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7 Ethical Kids’ Clothing Brands You’ll Wish You Discovered Sooner

This article is more than 2 years old.

Convenience is an easy trap when it comes to kids’ clothes — why not snag fast fashion options while also buying staples at the local big box retailer? For some parents, however, the answer is a resounding no. Fast fashion is not sustainable and clothes that are well-made and can be passed down between siblings or friends have a lighter impact on the environment. Mix in ethical production practices and an increasing number of families are committed to buying more eco-friendly clothing for their children with a preference for organic and non-toxic fabrics. Nonetheless, the question persists — which companies are the best when it comes to sustainable clothes for kids? Here are some of the best brands for ethically-made children’s clothing in 2022.

Boden

Boden offers clothing for everyone in the family — but its kids’ clothes shine as truly unique and heirloom-worthy (or simply perfect for handing down to siblings, cousins, and friends). The children’s clothing lines celebrate the playful nature of childhood with bright designs and fun animal themes. The brand is committed to 100% of its cotton being sustainably-sourced by 2023 and uses ethical factory practices with a mission to help end modern slavery and human trafficking. Boden is committed to transparency in its production process and is diligent in monitoring the 150 factories around the world where its products are manufactured.

Mightly

Mightly sells a wide range of comfy kids’ clothes made from fair trade certified organic cotton. The prints range from solid to fun patterns, including tie dye and animal prints — which are always popular in kids’ fashion. Organic cotton is good for both kids and the planet because it’s chemical free. Mightly sources its cotton from the Chetna Organic Farmers Association in India, a nonprofit run by small farmers in an area that receives enough rain to help reduce the watering needs of cotton farming. To top it all off, the farming of its cotton is regenerative to the land.

Firebird

Scrolling through Firebird’s children’s clothing feels minimalist, modern, and sleek. The styles are largely gender neutral, simplifying the shopping process. The San Francisco-based company produces its clothing in small batches in the United States using GOTS-certified organic cotton. Consumers can also resell used Firebird clothing to the company to keep pieces alive for future wearers — helping to minimize the common waste problem of children’s fashion.

MORI

These are soft and stylish essentials for baby and toddlers, with a gentle touch from organic and sustainable materials. Since 2015, the UK-based brand has relied on organic fabrics to give your little ones the highest-quality apparel. All MORI pieces are crafted using sustainably sourced fabrics and manufactured in trusted factories. The process results in fabrics that are gentle on a child’s delicate skin. In line with its mission, MORI recently launched a playtime collection designed to encourage creativity while building foundations for cognitive development and emotional skills. 

Hanna Andersson

In many parenting circles, Hanna Andersson is well known for its durable organic cotton kids’ clothing that can be passed down easily between children. Hanna Andersson’s pajamas are particularly popular because they come in a wide variety of appealing prints and stand up to the test of many washes. The Swedish company has been around since 1983 with a strong hand-me-down philosophy. Hanna Andersson uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and fair trade production practices.

Pact

Pact also uses GOTs-certified organic cotton. The company has options for the whole family and features durable pieces that are simple and timeless. The kids’ prints are fun yet classic with many unisex options that could be shared well between siblings of any gender. Pact manufactures its clothing in Fair Trade factories.

Ten Little

Pieces from Ten Little are categorized as “healthy essentials for kids” because they are parent and doctor approved for safety. Launched in 2020 by product and eCommerce veterans (and moms), Fatma Collins and Julie Rogers, Ten Little is an online marketplace that guides parents to make healthy and confident choices for their children’s unique and constantly changing needs. The items are curated to take the heavy workload of having to shop and replenish items for fast-growing little ones, especially when it comes to shoe-shopping and finding the right fit. Its cool high-tops, a bestseller during the chilly months, is made from vegan leather, and natural rubber soles from the milk of the Hevea tree.

The company recently launched a new database, “Give a Little” which is a nationwide donation directory for kids goods that was created to help reduce the textile and toy industry's carbon footprint by making donating easier, aiding communities in need, and helping hardworking donation centers stay open.

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