If you are passionate about sustainable living but lost when it comes to sustainable kids clothing this post has got you covered!
Rather than list off a bunch of sustainable kids’ clothing brands, this post will teach you all about how to use what you have or source clothing that is budget-friendly and eco-friendly.
Let’s be honest, kids grow SO quickly.
Finding a way to clothe them in a cost-effective and earth-friendly manner is essential and I’ll share all the best ways to do so!
This post is all about the best tips for sustainable kids’ clothing.
The Best Tips For Sustainable Kids’ Clothing
1. Stop over buying kids clothes
Before buying anything new, I urge you to check what is already in your kid’s wardrobe.
You may be surprised that your kid’s wardrobe has a lot to work with already!
It can make things easier to have extra kids’ clothing because that can mean doing laundry less often. But you may realize that the overwhelm of clothing is not worth the less frequent laundry days.
Here are some questions to get you started as you begin to declutter:
- When was the last time they wore this?
- Am I holding onto this for sentimental reasons?
- Does this still fit them?
- Was this a gift that I don’t love but feel guilty giving away?
- Is anything stained, ripped, or faded past repair?
After you declutter, you may be surprised to see just how much your little one already has! The next step is ensuring you don’t over buy!
Here are some questions to ask yourself when buying kids clothing:
- Is this piece of clothing going to be hard to maintain (ex. White t-shirt for a 2-year-old. Maybe pass on that one)
- Is this within my budget?
- Does the climate I live in require this type of clothing or am I just getting it in case we vacation somewhere that would require this?
- Does my child already have enough t-shirts and will it be overwhelming to have to stuff this extra shirt in their already full dresser? Will this add more ease to the get-ready morning rush or more overwhelm?
- Will my kid enjoy this piece of clothing and feel comfortable in it or do I just like the way it looks?
When we overbuy, it uses lots of resources from the earth to produce clothing that we may not even use or need.
Do an audit on your kids’ clothing to see what they already have, that way you lessen the yearning to keep buying.
2. Hand me downs kids’ clothing from family and friends
We all know that kids clothing only really lasts our kids a short time in their lives. They really do grow so quickly, change their preferences, and can wear out clothing quickly as they play.
Because of this, why spend so much money on sustainable kids clothing brands when the most sustainable thing you can do is use clothing that has already been produced?
Host a clothing swap with your friends or be open to your friends if they offer hand-me-downs. There really is no shame in accepting help especially if it is good for your wallet and the planet!
3. Shop second hand
Again, the most sustainable thing we can do is use kids’ clothing that is already produced rather than go out and buy brand new items since those items use so many resources!
This is when second-hand clothing/vintage/thifting comes in handy.
Thrifting options for kids:
- Goodwill, Salvation Army etc.
- Locally owned thrift stores in your area
- Online thrifting Poshmark, Depop etc.
- Social media Instagram accounts focused on reselling, Facebook Marketplace etc.
Whether you want your kids to try things on in store or shop second-hand from the comfort of your home, there are tons of ways to find sustainable kids’ clothes for your family that is budget-friendly.
{RECOMMENDED POST: 12 Essential Thrifting Tips for Beginners}
4. Learn basic mending skills
So now you have a clutter free wardrobe for your kids with gently used clothing but something inevitably rips.
Rather than chucking it in the trash where it will end up in the landfill, or worse, the environment, take less than 20 minutes to mend it!
If you are not a crafty person, you can definitely drop off a bag of items to a seamstress. Basic sewing skills are easy to learn though and can be much more convenient.
I promise, your kid will barely notice so it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just learning how to sew on a patch can go a long way. Youtube or a crafty friend can teach you!
5. Invest in high-quality sustainable kids’ clothing brands
Lastly, of course, I did want to mention that some amazing sustainable kids clothing brands DO exist.
Look for brands that have these certifications as a starting place but do your research!
- Organic cotton
- Fairtrade
- Carbon neutral
- GOTS Certified
- Non-plastic packaging
Since these brands are using high quality fabrics, paying their workers an ethical wage, and being mindful of their factory’s emissions, the clothing will naturally be at a higher price point.
Where do you find sustainable kids’ clothing? Do you already so some of the tips on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about finding the best sustainable childrens’ clothes.
Other posts you may like:
How to Extend the Life of Your Clothes? Care For Your Clothes With These 9 Simple Tips
Your Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Sustainable Kids Party
Your Go To Guide For Eco Friendly Back to School Supplies and Tips For a Sustainable School Year
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