Are you looking for ethical and sustainable children’s clothing? We have curated a selection of eco-friendly and organic kids clothing brands that offer excellent quality at various price points. We also discuss how to shop sustainably when you’re on a budget!
Cover Image: Mini MATE
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands – and us!
What is sustainable fashion for kids?
To be considered ‘sustainable,’ a new garment should typically be eco-friendly, ethically made, durable, and accessible. While we could compile a lengthy list of criteria for sustainable clothing, these are the main characteristics we prioritize when making a purchase. At the end of this post here, you can find a simple checklist to help guide your choices. In this post, you’ll learn more about sustainable fashion and how you can engage with the movement. Additionally, remember that loving what you already own or buying secondhand are excellent ways to participate in sustainable fashion!
How to find sustainable clothes for children when on a budget.
As a mother, I avoid spending much on clothing since my kids grow quickly. We buy about 80% secondhand, but when I do buy new, I want to pay a fair price. These brands follow ethical practices and use eco-friendly materials, which is reflected in their price points. You won’t find your traditional $5 tee here. I’ve included t-shirt prices from various brands, many of which are on sale. If you find over $15 too pricey, consider signing up for their newsletters for sale alerts.
What types of eco-friendly fabrics should we choose for our kids?
Organic cotton is one of my favorite materials when shopping for my children. They enjoy being comfortable, and nothing wears and washes as well as cotton. We choose organic over conventional options for several reasons, which you can learn about in this post here. Naturally, any fiber made without toxic dyes should be safe and healthy for your kids! Other eco-friendly fabrics I love to look for include hemp, Tencel and linen.
Our favorite organic and sustainable clothing brands for kids:
1. Q for Quinn
Gender Neutral Ages 0-14
Socks, Underwear, Sleepwear
Q for Quinn makes clothes you can feel good about…safe, comfy, and made the right way! They use non-toxic materials and care about how everything is made, so you know it’s gentle on skin and better for the planet. Their stuff is GOTS certified, which means it meets high standards for organic textiles. Most of what they make is for babies and kids, but they’ve got basics for adults too, like socks and underwear. Everything is designed with comfort in mind, especially for little ones with sensitive skin.
2. Mini MATE
Gender Neutral Ages 0-7
T-Shirt Price: $28
Mate the Label is a women-owned brand that cares about the planet and making good clothes. They use organic fabrics and safe dyes, so their clothes are better for you and the environment. Now, they’ve got a new kids’ line called Mini MATE, so you can dress your little ones in the same cool, comfy styles you love. Mini MATE has lots of cute, playful options, all made with the same focus on comfort and eco-friendly materials. It’s a great pick for families who want to keep things stylish and green.
3. Known Supply
Gender Neutral Ages 0-18
T-Shirt: $26
Known Supply makes clothes with real heart and honesty. Every piece has a tag with the maker’s name and story, so you actually know who made your clothes, something you don’t see often. Their kids’ and family clothes use responsibly sourced materials like organic cotton, and they’re made in fair-trade factories where workers get fair pay and safe workplaces. The styles are simple, modern, and super comfy, perfect for everyday wear. Known Supply shows that being sustainable isn’t just about the fabric…it’s about respecting the people who make it all happen!
4. Dickies
Boys & Girls Ages 4-18
T-Shirt: $15
Dickies might not be the first brand you think of for sustainable kids’ clothes, but their stuff lasts forever. Their overalls, pants, and jackets are tough enough for all the play, mess, and hand-me-downs you can throw at them. That kind of durability is actually a big part of being sustainable. Instead of buying cheap clothes that wear out fast, Dickies gives you solid cotton pieces that keep their shape and can be used by more than one kid. Choosing long-lasting clothes means less waste and fewer trips to the store. Dickies is all about practical, timeless styles that really go the distance.
5. Mightly
Boys, Girls & Gender Neutral Ages 2-14
T-Shirt: $10+
Mightly offers a variety of cute and comfortable clothes for kids, like tees, leggings, dresses, hoodies, and pajamas. Every item is Fair Trade certified in India, so you can trust that fair labor and ethical sourcing are a priority. The clothes are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is better for the environment and safe for kids to wear. The collection features playful designs for all children, created by Santa Cruz artist and designer Lili Arnold.
6. Nui Organics
Boys, Girls & Gender Neutral Ages 0-12
T-Shirt Price: $44
Nui Organics makes great clothes for kids that are organic, comfy, and made to last. They use soft, breathable materials like GOTS-certified cotton and ZQ-certified merino wool, so you know your child’s skin is in good hands. Their main focus is keeping things comfortable and durable, with every piece made to handle whatever your child gets up to. The clothes work for any season, so it’s easy to layer them and keep your kids cozy no matter the weather.
7. Jackalo
Boys, Girls & Gender Neutral Ages 4-14
T-Shirt Price: $28+
Jackalo is a family business that really cares about the planet. They use organic and sustainable materials, and their factories save energy and recycle water to cut down on waste. Jackalo wants their clothes to last, so they encourage fixing things instead of throwing them out. They even have a spot for pre-loved items, so you can buy gently used clothes and give them another go. It’s all about making things last and keeping the planet healthy for the next generation.
8. Winter Water Factory
Boys, Girls & Gender Neutral Ages 2-10
T-Shirt Price: $32+
Winter Water Factory is a Brooklyn brand that makes fun, organic clothes for kids. Their pieces are covered in bold, hand-drawn prints, and it’s all made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, so it’s good for your child’s skin and the planet. Everything is made right here in the USA, so you get soft, sturdy clothes that hold up to active play. The bright, playful designs make it easy to dress your little ones in something that’s comfy, eco-friendly, and full of personality.
9. Little Co.
Girls & Boys Ages 0-12
T-Shirt Price: $9+
Little Co. by Lauren Conrad is a great choice if you want affordable, organic cotton clothes for your children. Lauren Conrad designed the line to be simple and comfortable, using soft, safe materials for kids. Most of the clothes are made from 100% organic cotton and are OEKO-TEX certified, so you know the fabrics are tested for harmful chemicals and gentle on sensitive skin.
The collection has all the basics: t-shirts, pajamas, leggings, and comfy sets in soft colors and fun prints. Everything is made to be easy to mix and match and comfy for kids to move around in, perfect for our busy kids! Plus, the prices are pretty reasonable, so more families can choose natural fabrics for their kids’ clothes.
10. Cleobella
Girls Ages 2-9
Dress Price: $44+
Cleobella makes girl clothes that are just as beautiful as they are meaningful. Lots of their pieces use organic cotton and safe dyes, so they’re soft, comfy, and good for the planet. They work with artisans around the world, paying fair wages and keeping traditional crafts alive. Each collection is made in small batches to cut down on waste, and they use eco-friendly packaging too. Cleobella’s clothes feel so unique—light, handcrafted, and great for families who want something special that also supports people and the planet.
Great Article! Thank you for the research you did for your readers! I will use your affiliate links if I buy anything!
Also, I recently bought a pair of Ten Little hightop shoes for my daughter and they are FANTASTIC! Tennis shoes is the one major thing I won’t go cheap on or buy second hand (at least not for her primary pair of school shoes) because of how important shoes are for growing kids. Previously I was spending up to 50.00 bucks for a pair of pumas or adidas and quite frankly- they were garbage. Falling apart before she outgrew em…never to last 6 months! I haven’t seen the life of the 10L’s yet but so far I’m very impressed! Especially with how flexible yet supportive they are. Been wearing them a month and look brand new! And- theyre ethical & affordable….and not full of busy patterns & sparkling crazy neon colors…. SOOOO OVER THAT JUNK FOR ALL KIDS CLOTHES! If these hold their quality, I will def consider buying second hand at some point; at the very least for outdoor playing and whatnot!
Ten Little shoes are my absolute favorite for my little guy, too!! So glad you love them, too. Thanks for letting us know!
What a fantastic article. It’s worth reading.Good post.
Hi I’m a teacher on the Sunshine Coast and we are looking at getting shirts made for one of our school clubs – Planeteers – (Proactive and Positive approach to helping our planet) is our focus. Wondering if anyone has any contacts that they would suggest? Looking for recyclable shirts for kids or sustainable. We also have a design already made we would like to use. Thanks everyone.
thanks for sharing such an information blog. it helped alot.