Kids’ clothes are notorious for having a high turnover rate—but that doesn’t mean little ones can’t have an eco-friendly wardrobe.
Sustainable kids’ clothing helps create a positive impact on the planet our children will inherit.
Choosing eco kidswear votes for ethical working conditions, transparent supply chains and clothes that won’t pollute the planet.
After all, it’s never too early to help them start their sustainability journey.
A Peek-A-Boo At Our Favorite Ethical Clothing For Kids
Crann Organic makes 100% non-toxic and hypoallergenic organic cotton clothing for kids.
Firebird Kids tackles the problem of outgrown clothes by creating durable, versatile styles that can be returned and sold secondhand.
Proving that sustainable kids’ clothing can be affordable, Toby Tiger makes quality daywear and pajamas that don’t break the bank.
Eco-friendly kids’ clothing isn’t just better for people and the planet. They’re healthier for your little ones too, thanks to brands using hypoallergenic fabrics like organic cotton that are free from pesticides, toxic dyes and chemical finishes.
So, wondering how to buy sustainable kids’ clothes?
Keep reading to discover our favorite sustainable kids’ clothing brands and jump to the bottom to learn about our methodology for choosing them.
Our Curated List Of Sustainable Kids’ Clothes
1. Crann Organic
Price Range | $28–$56 | Shop Crann Organic
Materials | Key sustainable fabrics include organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), alongside closed-loop TENCEL™ Lyocell derived from Eucalyptus trees and TENCEL™ Modal from sustainably grown beech wood. Fabrics are colored with low-impact dyes.
What We Love | Crann Organic creates sustainable, non-toxic and hypoallergenic clothing that’s suitable for sensitive skin. No scratchy itches, no itchy rashes and no plastic here.
Crann Organic’s Sustainable Kids’ Clothing
Crann Organic has little ones aged 2-12 covered with their cheerful range of brightly-colored hoodies, sweatpants, sweatshirts, dresses, leggings and underwear.
All their eco-friendly kidswear is gentle on sensitive skin, naturally soft, breathable and non-toxic for healthier bodies and comfortable outfits. We love their playful prints too.
Every kid deserves snuggly loungewear and the Organic Cotton Green Sweatshirt is a bestseller for a reason.
Gender-neutral and versatile, this piece of organic cotton clothing is designed to be worn comfortably in every season.
Having tested it out ourselves, we can say this clothing stands up to hours and hours of hard summer play, and we’re excited to see how it fares through a cold Canadian winter.
Crann Organic’s Sustainability
Carbon Goals & Achievements | While no carbon-specific goals, they do reduce impact in other ways. In addition to reducing all water and solvents in making their lyocell and modal, they use 100% recycled packaging.
Supply Chain | All clothing is ethically made in Indian factories implementing fair labor practices.
Pay It Forward | The brand is a member of 1% For The Planet which means they donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental organizations.
2. Firebird Kids
Price Range | $48–$108 | Shop Firebird Kids
Materials | Firebird uses GOTS-certified organic cotton sourced from Peru as the country has banned the use of GMO seeds.
What We Love | Firebird has closed the loop on their outgrown kids’ clothes with their Pass It On marketplace. Only available in the US, customers can send in their old Firebird clothes and get 110% brand credit for every item that sells.
Firebird Kids’ Sustainable Kidswear
One of the most sustainable kidswear brands, Firebird creates clothing that’s designed to endure whatever adventures your little ones get up to.
Once the clothing no longer fits, you’re encouraged to send them back, so they can continue being worn and adored.
Shop sweatshirts, sweaters, tops, bottoms and hoodies all crafted from 100% organic cotton with comfort in mind. Firebird caters for kids aged between 2-13.
Hailed as “a pair of jeans every kid will love” Firebird’s unisex Organic Denim Pants are made from super soft and durable Japanese cotton. They have a drawstring waist, treasure pockets and go with just about any outfit.
Firebird Kids‘ Sustainability
Carbon Goals & Achievements | The brand has been able to cut their carbon footprint by manufacturing garments in the USA, instead of shipping them from offshore locations. Everything is shipped in biodegradable and compostable mailers.
Supply Chain | Wondering where to buy ethical clothing for kids, US made? Firebird Kids mostly manufactures in small batches with women-owned factories in LA and NYC. Only certain sweaters are made outside the country in Italy.
3. Mightly
Price Range | $30–$40 | Shop Mightly
Materials | Mightly’s affordable ethical kid’s clothing is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton sourced from the Chetna Organic Farmers Association, a nonprofit which works with smallholders in India.
What We Love | For Mightly, sustainability starts with transparency—and we agree! They’re transparent about every part of their supply chain from the farmers to their factory. On top of the Fair Trade minimum, they pay a premium to the workers who then vote on how to spend the funds on projects that address local needs.
Mightly‘s Fair Trade Kids’ Clothing
Mightly has a mighty collection of fair trade ethical kids’ clothing for babies and up to early teens plus coordinated outfits for moms and kids. You can also find gender-neutral family pajama sets, so everyone can match.
Mightly’s range is designed with playtime in mind so bright colors, fun patterns and practical styles feature throughout.
Their Organic Cotton Reinforced Knee Leggings support your little girl’s active lifestyle with reinforcement at the knee and stretchy fabric for flexible movement. Get them as a two-pack with a selection of patterns to choose from.
Mightly‘s Sustainability
Supply Chain | They work with Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills in Kolkata India, the first factory in the world to get a Fair Trade certification.
Pay It Forward | For every piece of ethical fair trade kids’ clothing sold, Mightly pays an additional Fair Trade Premium directly back to the workers who make our clothes.
4. Patagonia
Price Range | $35–$279 | Shop Patagonia
Materials | The brand primarily uses sustainable materials like bluesign®-approved recycled nylon and recycled polyester and regenerative and/or organic cotton in their kids’ ethical clothing. You’ll also find things like recycled down.
What We Love | Planet Earth is a majority shareholder in Patagonia. The company prioritizes purpose over profit and fights to protect the planet through activism, their Worn Wear Recycling Program and long-lasting clothes.
Patagonia’s Ethical & Sustainable Kids’ Clothing
Purveyors of sustainably-made outdoor gear, Patagonia caters for even the smallest nature lovers.
Their sustainable clothing for kids includes baby snow one-pieces and jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, pants, joggers and more, for kids aged 5–18.
For cold weather adventures, Patagonia’s Kids’ Down Sweater will keep them warm and snuggled no matter what.
The jacket has 100% post-consumer recycled materials throughout, including a nylon ripstop shell made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution and recycled duck down insulation.
If it’s anything like the adult version that we personally own, it’s a versatile and durable winter staple for snowball fights, sledding adventures, and recess.
Patagonia‘s Sustainability
Carbon Goals & Achievements | Going carbon-neutral is not enough for Patagonia. The brand has worked out that 97% of their emissions come from their supply chain, and they’re working on becoming carbon positive.
Supply Chain | The brand has implemented a Supply Chain Environmental Responsibility Program to monitor safe and ethical labor practices across their factory partners—all which are transparently viewable via the Footprint Chronicles on every product page. Many partners are Fair Trade Certified.
Pay It Forward | Co-founders of 1% for the Planet, Patagonia does everything with the planet in mind, including investing all profits either back into their own sustainable practices or directly in climate-conscious organizations.
5. Toby Tiger
Price Range | £8–£44 | Shop Toby Tiger
Materials | All Toby Tiger’s ethical kid’s clothes are 100% certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and contain AZO-free dyes.
What We Love | Toby Tiger makes ethical affordable kids’ clothing without cutting corners. We love how they offer a responsible means of disposal by partnering with SuperLooper to rent out gently-used returned clothes.
Toby Tiger’s Ethical Affordable Kids’ Clothing
When it comes to sustainable kid’s clothing, UK based Toby Tiger is the place to go for something affordable that reflects your child’s playful personality.
Find long-sleeved tops, yoga pants, dresses, dungarees and reversible jackets all with bright rainbow colors and prints. It’s common to see prints and patterns on different pieces, so you can kit your kid out in the entire collection.
Sustainable bedtimes are covered with Toby Tiger’s range of organic pajama sets. They come with a waistband and cuffs on the arm and leg for maximum comfort in the land of nod.
Sizes cover from 12–18 months up to 5–6 years and prints include penguins, floral, arctic, horse, Christmas and more.
Toby Tiger‘s Sustainability
Supply Chain | The brand is Fair Trade certified and their ethically made children’s clothing is sourced from a family-run factory in India that pays workers a fair living wage.
6. Bounce Mkt
Price Range | $3–$90 | Shop Bounce Mkt
Materials | Bounce Mkt offers second hand sustainable clothes for kids from a range of brands, so both regular and eco-friendly materials vary greatly. All clothing is professionally laundered to maintain hygiene and assessed to meet strict quality control safety standards.
What We Love | Who says you need to buy new kids’ clothes? Bounce Mkt is a marketplace on a mission to keep used kids’ clothes out of landfills. Absolutely nothing goes in the trash. They work with local non-profits to reduce, reuse or upcycle any item that can’t be sold.
Bounce Mkt‘s Sustainable, Secondhand Kids’ Clothing
The place to go for sustainable vintage kids’ clothing, Bounce Mkt keeps gently used second hand garments in circulation once kids have outgrown them.
The marketplace features shoes, dresses, jeans, pants, overalls, jackets and one-pieces for babies, toddlers and older children.
Shop well-known brands like Zara and Nike here and find bargain designer wear—all in excellent condition.
When it’s time to scrub up smart, Bounce Mkt has a selection of second hand designer shirts for boys at affordable prices, so you don’t have to break the bank on clothes that will only be worn a handful of times.
Opt for white button-downs from the likes of Gymboree or plaid with Ralph Lauren.
Bounce Mkt’s Sustainability
Carbon Goals & Achievements | They only ship within the United States to keep clothes local and reduce their carbon footprint.
Pay It Forward | They donate pre-loved kids’ clothes to non-profits such as the Certified B Corp HELPSY, Round2Resources, and In Jesus’ Name Charities to help local families in need.
7. Pigeon Organics
Price Range | £9–£69 | Shop Pigeon Organics
Materials | They use 100% Soil Association-certified organic cotton throughout almost all of their eco-friendly kids’ clothing.
What We Love | Pigeon Organics want to make a positive impact in the world our children will inherit. In addition to designing durable and sustainable clothing kids can play hard in, they’re transparent about who makes them.
Pigeon Organics‘ Eco Kidswear
Pigeon Organics drops seasonal collections in earthy tones for children aged 0–8 years. They also have a basics range for babies with rompers and hoodies.
Their kids’ sustainable clothing range covers everything from jackets and snuggle suits to leggings, t-shirts, dresses, pants and pajamas.
For versatile knitwear, their solid colors of Chunky Rib Jumpers keep chills at bay and can easily be thrown over an outfit. They’re made from 100% cotton and are soft on skin.
Pigeon Organics’ Sustainability
Carbon Goals & Achievements | All electricity comes from renewable sources.
Supply Chain | In accordance with the Soil Association certification, they work with factories that meet the minimum social criteria of the International Labour Organization (ILO) which includes fair wages and ethical working conditions.
Pay It Forward | They send some of our spare stock to refuge centers supporting vulnerable women and their children in Oxfordshire, UK (their home county). They also donate to Everyday Refugees and the Baby Bank Network.
8. Piccalilly
Price Range | £10–£35 | Shop Piccalilly
Materials | They only use GOTS-certified organic cotton sourced from Chetna Organic smallholder farms in India.
What We Love | One of the best sustainable clothing brands for kids in the UK, Piccalilly is all about fairly-made, healthy and non-toxic organic kids’ clothing where nothing is wasted. All leftover virgin fabric is used to create upcycled ranges.
Piccalilly‘s Eco-Friendly Kids’ Clothes
Piccalilly has ethical kids’ clothes for children aged 2-10. Many of their rainbow-bold colors and prints can also be found in the brand’s adult collection so big kids can join in the fun.
There’s also a dedicated organic baby clothes range for newborns to toddlers aged 3.
If you’re looking for a sustainable kids’ jacket that’s cozy without inhibiting freedom of movement, check out Piccalilly’s Kids Ponchos.
These bestsellers are made from two layers of organic cotton with soft organic jersey on the outside and fluffy sherpa fleece on the inside. They’re easy to put on and take off, too, something parents of feisty and fidgety children will appreciate.
Piccalilly‘s Sustainability
Supply Chain | Their supply chain is 100% traceable from farm to factory. All clothing is manufactured to the highest ethical standards in fully audited child labor-free factories.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | All garment makers receive extra benefits including free lunches, healthcare and funding towards their education.
How Did We Choose The Best Ethical Kids’ Clothing Brands?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sustainable fashion, but we still want to make sure that these eco-friendly kids’ clothes brands don’t make claims that come out in the wash.
For eco-friendly kids’ clothing, health and safety are paramount alongside social and environmental responsibilities.
So, how do we know which brands walk the walkies as well as talk the talkies?
We’ve created a list of criteria to help us take a holistic view of their company practices and how they make kids’ clothes sustainable.
Certifications:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), 1% For The Planet, Fair Trade, Soil Association, B Corporation (B Corp), bluesign®, International Labour Organization (ILO)
Fabrics & Materials:
Certified organic materials like cotton are ideal as they don’t contain harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. We also like to see the use of certified non-toxic and natural dyes as they’re healthier for the child’s skin and the planet.
Most kids’ clothing that’s designed to be stain or water-resistant contain chemical finishes such as PFAS. They’re nicknamed “forever chemicals” because it takes them a long time to break down and end up polluting the environment as a result.
PFAS are also endocrine disruptors, and they’ve been found to affect the immune system and the body’s physical development.
Carbon Goals & Achievements:
As a whole, the fashion industry is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse emissions. We want to see clothing brands stepping up and implementing ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
This can be adopting renewable energy, limiting or offsetting the environmental impact of shipping or helping their suppliers adopt eco-friendly practices.
Supply Chain:
The fast fashion industry is notorious for its exploitative treatment of garment workers. We want to see responsible fashion brands be transparent about their supply chain.
At the very least, ethical kidswear brands should be able to guarantee that their workers are paid a fair wage, they’re treated with respect, and they operate in a safe working environment.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Sustainable fashion shouldn’t just be reserved for the few. We’re keen to see brands accommodate inclusive sizing, gender-neutral options (because let’s stop teaching kids gender stereotypes!), and affordable options with the same dedication to quality.
Pay It Forward:
It’s not essential for sustainable children’s clothing brands to donate to charity as we know it can be costly. However, sustainable clothes that help families and children in need wear so much better.
Closing Thoughts On Sustainable Kids’ Clothing Brands
Kids’ clothes are the ultimate fast fashion item as they have such a high turnover rate.
On average, kids grow at a steady rate of about 2.5 inches each year. As a result, more than 3.15 billion articles of children’s clothing are thrown away annually.
The problem is many kids’ clothing brands make low-cost garments out of synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester which can take up to 200 years to decompose. In comparison, cotton can take up to five months to biodegrade.
Synthetic fabrics can irritate children’s delicate skin, causing rashes and eczema flare-ups. Clothes can also contain toxic dyes and chemical finishes that could lead to long-term health problems.
Choosing sustainable children’s clothing made from natural organic fabrics is not only better for the planet, but healthier for your child, too.
Just remember, the best way to make kids’ clothes sustainable is to keep them in circulation. So when your kiddo grows out of that darling dress in a couple of months, be sure to recycle or pass it on to someone else in need.
Speaking of passing on, please do the same with this article to fellow parents looking to outfit their littles in a lower impact way.
