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Children experience a lot of changes during the first years of their lives. At the time they are physically growing, they are also cognitively developing and going through a very exhaustive learning process. Everything around them is new and exciting and it is a great time to have fun, but also to acquire diverse skills and good habits.
Fashion is probably not the first thing that will come to their minds if they are asked what their favorite thing is, but it is definitely a good time to teach them the importance of taking care of the planet and how their little actions will have a big impact on their own future.
By teaching sustainability to children, we can provide them with essential skills and a more sensible view of their surroundings. Children can be kind to nature and animals, and if they learn responsibility early in their lives, they will be able to make better choices for the benefit of the environment in the future.
The Role of Parents and Children in Sustainable Fashion
It is never too soon to include your kids in making decisions about the clothes and shoes they wear. While children are finding their own style by combining different prints and colors in their outfits, conscious parents can teach them how to take good care of their garments and appreciate them until they no longer fit. Parents can also show their kids that clothing can be passed on to their younger siblings or donated to a charity shop, and not only sent to the waste.
Children are not old enough to buy their own clothes, but parents are there to make decisions that not only benefit the little ones but also the environment. Being sustainable conscious while raising children can give parents the opportunity to involve them in different ecological practices including shopping for sustainable clothing.
Parents that prioritize eco-friendly actions are an excellent example to their children and encourage them to be more conscious about their choices, grow with strong values and build a greener future by choosing sustainable products that are gentle to the environment.
Our 10 Favorite Sustainable Kids Clothing Brands
There are many options of sustainable children’s clothing brands on the market that you can choose from. We have curated for you our 10 favorite brands that gather comfort, safety, and durability with the cutest and most stylish designs that you can’t resist. You will wish you were a kid again just to wear them!
1) Conscious Step
Conscious Step creates casual and comfortable socks for the entire family. But they are not only made to walk with style and comfort but also with purpose.
How is Conscious Step sustainable?
Conscious Step partners with over fifteen nonprofit organizations, looking to connect consumers with important causes to create a more sustainable and equitable world for all. Conscious Step’s socks are made from organic cotton sourced in India. Each pair of socks is non-gmo, pesticide-free and insecticide-free. Conscious Steps is a Fairtrade certified brand, which means that they ensure all their socks are produced sustainably, their workers are paid a living wage, and offer transparent and ethical working conditions, among other rigorous standards.
Why is Conscious Step ideal for sustainable kids’ clothes?
Conscious Step offers sustainable kid’s socks made from organic cotton that are not only easier on the planet but also easier on the skin of your little ones. You can introduce your children to supporting good causes like saving dogs and cats, protecting oceans and endangered animals, supporting space exploration, and giving books to other children. They are made to last for a while, so you only have to make sure the matching sock comes out of the washing machine.
2) Cotopaxi
Well known for their packs, Cotopaxi makes timeless, essential, and funky outdoor active wear. They create ethical children’s clothing and gear inspired by adventure and making a better world.
How is Cotopaxi sustainable?
This B Corp certified brand dedicates at least 1% of their revenue to nonprofits that help communities experiencing poverty and makes durable gear as ethically and sustainably as possible. Cotopaxi is a certified carbon neutral company, and they use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials in the production of their products. They also strive to work with factories that treat people right and promote fair trade and ethical labor practices.
Why is Cotopaxi ideal for kids?
If the family is ready for a mountain adventure, you have to bring Cotopaxi with you. This kids’ clothing company specializes in making travel packs and duffels in the right size for your kids. You will also find durable and colorful gear that children can take everywhere. Their clothes for children include jackets, windbreakers, hats, sweatpants, shorts, and tees with a retro vibe that will keep them comfortable, equipped, and ready for the hike.
3) GOEX Apparel
GOEX Apparel offers a wide selection of blank tees for men, women, and youth. Next time your business, club, or organization needs t-shirts, source them ethically with GOEX.
How is GOEX Apparel sustainable?
GOEX custom printed blanks are created from eco-friendly textiles like Eco-Triblend, 100% Cotton, Performance Polyester, Eco-Fleece, and Eco-Cotton blends. Their garments are also Fair Trade Federation certified and every year they evaluate their fabrics and components to ensure they are using sustainable materials. In both the US and in Haiti, they make sure their employees are fairly paid and receive benefits that guarantee a good quality life.
Why is GOEX Apparel ideal for kids?
GOEX is ideal if you are looking for a sustainable option for personalized T-shirts for a special occasion or simply to match the whole family with a cool outfit. The best part is that you do not have to worry about a bad quality garment. You can be sure that you will receive completely safe and comfortable GOEX tees. It is time to explore your kids’ creativity and let them express their personality through their own unique designs.
4) MATE the Label
MATE the Label creates essential everyday clothing to be worn all year-round, including organic kids’ clothing. They focus on sustainability, wellness, and style, making it a brand leading a cleaner lifestyle.
How is MATE the Label sustainable?
Mate the Label is currently Climate Neutral certified, and its clothing is made from sustainable, non-toxic, natural, and organic yarns and dyes. They have eliminated all the plastic in labels and packaging, and with their recycling program they take your old garments back and give them new life as another MATE product. They create safe, comfortable, and fair working environments, from their headquarters to everyone in their supply chain—farmers, garment workers, and recyclers.
Why is MATE the Label ideal for kids?
MATE the Label is your go-to if you want sustainable baby clothes. They create non-toxic and organic cotton clothing for babies that you can also match to your own outfit. MATE the Label makes sure that toxic substances are out of their supply chain, so you can have absolute peace of mind that your kids are safe and protected. The cute and cozy sets for your little ones are kind to their skin and super long lasting.
5) Nudie Jeans
Nudie Jeans is a sustainable clothing brand specializing in high quality and long-lasting jeans. They also create timeless and seasonless garments for casual wear.
How is Nudie Jeans sustainable?
Nudie Jeans are made with 100% organic cotton and other low impact fibers for non-denim products, like TENCEL™ Lyocell and recycled polyester. They collaborate with factories that provide a safe, fair, and ethical working environment for everyone involved in the manufacturing of their garments. Additionally, Nudie Jeans provides free repairs. You only have to hand your torn Nudie Jeans into their Repair Shop or Partner or request a Repair Kit in case there is not a repair spot near you.
Why is Nudie Jeans ideal for kids?
Every pair of Nudie Jeans is designed to grow with your kids. Nudie Jeans creates clothing made from comfort stretch denim and organic cotton and come with adjustable waistlines that will be a perfect fit today and for years to come. The design and high quality of the materials of Nudie Jeans provide comfort on your children’s active days and also a relaxed and vintage style.
6) Pangaia
Pangaia is a fashion company specializing in materials science, innovation and technology that results in the development of luxury lifestyle products. And ethical kid’s clothes have not been left out of it.
How is Pangaia sustainable?
Pangaia aims to inspire and expedite the transition to an Earth Positive Future by diversifying material options and introducing new and lower impact alternatives to the textile industry. The majority of their fabrics are made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, regenerative fabrics, and other innovative nature-based solutions. They have ensured that the working conditions in their factories go above industry standards. They also promote circularity with their program Pangaia Rewear, where you can sell and buy preowned Pangaia clothing on their website.
Why is Pangaia ideal for kids?
Pangaia offers a wide selection of eco-friendly kids’ clothing for a comfy and active look. Cute sets of sweatshirts and track pants, shorts, and T-shirts are the perfect option to wear on any occasion. The scientifically developed materials used to create these outfits assure you the best quality garments for your kids. Their soft, warm, and light-weight clothes will be their best partner wherever they go. The best part? They will be building their own sustainable future.
7) Patagonia
Patagonia is a pioneer of sustainability in fashion and one of the best sustainable options for ethically made children’s clothing. They offer a great selection of high-performance clothing and outdoor gear, with the highest concern for quality, people, and the planet.
How is Patagonia sustainable?
Patagonia has a solid background and long history of efforts addressing the climate crisis and holding themselves accountable for their impact in every part of their business. Patagonia’s clothing is mostly sourced with sustainable fabrics, and they are working towards reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. Patagonia also addresses subcontracting and engages manufacturing facilities to promote human rights and environmental sustainability.
Why is Patagonia ideal for kids?
Patagonia has a great variety of sustainable kid’s clothing. Warm, windproof, and water-resistant jackets, soft and lightweight fleeces, comfy and long-lasting hike pants, are just some of the options that you can find to dress your kids for a rainy day at the park or a family hike in the mountains. Patagonia is guaranteed comfort, performance and the best quality clothing for you and your active kids.
8) Tentree
Tentree is an eco-friendly clothing brand specialized in making outdoors apparel for the entire family while contributing to taking care of Planet Earth.
How is Tentree sustainable?
Tentree plants trees for every item purchased. More than 100M trees have been planted by now (2024). They only source eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell and recycled polyester, hence, they have been able to cut back on wastewater and emissions. They also make sure that the people who make the clothes are properly compensated with fair wages, ensuring proper rest days and access to equal employment opportunities for both men and women.
Why is Tentree ideal for kids?
Tentree has created a line of versatile and casual essentials designed to keep your little ones comfortable and stylish, whether they’re playing, exploring, or lounging at home. Their ethical and sustainable clothing is durable and crafted with high-quality materials and reinforced stitching, these garments are built to last.
Tentree has chosen eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and hemp to make your kid’s clothes. These materials are gentle on the environment and promote a greener future.
9) Scotch & Soda
Scotch & Soda specializes in a broad selection of clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids that honors the spirit of Amsterdam by creating unique designs and colorful prints.
How is Scotch & Soda sustainable?
This sustainable brand uses more than 50% more sustainable fabrics across their collections, sourcing with eco-friendly materials like Japanese selvedge, organic cotton, and raw denim. They also promote slow fashion and circularity with their clothing rental program called Scotch Select. In addition, they use sustainable packaging and share their carbon footprint and their efforts and goals to reduce it.
Why is Scotch & Soda ideal for kids?
Do not worry. There is nothing inappropriate for your kids in Scotch & Soda. What you are going to find is a broad selection of colorful designs that your children are going to wear day and night. Their trendy styles are perfect to burst joy and brightness into your kid’s everyday lives. Comfort, functionality and free movement come first for Scotch & Soda, and all their outfits will be perfect for your little ones’ next adventures.
10) Ecoalf
Ecoalf is a clothing brand with the goal of aligning the seasons. From shoes and accessories to coats and jackets, they make functional, timeless, and casual pieces with an emphasis on comfort.
How is Ecoalf sustainable?
Through its foundation, Because there is no Planet B and the project Upcycling the Oceans, Ecoalf collaborates in cleaning up the oceans and raising awareness of the problems in the fashion industry. They use recycled materials in the making of functional and high-quality clothing pieces, giving a second life to waste such as recycled nylon, polyester, wool, and cotton, while also reducing water consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, they seek partners who share the same values and meet their standards.
Why is Ecoalf ideal for kids?
It is never too early to find your sustainable style. In Ecoalf you will find comfortable and stylish items for your kids to wear at school and during their playing time. With the purchase of every t-shirt or sweatshirt with the slogan Because there is no Planet B, 10% is donated to Ecoalf Foundation to support the expansion of Upcycling the Oceans. With Ecoalf in their wardrobe, they will grow up contributing to building a more sustainable future.
Find More Ethical and Sustainable Fashion for Kids
Sustainable brands for baby and kids clothes are working hard to offer a wider selection of organic clothing made from sustainable materials for those parents concerned about leaving their children a better place to live. But sustainable clothing brands also need our help to expand and reach more people.
If you want to learn more about kids’ clothing brands making a difference in the fashion industry with their sustainable practices check out our full brand guide, where you can filter by “Kids” clothing. We promise you will find your new favorite sustainable kids’ clothing brand.
Debora is a Mexican writer and communicator specialized in social and political matters such as sustainability, social justice and education. She also likes to travel, try new foods and swap clothes!
