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With how quickly kids outgrow clothes, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle to make their fashion choices a little more eco-friendly. It’s easier to buy from fast fashion knowing that your kid might grow out of that shirt, pair of shorts, or jeans within a year, but as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest climate report showed, everyone could do a bit more. Ultimately, corporations need to make large-scale changes in order to help cut emissions and keep the planet from warming quickly, but when you’re shopping, you can reward companies that are trying to make a difference.
We did some digging and found some sustainable clothing options for kids and teens. There are companies out there creating high-quality organic clothing that’s built to last and be handed down to siblings or friends or donated. They may even be made out of recycled materials. The clothes are more classic and less trendy, so they’ll never go out of style. Many brands are also cognizant that most parents shop online, so they’ve made efforts to reduce packaging waste or use fully recyclable products. Others are working hard to clean or rebuild ecosystems while they work.
Below are our favorite companies that have eco-friendly (and adorable) clothes that your kids will love.
H&M
We know, we know. In many minds, the retailer is (understandably) synonymous with fast fashion, but hear us out. The retailer has taken steps to be more eco-friendly and has goals to have 100% recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030 and to become fully circular by 2040.
Teddy-fleece-lined Denim Jacket
We especially love this denim jacket. When SheKnows spoke to designer Eva Chen last fall about her now-sold-out collection with H&M, she told us the Canadian tuxedo (wearing denim on top and bottom) is totally in. And who are we to argue with the style icon?
Ribbed Jersey Top
H&M is also known for its affordable staple pieces. This ribbed T-shirt with lightly ruffled sleeves also comes in solid black, white, and light pink. And at $7 each, they’re a no-brainer for every little girl’s closet!
Hanna Andersson
When she founded Hanna Andersson in 1983, Swedish mother Gun Denhart had sustainability in mind. She intended to create high-quality clothes that would be loved and handed down, so she was anti-fast fashion before fast fashion became our way of life. Also, many Hanna Andersson clothing items are created with organic cotton, one of the most sustainable fabrics.
One of our favorite things about Hanna Andersson is their Pre-Loved Hanna-Me-Downs (see what they did there?) program where consumers can shop and sell pre-loved Hanna Andersson styles!
Soft Black HannaSoft™ Mommy & Me Set
Hanna Andersson also sells matching family pajamas (photo opp!) that come in their new, ultra-soft Tencel fabric that is certified to be safe from hundreds of harsh chemicals.
Double Knee Slim Sweatpants
Not to get super gender norm-y, but Hanna Andersson knows just how rough little boys can be when playing. That’s why they’ve reinforced the knees of these sweatpants that come in more than half a dozen fun colors. That way they’re sure to last longer!
Pact
This environmentally-friendly clothing company only makes clothes out of organic cotton. The packaging is post-consumer recycled paper and cardboard — which is 100 percent recyclable — and when you order, you can check the carbon footprint and find out options for offsetting the order yourself.
Everyday Strappy Scoop Bralette 3-Pack
For the t(w)eens in your life, we love that Pact offers sustainable bras, bralettes, and camisoles. Not sure how to shop for bras with your kid? We’ve got you *ahem* covered with helpful tips.
Featherweight Slub Hooded Pullover
This lightweight sweatshirt is perfect for your eco-conscious teen who insists on living in a hoodie. *Sigh*
Mon Coeur
Mon Coeur was created by Louise Ulukaya who, after the birth of her son in 2018, was inspired to “create better things in a better way for a long-lasting planet.” And thus began the Mon Coeur journey. The brand’s clothes are produced in Portugal with European-sourced, recycled, and upcycled fabrics.
Through the company’s “New Again Program,” used kids’ clothes are repurposed and upcycled, and 1 percent of sales goes toward the preservation and restoration of the environment via the nonprofit 1% For the Planet.
“Being part of a sustainable movement is not only about the material, but how the clothes are made and by whom they are made,” the Mon Coeur site says. “… We are dedicated to care for our workers and we only work with suppliers, manufacturing companies and countries where employees are treated with care, respect and professionalism – where there is a minimum wage, where no child is allowed to work or allowed nearby a factory.”
Recycled Cotton Giraffe Baby Pants
Look at the little baby giraffe on these little baby pants! The style of these oh-so-cute, gender-neutral bottoms is perfect year-round.
Recycled Cotton Binocular Kid T-shirt
For little adventurers, we love this binoculars graphic tee that can be paired with shorts in the summer or layered over a long-sleeve shirt on colder days.
Young Days
Young Days is a family-owned, sustainably-focused brand that partners with celebrities like TikTok star Abbie Herbert to create fun staple collections. We spoke to Herbert for the SheKnows Sustainability Issue and she says she loves brands like Young Days that are eco-friendly, affordable, and still allow people to show off their personal style and individuality.
“My husband and I, along with my kids, love using fashion as a form of creativity and self-expression, incorporating more sustainable brands, and shopping second-hand where we can,” she tells us.
Abbie Herbert x Wrigley Sweatshirt
Herbert’s exclusive collection with Young Days was inspired by her sporty young kids, Poppy and Jagger. We’re obsessed with this adorable, vintage-inspired sweatshirt that’s extra soft and cozy.
Biloxi Tee
Straight to the point! Your little treehugger can proudly flaunt their impact with this clever and colorful tee that’s made from 100 percent organic cotton. (As they should!)
Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees takes sustainability seriously — and has taken steps to make sure their factories, materials, and packaging are better for the planet. They use renewable energy, recycle the water supply, and have a third party audit their facilities to make sure they are meeting ethical standards of labor, health and safety, and more. They are committed to using GOTS-certified organic cotton and their packaging is so thoughtful that they’ve even considered the impact of their ink.
“[We print] using soy-based ink, which is easier to remove than petroleum-based inks, making the paper it is used on more easily recycled,” the company says.
Colorful Sea Turtles Footless Sleep & Play
When it comes to their clothing, Burt’s Bees is probably best known for their pajamas. This print is a cute and colorful reminder of why we shop sustainably in the first place: to save the sea turtles and save the planet.
Chambray Button Down Shirt & Raised Rib Pant Set
C’mon! How cute is this set that’s perfect for everything from baby’s first picture day, to family celebrations, to dinner at a local restaurant?! Your little guy will look so handsome.
Organic Ribbed Tunic & Legging Set
Can you tell we love a good set? And a good ruffle? What’s fun about this one is that you can also mix and match the pieces with other tops and bottoms for endless possibilities!
Parks Project
Parks Project is one of our favorite places to shop for eco-conscious teens. Since their founding in 2014, the company has given more than $2.6 million (and you can see that number climb on their site!) to the national parks. And a lot of that money comes from their super cute clothing.
Yellowstone Geysers Trail High Pile Fleece
This fleece, inspired by geysers at Yellowstone National Park, is probably one of the most recognizable pieces of Parks Project merch. So if you have a super trendy t(w)een, this is the way to go.
National Parks Fill In Tee
For families who frequent the national parks, this tee that has the full list of parks is a must. Each time you visit a new oasis, you can grab a marker and color in the accompanying circle.
Retro Hiker Fleece Jogger
I mean, does it get much cozier than these fleece joggers? And if you’re thinking, “Those look way too retro for my teen,” fear not! The look is trendy once again.
Native Shoes
Time to cover some teeny tiny toes! If you’re looking for eco-friendly footwear, we’re all about Native Shoes. Their Bloom collection is made from excess algae (!!!), which helps clean both the water and the air.
Kensington Treklite Child
These Kensington Treklite boots for kids have a neat and classic design. They’re water-resistant, easy to clean, and the stretchy side panel means they’ll fit your kids for longer. A major plus considering how fast their feet grow!
Jefferson Child
The Jefferson Child shoe has more than 5.6 thousand rave reviews — and for good reason. Shoppers say they’re easy to get on and off (even for kids to do themselves!) and that they also clean up well.
“We couldn’t make it through summer without this shoe!” one shopper said. “It’s all my son wears all summer. I can’t even figure out how a bright green rubber shoe goes with everything, but they do! Thank you for an amazing product – amazingly durable and easy to clean.”
“Can’t recommend them enough!” another said.
Jefferson Bloom Print Child
Love the Jefferson style but want to know your kid’s shoes are made from algae? Look no further! Native Shoes claims that one pair from the Bloom collection cleans 70 liters of water (more than 100 large coffees!).
Chase Big Kids
If those tootsies need even more room to breathe, Native Shoes has you covered with their line of sandals. The Chase sandals have adjustable straps and grippy treads, meaning they won’t slide off on the playground!
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