When you buy through our links, we may earn fees from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
Seeing my kids in cute threads puts a smile on my face though to be honest, I don’t really splurge on their clothing as it is impractical; my children will outgrow them in a few months. Renting children’s clothing, particularly for special occasions, is an increasingly popular alternative to buying them outright – and it’s an environmentally-friendly option too.
With the growing awareness of the environmental and social problems associated with fast fashion, avoiding unnecessary purchases is key to a low-impact life, however if you feel you really must buy new clothing for your kids, and don’t want to spend a fortune either, you can opt to shop second-hand kids clothing on sites such as thredUP.
There are also a growing number of budget-friendly, ethical kids’ clothing brands that value the health of your child and the planet’s if you don’t have the patience to browse second-hand platforms and liaise with resellers.
If you prefer to buy new, here’s a list of affordable eco-friendly clothing brands for children to check out:
FOR INFANTS
Bebenca Organics
If a company’s guiding principle is to leave the world better than you found it, then you know they care about nature and this is exactly the vision for children’s organic clothing brand Bebenca Organics. Committed to improving the lives of the people involved in their supply chain – from organic farmers to the manufacturers, the business also uses GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton to ensure that the fabrics used in its products are free from synthetic chemicals and are safe for children and doesn’t pollute the natural environment.
And what parent doesn’t want what’s best for their little ones? Choosing garments made from organic fibres and high-quality materials will give you peace of mind knowing that your baby is safe from harmful and carcinogenic chemicals.
Prices start from US$19.99. Shop the Bebenca Organic website here.
PACT
American organic apparel brand PACT manufactures a range of certified organic cotton and fairtrade underwear, basics and wardrobe staples for the entire family, including newborn babies and kids.
You’ll find a range of unisex garments such as shorts, tees, pyjamas, hoodies, shorts, dresses, bodysuits and sleepers – and they’re all affordably priced too!
“Parents don’t have any affordable options for high-quality organic basics,” said Brendan Synnott, Founder, PACT Apparel. “Our new Baby and Toddler collections offer parents classic styles of ethically sourced apparel that their kids are going to love.”
Prices start from US$8 for tees and bodysuits. Shop here.
Boody
For affordable organic bamboo clothing for your bubs, Boody offers an adorable collection of baby clothing basics and essentials such as onesies, tops, bodysuits, singlets, pants, muslin wraps, beanies, bibs and socks.
Designed in Australia, responsibly made in China, Boody Baby garments are super soft and have a stretch fit which is ideal for your baby’s growing body. (Note: Bamboo isn’t the most sustainable of all fabrics, and you can read about the pros and cons of this fibre here.)
Prices start from AUD$14.95. Shop Boody here.
FOR TODDLERS
Finn + Emma
From newborns to four-year-olds, Finn + Emma offer darling apparel for your precious little ones. All of their clothes are made under fair-trade conditions and are oh-so-cute that if you have grown children, you’d wish they were toddlers again just so you can style them in Finn + Emma outfits.
All garments are ethically made in India using sustainable materials such as 100% organic cotton, natural dyes and even baby toys are environmentally friendly, made from all natural wood.
Prices start from US$19 for tees and bodysuits. Shop Finn + Emma here.
Petit Tembo
Prefer to dress your children in super casual cool outfits with meaningful prints (“kindness rules”, “see with your heart” and “be brave”) that help to shape their worldview? You can’t go past Canadian brand Petit Tembo‘s unisex designs, with collections that feature pullovers and tees responsibly made using organic cotton.
Some of their delightful children’s tees also have elephant prints on them that have been hand-drawn by kids from Kisumu Hope Restoration. In fact, 20% of net profits are donated to charity: Kisumu Hope Restoration as well as one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Prices start from CAD$32. Shop here.
FOR OLDER KIDS
Art & Eden
Art & Eden encourages us to return to nature, to create a world where our children will thrive as well as strive to love the planet.
This NYC-based children’s clothing brand features fun designs that are sustainably-made using organic cotton, recycled materials and low impact dyes. They not only source materials that are safe for your kids and the planet for their collections, but their Clothes for Cure program have been able to help over 5,000 kids across Central America to be healthy and parasite-free.
Art & Eden caters to baby sizes right through to girls’ and boys’ size 10.
Sale prices start at US$13. Free domestic shipping for orders $40+. Shop here.
Mini Mioche
Canadian children’s apparel label Mini Mioche caters to babies right through to kids aged 12. The brand specialises in creating super soft and comfortable clothing (tees, raglan jumpers, sweats and joggers, beanies, sleepers, onesies, masks) made from certified organic cotton and bamboo that are GOTS-certified and imported directly India and Korea. The dyes used contain no formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals and all garments are locally manufactured and knitted in Toronto.
Mini Mioche ensembles are made to last and since the designs and styles are timeless and and gender-neutral, can be passed down to younger siblings for years to come.
Prices start from CAD$20. Shop Mini Mioche here.
Recommending reading:
- 5 Tips to Help Make Homeschooling Easier for Parents and More Fun for Kids
- A Quick Gift Guide to Eco-Friendly Toys to Give Your Kids
- 5 Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids About Climate Change and Protecting the Environment
- Wriggly Toes: Cute Ethical, Eco-Friendly and Organic Bedding To Lull Your Kids to Sleep
- 8 Eco-Friendly Tips For Raising Plastic-Free Pets
- Natural Hand Sanitisers: Are They Effective Against Coronavirus?
- Weleda Bee B&B Hotel Teaches School Kids About Biodiversity & Conservation
Cover image via Pact.
