Parents want the best for their children, including safe and comfortable clothing. However, it’s even better when those clothes are produced in a way that supports the planet and its people. In the world of sustainable kids’ clothing, there are a few brands that stand out.
Sustainable Jungle, an independent research organization, has identified the top performers in sustainable kids’ clothing. Through their rigorous testing and verification process, they have compiled a list of brands that not only provide safe and comfortable clothing for kids but also prioritize the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
Eco Kids Wear For A Pro-Planet Playtime
Parents who want to raise eco-conscious kids can start by choosing sustainable clothing options for their little ones. There are plenty of ethical and eco-friendly brands that offer clothes made from organic cotton, recycled materials, and other eco-friendly fabrics. Here are some of the top brands that offer sustainable kids’ clothing:
1. Patagonia
Patagonia is a well-known brand that offers sustainable outdoor clothing for the whole family, including babies and toddlers. Their ethical kids’ clothes are just as durable and outdoorsy as those for grownups. The range includes t-shirts, jackets, shorts, pants, swimwear, hats, and accessories for mini adventurers of all ages. For an easily packable extra layer, the Kids’ Micro D® Snap-T® Fleece Jacket is made from 100% rPET and sewn in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility.
Patagonia uses a range of sustainable fabrics for its eco-friendly kidswear range, including hemp, organic or Regenerative Organic Certified™ cotton, RDS-certified down, and recycled materials (cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, down, wool, cashmere, and TPU). 86% of Patagonia’s products are fair trade, supporting over 75,000 workers worldwide. The brand is a founding member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA). Their comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all levels of their supply chain, and each garment can be traced to its factory of origin using the Footprint Chronicles on each product page.
2. Bounce MKT
Bounce Mkt believes secondhand kids’ clothing is sustainable clothing because it keeps valuable (and often briefly used) materials from the landfill. They offer a huge range, from frilly dresses to durable wear worthy of climbing trees. Anyone can buy online, but you can only sell in-person via their store in Hoboken, NJ, where they also offer free local donation pickups and delivery.
All fabrics are high quality secondhand fabrics, and garments are regularly checked in accordance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls. All clothing is sorted, evaluated, and shipped from their New Jersey store. No appointment is necessary to drop off items, and they pay outright for your accepted items (no waiting until they sell). Any items Bounce doesn’t buy can either be returned to you or donated to a partner local non-profit or Helpsy—a Certified B Corp textile reuse and recycling organization—making it easy to ensure all clothing (even unsellable items) finds a responsible end-of-life.
3. tentree
Canadian sustainable kids’ clothing brand tentree is a top-rated Certified B Corp that helps the whole family dress sustainably. Their affordable ethical kids’ clothing includes super cute hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, and sweatpants—check out matching clothing for parents so you can be stylin’ with your kiddos.
Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL lyocell will sustainably swaddle your little tree planter. tentree is a Certified B Corp that works with manufacturing partners in several different countries, including China, India, Vietnam, Turkey. For more info, see their transparent factory ledger, where you can read a bedtime story of where each garment is manufactured, how that factory partner operates ethically, and what third-party certifications they hold (i.e., BSCI, SA8000, WRAP, and Fair Wear Foundation). tentree is Climate Neutral Certified and is part of The Responsible Packaging Movement.
4. Firebird Kids
US brand Firebird Kids creates sustainable, gender-neutral designs with a European flair, while reducing shipping emissions with entirely USA-based manufacturing.
5. Noble
Noble offers GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable clothing for babies and kids. Their clothes are made from organic fabrics and eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester, Tencel, and hemp.
6. Mightly
Mightly offers sustainable kids’ clothing made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly fabrics. Their clothes are gender-neutral and come in a range of sizes for babies and kids.
7. Pact
Pact offers GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable clothes for kids. Their clothes are made from eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo viscose, linen, and recycled plastic bottles.
8. Toby Tiger
Toby Tiger offers GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainable clothes for kids. Their clothes are bright, bold, and perfect for little ones who love to stand out.
9. Mäus
Mäus offers sustainable kids’ clothes made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly fabrics. Their clothes are gender-neutral and come in a range of sizes for babies and kids.
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How We Found The Best Ethical Kids’ Clothing Brands
When it comes to buying sustainable and ethical clothing for kids, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why the team behind the sustainable and ethical fashion guide has put together a list of the best sustainable clothing brands for kids. Here are the factors that were considered when compiling the list.
Materials
Sustainable fabrics are a must for eco-friendly kids’ clothes, and the best brands are incorporating them into their collections. These include organic fabrics like hemp and cotton, recycled materials such as polyester, denim, and cotton, and TENCEL lyocell fabric. It’s also important to note that the fabrics are processed with non-toxic and organic dyes. Brands that use organic materials are preferred, and certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Soil Association, and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) were taken into consideration.
Supply Chain and Labor Practices
The best sustainable clothing brands for kids prioritize fair trade practices, safe working conditions, fair wages, and other employee benefits. Brands that never use sweatshops or child labor were given priority, and manufacturing certifications like Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), B Corporation (B Corp), fair trade, Social Accountability International (SA8000), and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) were considered.
Carbon Commitments and Green Practices
Sustainable children’s clothing brands that prioritize eco-practices were given priority. These include avoiding single-use plastics in favor of recycled or eco-friendly materials, prioritizing local supply chains, upcycling or reselling old garments, using carbon offset programs, and working to reduce emissions overall.
Inclusivity
The best sustainable clothing brands for kids pay mind to inclusivity and diversity. Brands that are women or POC-owned or use a diverse cast of children to show off their new duds were given priority. Unisex outfits were also considered.
Community and Charitable Giving
The best sustainable clothing brands for kids display an impressive collection of charitable initiatives to support children, animals, and adults around the globe.
Final Thoughts On Eco-Friendly Kids Clothing Brands
It’s never too early to dress ethically, and sustainable baby clothes brands were also considered for the list. To make kids clothes sustainable and save money in the process, it’s recommended to check out online thrift stores for second-hand kids clothing before buying new. Donating, handing down, or trading in clothes once they no longer fit is also a great way to reduce waste. By sharing this article with friends and family members, you can help spread the word about the best sustainable kids’ clothing brands.
