charity. This not only helps in extending the life of the garments but also supports efforts to keep clothes out of landfills, promoting environmental sustainability. By choosing Pact, you not only dress your children in stylish and comfortable attire but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
3. Tentree
If the charming Lorax-themed kids’ clothing line wasn’t enough to draw you in to shop from this eco-conscious children’s apparel brand, perhaps their impressive environmental commitment will do the trick! For every single purchase made at Tentree, an astonishing ten trees are planted! Their ambitious goal is to plant a remarkable 1 billion trees by the year 2030, and they are making significant strides toward achieving that target. You can support their mission while also treating your little ones to stylish outfits made from gorgeous recycled polyester or organic cotton. Why not make a purchase today and contribute to a greener planet while ensuring your kids look fabulous?
4. MINI MATE
The children’s collection from the sustainable clothing brand MATE is centered around simple yet comfortable basics that are perfect for everyday wear. You can easily mix and match their organic cotton t-shirts, joggers, and sweatshirts to create a trendy unisex style that your kids will love. Proudly owned and manufactured in the United States, MATE is dedicated to doing its utmost for both the planet and its people. Additionally, all orders are shipped using recycled materials, further reducing their environmental impact. While you’re at it, consider picking up some adult-sized sweats to enjoy matching outfits with your little ones!
5. Primary
When it comes to sustainable children’s clothing, it truly doesn’t get much more fun than what Primary has to offer! This brand is all about vibrant colors and gender-neutral clothing, encouraging everyone to embrace and wear all the colors of the rainbow! You can conveniently shop their extensive range of organic cotton clothing by color, and even coordinate matching sets for the entire family! Primary’s sustainability initiatives are focused on ethical manufacturing practices, utilizing sustainable materials, and ensuring that all shipping is done in compostable packaging, making them a fantastic choice for eco-conscious families.
6. Jackalo
Jackalo takes pride in creating organic, fair-trade children’s clothing that is designed to last twice as long as typical brands. Their clothing features simple cuts and excellent fits, complete with plenty of pockets and reinforced knees, making them the ultimate play clothes for your active little ones. As a bonus, Jackalo offers a unique ‘buy back’ program for your used clothes, allowing you to ‘trade up’ to new garments, which is an excellent way to promote sustainability and reduce waste!
7. Firebird Kids
Based in New York, Firebird specializes in crafting natural, ethical children’s clothing made from high-quality organic cotton. Their unisex clothing is proudly produced in the USA, helping to create local jobs that support the community. Firebird aims to become a zero-waste kids’ clothing brand by encouraging consumers to send back their used clothes for resale, and in return, you’ll receive a generous store credit that can be applied to your next purchase, making it easy to shop sustainably.
8. Beya Made
Are you frustrated with how quickly your little one seems to outgrow those adorable outfits you buy? Beya Made has come up with the perfect solution: adjustable clothing! Ethically crafted in Atlanta, GA, from sustainably sourced cotton, Beya Made’s rompers, dresses, tees, and pants are thoughtfully designed to grow alongside your child, allowing them to enjoy their favorite outfits for an extended period.
9. Boody
When it comes to ethical baby clothing, Boody has everything covered. Their delightful tops, leggings, and onesies are made from a natural and incredibly soft bamboo viscose fabric that is not only breathable but also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. As a bonus, Boody also offers a range of underwear and basics for moms, ensuring that the entire family can enjoy sustainable and comfortable clothing options.
10. Monica & Andy
Monica & Andy take the fabric that comes into contact with your baby’s delicate skin very seriously. Their ultra-soft, finely woven organic cotton is produced without the use of pesticides, bleach, or harmful dyes, ensuring a safe choice for your little ones. All their factories are fair trade certified, and they prioritize minimizing water usage during fabric production. With all these considerations, you can feel confident knowing that their baby and children’s clothing is a safe and responsible option for both your child and the planet.
11. Frugi
Frugi, a UK-based ethical children’s clothing company, is one of the original pioneers in the sustainable clothing industry. Founded in 2004, they offer a fun and colorful selection of children’s clothing, sleepwear, and accessories, along with a curated range for adults! Their primary fabric is organic cotton, but you will also discover a fantastic selection of outerwear and backpacks crafted from recycled plastic bottles, making them a versatile and eco-friendly choice for the whole family.
12. Oobi
Oobi is an Australian clothing brand (with worldwide shipping!) that provides ethically made, hand-printed clothing for girls aged newborn to twelve years old. Their organic cotton fabrics are printed using lead-free dyes and come in a variety of whimsical prints and bright, cheerful colors. They specialize in creating easy-to-wear, knee-length dresses that are so charming, that you might find yourself wishing they were available in adult sizes as well!
13. Pitupi
The gender-neutral designs and chemical-free, organic fabric of Pitupi’s clothing have made it a beloved choice among European moms, and now you can also join in on the secret! Their adorable sets, dresses, and pajamas are ethically made and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Pitupi is dedicated to supporting the Albanian women who craft their clothing by providing fair wages, community support systems, and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that their business practices are as ethical as their products.
14. Little Emperor
Little Emperor is an Australian company that creates playful animal print tees and dresses made from ethically sourced organic cotton. They utilize minimal, compostable packaging and partner with 1% for the Planet to support environmental nonprofits, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. The most delightful aspect is that the designer’s eight-year-old daughter is involved in the design process for each collection, making Little Emperor not only a brand for kids but also a source of inspiration for future entrepreneurs!
Embrace Sustainable Fashion for Kids
Locating ethically made clothing for children has become easier than ever before, and the array of options available to parents and caregivers continues to grow and diversify! In recent years, more and more brands have dedicated themselves to creating sustainable and responsible apparel for kids, making the process of finding such clothing not only manageable but also enjoyable.
If you still haven’t quite found exactly what you’re looking for, you might want to explore one of these online thrift shops. Shopping in these stores can provide pre-loved kids’ clothes with a second chance at life, allowing you to discover unique pieces while also promoting environmental consciousness. By choosing gently used items, you are contributing to a circular economy that values reuse and sustainability, giving you comfort in both your purchasing choices and the impact they have on the planet.
