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Cotton is one of the most controversial crops in the world, yet it’s also one of the most widely available fabrics for children’s apparel. This leaves us wondering about (and wanting) to source organic cotton for our children’s clothes when affordable and available.
Free of harsh chemicals, waxes, and formaldehyde, organic cotton is softer and gentler on sensitive skin—which is ideal for toddlers and children. It requires fewer resources to produce and decomposes naturally in less time than its conventional counterparts.
Here are a few of our favorite children’s apparel brands boasting clean and organic cotton for the littlest members of your family. And we’ve also got you covered for baby clothes and baby care products, as well as organic clothing for adults.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Circular
1. Colored Organics
Fair trade
GOTS certified
Woman owned
Best For | Organic cotton essentials
Size Range | 0M–6Y
Price | $12–$54
We love Colored Organics for its affordable, classic apparel. The tees, sweaters, and leggings come in earthy and neutral colors, and are made from 100 percent organic cotton. They’re colored with water-based dyes, too, so no chemical dyes will irritate sensitive skin. Every purchase from the collection helps a child in need, so if you’re looking for a brand that gives back, you’ve found it.
2. Hanna Andersson
GOTS certified
OEKO-TEX® certified
Recycled materials
Best For | Brightly colored patterns
Size Range | NB-14Y
Price | $14–$120
Hanna Andersson is a favorite for any famliy that loves bold designs in premium, organic fabrics that are made to last. We especially love the way they incorporate kids’ favorite characters into prints and patterns that are actually cute. From swimwear to matching family pajamas, the Swedish company has been committed to sustainable and fair trade practices for the last forty years, and continue to raise the bar on their own standards (the brand is currently piloting regenerative farming practices with their suppliers, and every year they increase the percentage of recycled materials into their clothing). They also have a pre-loved shop where you can enjoy––how cute is this?–– Hanna-Me-Downs at a discounted price!
3. Mightly
Fair trade
GOTS certified
Best For | Colorful graphic tees
Size Range | 2T–14Y
Price | $28–$56
Mightly is a Fair Trade Certified brand making kids’ active wear from GOTS certified organic cotton. Their bright, playful tops and bottoms are as durable as they are fun, with designs from independent artists in addition to their classic patterns and colorful solids. The women-owned company was created by moms with experience in the apparel industry who wanted to make comfortable, organic clothes that could withstand a full day of play with active kids. That sounds like a winner to us!
4. Burt’s Bees Baby
Budget friendly
GOTS certified
Recycled materials
Best For | Matching pajamas
Size Range | NB–14Y
Price | $15–$30
Readily available online and through third-party retailers, Burt’s Bees Baby’s toddler and kids collection is full of boldly printed pajamas that are made from 100 percent GOTS Certified organic cotton. Don’t be fooled by the name: sizes range from newborn to 14, and they even offer select collections for the whole family! The pieces are soft, durable, and breathable, so you can rest assured—literally—that your child is getting a good night’s rest and that their apparel will last, well, until they grow out of it.
5. MATE the Label
American made
B corp
Climate neutral
Plastic/Pfas free
Woman owned
Best For | Sweats
Size Range | 12M-7Y
Price | $32-$58
We love MATE the Label for our own organic cotton sweats, so when we learned about their kid’s label, Mini MATE, we were IN! This LA-based brand creates stylish and sustainable loungewear using GOTS certified organic cotton and Tencel, and finishes off the looks with nontoxic, low-impact dyes in soothing hues. We can’t wait to outfit all the little ones in our lives in these cool, ethically made mini sweats!
6. Rylee + Cru
Fair trade
Family owned
Natural materials
Recycled materials
Small business
Best For | Basics in neutral palettes
Size Range | NB–12Y
Price |$16–$82
Rylee + Cru makes beautiful, timeless children’s clothes in soothing colors and nostalgic prints. Founded by an illustrator, it’s no wonder that the flora and fauna prints are especially sophisticated! Designed in the US and produced in a WRAP certified BCI or BSCI certified factories, the brand also adheres to strict guidelines for their fabrics, including that they are made of natural fibers and dyes, and completely free of antimicrobial chemicals, formaldehyde, pesticides, phthalates, PFCs, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and VOCs.The brand ships in recyclable packaging and gives back with every purchase.
7. Kate Quinn
Budget friendly
Natural materials
Woman owned
Best For | Bundles & sets
Size Range | NB–14Y
Price | $11–$46
Kate Quinn‘s collections for babies and kids are meant to make luxurious, soft, sustainable, and beautiful clothing at pricepoints that won’t break the bank. Since discontinuing their wholesale practices and focusing entirely on their online storefront, the brand has been able to cut down markups and sell their supremely soft, functional kids clothing at affordable prices. Choose from organic cotton, bamboo, or lenzing modal (a bio-based fabric made from beech tree cellulose) in unique prints like Early Fall Nautical or Alice Garden Party.
8. Boden
Budget friendly
Fair trade
Natural materials
Recycled materials
Best For | Colorful daily wear
Size Range | 12M–14Y
Price |$14–$84
TGT fave Boden makes our lists for adult apparel time and time again, so we aren’t snoozing on their kid’s collections! With the same bold, colorful designs we love so much in their women’s dresses and swimsuits, their children’s tops, bottoms, outerwear, dresses, swimsuits, jammies, and accessories are just plain fun! The brand is always pushing their own sustainability goals, and recently became carbon neutral two full years before their target. Love that!
9. L’ovedbaby
Fair trade
GOTS certified
Small business
Woman owned
Best For | Seasonal & themed collections
Size Range | 0M–10Y
Price |$9–$64
When a timeless, comfy wardrobe is in order, we’re looking to L’ovedbaby. We love this cozy collection of footies, rompers, bodysuits, and more. The pieces sport simple patterns and calming colors and are crafted without heavy metals, azo dyes, GMOs, and PVC plastics. Whether you opt for its terry cloth, muslin, or knit pointelle fabrics, they’re all ethically made in India from 100 percent organic cotton.
10. Jackalo
1% for the planet
Fair trade
Family owned
Best For | Durable organic kids clothes
Size Range | 3Y–14Y
Price |$29–$130
If your kids are hard on their clothes or seem to grow out of new outfits before they even get a chance to wear them, may we introduce you to Jackalo! The organic clothing company creates well-made, versatile basics designed specifically for kids who take their play seriously. With reinforced knees on their best-selling pants, you won’t have to worry about those instant-holes that come with the first wear! In fact, if any Jackalo pants rip within six months of purchase, the brand will repair them free of charge. Combined with their ethical practices, eco-friendly production, and sustainable materials, we’re keeping this shop on our radar.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in sustainable and organic clothing, I have extensively researched and studied the topic of eco-friendly apparel, including fabrics, certifications, and brands. I have a deep understanding of the benefits of organic cotton and its impact on the environment and human health. In this article, "The Good Trade" editors discuss children's apparel brands that use clean and organic cotton. I will provide information on all the concepts mentioned in the article, including organic cotton, certifications like GOTS and Fair Trade, recycled materials, and sustainable practices.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a type of cotton that is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is cultivated using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic cotton farming promotes biodiversity, healthy soil, and water conservation.
Organic cotton is beneficial for children's apparel because it is softer and gentler on sensitive skin compared to conventional cotton. It is free of harsh chemicals, waxes, and formaldehyde, making it ideal for toddlers and children.
Certifications
Certifications play a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of organic cotton and other eco-friendly practices. The following certifications are mentioned in the article:
1. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): GOTS is a leading certification for organic textiles, including cotton. It ensures that the entire production process, from harvesting to manufacturing, meets strict environmental and social criteria. GOTS certification guarantees that the cotton is genuinely organic and that ethical practices are followed throughout the supply chain.
2. Fair Trade: Fair Trade certification ensures that producers and workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. It promotes social and economic equality, especially in developing countries.
3. OEKO-TEX®: OEKO-TEX® is a worldwide certification system that tests textiles for harmful substances. It ensures that the products are free from substances that may be harmful to human health.
4. B Corp: B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corp-certified brands prioritize people and the planet alongside profit.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are used in children's apparel to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. These materials are made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste, such as plastic bottles or textile scraps. Using recycled materials helps conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact of clothing production.
Sustainable and Ethical Practices
Sustainable and ethical practices are vital for responsible children's apparel brands. These practices include fair trade, regenerative farming, using natural materials, reducing carbon footprint, and giving back to the community. Brands that prioritize sustainability aim to minimize their impact on the environment and create positive social change.
Now that we have covered the key concepts mentioned in the article, let's dive into the specific brands recommended by "The Good Trade" editors and explore their unique features and offerings.
