Green Shoots: Sustainability and Children’s Fashion
The mantra for sustainability in adult fashion choices - buy classic and well-made pieces and wear them for a lifetime - does not work when it comes to children’s fashion. Ask any parent. Children grow out of their clothes as fast as you can purchase them, often before they’ve even had the chance to wear them. Hand-me-downs are great in theory, but when your little ones have strong opinions about what they will and won’t wear, what then? The answer is not charity shops, which are already heaving with textile waste… so, how do we make responsible and sustainable choices when it comes to children’s fashion?
Organic Textiles
When thinking about sustainability and children’s fashion, we often think about what happens to clothing once we’re finished with it - and this is obviously important. But it’s also important to go right back to the start, and look at how the materials you’re purchasing are grown. Certified organic fibres - cotton, bamboo, hemp - have a notably lower carbon footprint than industrially farmed fibres. They are produced using less fuel, water and energy, and they introduce less chemicals into the soil, water and surrounding ecosystems. Organic farming is also safer for workers on cotton plantations because they’re not exposed to harmful chemicals and it also produces a more durable fabric.
Wilson & Frenchy is a home-grown Aussie brand with an ethical approach to all aspects of their business. Their cut and sew range and 100% organic cotton sleepwear are made and certified by GOTS fair traders in India. In fact, their entire range is made from all-natural fabrics like bamboo, cotton and wool, renowned for their combination of quality and sustainability.
Huxbaby is another Kneehigh brand with sustainability woven into their DNA. Their website proudly notes that 75% of the Huxbaby collection is made with at least one sustainable element, e.g organic cotton. In addition, 50% of their range is gender neutral; they also produce items that are reversible, so you get two looks for one price; read on to find out why that’s a big deal in little clothing…
Hand Me Down (and down, and down…)
If you want to really reduce the environmental footprint of your children’s wardrobe, purchasing the bulk of their wardrobe with an eye to handing down clothes as they outgrow them is key. Hard-wearing, durable and timeless pieces in gender neutral colours are perfect to pass on to little siblings, cousins or friends. Steer clear of cheaply made, synthetic childrenswear emblazoned with the cartoon character du jour - we all know these won’t last the distance, and will be discarded as soon as the next Disney film or Netflix series comes out.
Instead, check out brands like Huxbaby and Milky for kid’s clothing which avoids the tired old pink and blue themes and will stand up to years of playground antics and machine washing. Practical and ever-stylish items - from rompers to denims - will see you through several children without needing to be replaced. A big saving for your budget and the planet at the same time!
Recycled and Upcycled Materials
It’s no secret that we are in love with the practical, cool designs of Crywolf, a children’s outdoor wear brand we’re proud to represent. But did you know that the majority of their garments are now made from recyclable materials? Their gorgeous rain jackets and overalls feature recycled polyester, while eco-puffers and reversible vests are made from an eco-friendly and vegan alternative to real down made from recycled bottles!
They’re little for such a short time - we get it. You want them to look adorable, to feel comfortable and to let their personalities shine through, as they develop their own sense of style. Combining this desire with the desire to reduce textile waste and pursue a more sustainable lifestyle becomes easier every year with a little bit of homework, and choosing to support smart, sustainable children’s fashion brands like those listed above.
