Amid growing concerns about the textile industry’s environmental impact, there is pressure to find greener and safer clothes for your children, from raincoats to sweatpants. Unfortunately, fashion greenwashing makes it harder for you and all other consumers to figure out which clothing brands offer the most eco-friendly garments. So, we had to ask: Which are the most sustainable children’s clothing brands? 

The most sustainable children’s clothing brands are Jackalo, Infantium Victoria, and Mini Rodini, which prioritize organic fabrics and adhere to ethical manufacturing practices. In addition, Mightly and Pop My Way minimize textile waste and reduce their environmental impacts. 

Whether you are searching for garments for children to wear inside or outside your home without negatively impacting the soil, the water, the animals, and other people, there is a brand for you. So, let’s keep reading to learn more about the most sustainable children’s clothing brands and how they ensure sustainable, ethical practices. 

Here’s How We Selected the Most Sustainable Children’s Clothing Brands

The fast fashion industry has pushed for a lot of childrenswear to be trend-dependent and easily replaceable, leading to the huge adverse environmental impacts of making and landfilling garments, especially when those garments are made with certain high-impact materials such as virgin polyester, animal-derived leather, or conventional cotton. 

“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”

Oxford Dictionary

The brands on this list were chosen based on their commitment and actions to promote sustainable practices while reducing the environmental impacts of the textile industry. 

They are transparent about their materials, processes, and workforce management within their supply chain. 

Some brands focus their efforts on reducing waste and optimizing natural resources, while others strive to reduce the carbon footprint of their clothes. 

All of these brands share the commitment to reshape the textile industry toward a more sustainable and Earth-friendly sector. 

These Are the 13 Most Sustainable Children’s Clothing Brands

Most Sustainable Children’s Clothing Brands

Jackalo | Visit online shop

Infantium Victoria | Visit online shop

Mini Rodini | Visit online shop

Mightly | Visit online shop

Pop My Way | Visit online shop

Orbasics | Visit online shop

Little Green Radicals | Visit online shop

loud + proud | Visit online shop

Kids Worldwide | Visit online shop 

Little Man Happy | Visit online shop 

KIVAT | Visit online shop

Vild House of Little | Visit online shop

Nui Organic | Visit online shop

Overall, these children’s clothing brands are sustainable. Yet, they take various approaches to reduce environmental impacts and uphold ethical standards. Let’s dive into each brand and find out more. 

Jackalo: Organic and Ethical Play Clothes for Kids 

Jackalo was founded in Washington in 2018 by mother, maker, and long-time environmentalist Marianna Sachse to make clothes strong enough for active kids that are also gentle on the environment. Today, Jackalo is a recognized sustainable children’s clothing brand offering play clothes of “old-fashioned quality.” 

“We focus on durable design and on materials that strike the balance between being strong and comfortable. We think about families and what they need. We support families in need.”

Jackalo

Jackalo promotes sustainability by minimizing their ecological footprint and preserving the planet’s natural resources. They achieve that by sourcing low-impact textile and packaging materials, minimizing textile waste, and reducing climate impact. Firstly, Jackalo’s garments are made with a high proportion of eco-friendly fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton and deadstock fabrics. Furthermore, the brand opts for responsible packaging using recycled plastic poly bags, biodegradable cardboard boxes, recycled tissue paper, paper tape, and compostable mailer bags. Secondly, the brand reduces textile waste by recycling all the scrap fabric generated during production, helping customers learn to care for and repair their clothing with a mending guide and other resources, and having a buy-back program for outgrown Jackolo clothes. Lastly, they reduce their climate impact by prioritizing energy-efficient factories and offsetting the carbon produced from farm to consumer’s door. They also partner with SimpliZero to ensure their carbon neutrality investments have as much impact as possible. 

Jackalo’s Code of Conduct covers four of the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. They are also transparent about their manufacturing partners. On top of that, their primary production partner in India is both Fairtrade– and GOTS-certified, ensuring that the workers are paid a living wage and work in safe and healthy conditions. 

Jackalo is a member of 1% for the Planet, committing to donate 1% of annual sales to support environmental organizations focused on the environment. 

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: tops, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, accessories 
• Price range: $$
• Size range: 4–14 years old 

Infantium Victoria: Stylish Childrenswear With a Clear Conscience

Infantium Victoria was founded by Dinie van den Heuvel and Julia Gaydina in 2014 in Germany to offer high-end organic vegan fashion for kids. Today, they are an established sustainable brand recognized for their commitment to the highest standards of organic textiles used in children’s clothes. 

“All styles are designed sustainably; this is what makes collections one of a kind on the market. Sustainable design means choosing the best environmentally friendly materials, planning the most efficient way of producing garments, eliminating excessive cut waste, and using carbon emission reduction practices. ”

Infantium Victoria 

Infantium Victoria prioritizes sustainability by committing the whole supply chain to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). As of 2023, their entire supply chain—including the brand themselves and their manufacturing partner—is GOTS certified. Additionally, nearly 90% of their products carry the GOTS label, affirming their commitment to maintaining the highest global standards for organic textiles. What is more, Infantium Victoria strives for circularity by implementing zero-waste design practices, upcycling discarded materials, and facilitating a peer-to-peer marketplace where parents can buy and sell preloved clothes. The brand also sources fabrics and manufactures locally in Europe to minimize their carbon footprint. 

Infantium Victoria upholds their suppliers to a Code of Conduct that covers four of the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. The brand also traces most of their supply chain. Regarding animal welfare, Infantium Victoria is committed to no animal-based products and extends their commitment to their supply chain, with each vendor and partner meticulously chosen to align with their vision of a compassionate, cruelty-free world.

Infantium Victoria is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: dresses, bat mitzvah, vegan knitwear, tops, bottoms, jackets, coats, accessories
• Price range: $$$ 
• Size range: 2–16 years old 

Mini Rodini: Children’s Clothes Made Responsibly and Ethically 

Mini Rodini was founded in 2006 in Sweden by artist Cassandra Rhodin to make clothes that kids love to wear without compromising on the environmental and social aspects of production. Today, they are one of Sweden’s fastest-growing brands for sustainable children’s clothing, selling comfortable, inclusive, unisex mini garments in physical stores and online. 

“As long as we produce a much better product than what’s on the conventional market, I feel like Mini Rodini has a reason to exist.”

Cassandra Rhodin, Founder of Mini Rodini

Mini Rodini promotes sustainability by sourcing low-impact materials and reducing their climate impact. Firstly, they use a high proportion of “better materials,” including GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL^TM Lyocell, GRS-certified recycled polyester, recycled nylon (ECONYL^®), GOTS-certified organic wool, and linen. The brand opts for BIONIC-FINISH^® ECO, a safe and environmentally friendly water-repellent coating for functional pieces like shells and rainwear. Additionally, all the trims, labeling, and packing components are organic, recycled, or biodegradable. Secondly, they reduce their climate impact by using sea and truck transport for bulk production and bicycle transportation in all cases possible between their warehouse, stores, and head office, implementing LED lights, and using clean electricity from renewable sources in their own facilities wherever available. Lastly, Mini Rodini upcycles their leftover fabrics into their Upcycling collections, reverting the textile waste away from landfills or bonfires. 

Mini Rodini traces most of their supply chain and ensures payment of a living wage for some suppliers. They also arrange third-party audits that are relevant to all suppliers equally. Furthermore, they uphold their supplier to a Code of Conduct that covers all of the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the brand is also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation. Regarding animal welfare, they opt out of animal-derived products, including skins, suede, fur, feathers, wool with mulesing, or conventional silk. 

Mini Rodini runs charity collections to support nonprofit organizations that work to defend and protect vulnerable and endangered animals. They donate 20% of the sales of such collections to organizations like Sea Shepherd, Wildhood Foundation, and Galgos del Sol.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: bodysuits, bottoms, onesies, jumpsuits, outerwear, swimwear, underwear, socks accessories
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–XL

Mightly: Kid-Friendly Styles in Earth-Friendly Fabrics at Family-Friendly Prices

Mightly was founded in California in 2019 by three mothers, Tierra Forte, Barrie Brouse, and Anya Marie Emerson, to provide families with the kind of clothes they want for their own kids: comfortable, play-friendly styles in hand-me-down quality made without any scary chemicals. Today, Mightly is an emerging eco-conscious brand selling certified organic cotton clothing. 

“We believe that comfort and creativity should go hand in hand. Our organic cotton kids clothes feature original artwork by emerging artists.”  

Mightly

Mightly’s sustainability efforts focus on sourcing high-quality and safe textile materials. They source cotton from the Chetna Organic Farmers Association, an organization that supports marginalized farmers, enabling them to practice sustainable and profitable farming. Chetna farmers use 70% less water and 60% less energy than the average non-organic farmer. The brand’s organic cotton fabrics are also certified by both the Global Organic Textile Standard and Fair Trade USA. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, they design and produce gender-neutral and quality basics that can be passed down, reducing the amount of textile waste associated with constantly buying new clothes for kids. Furthermore, the brand has a Lightly Loved collection selling pre-owned garments, reducing the stress on the planet’s resources for making new clothes and landfilling textile waste. 

Mightly is committed to complete transparency in their supply chain. They trace their whole supply chain back to the cotton farmers and audit most of their suppliers. In addition, their facilities have certifications from Fairtrade. For every Fairtrade-certified product sold, Mightly pays an additional premium to the workers who make the clothes. Collectively, they vote on how to spend the funds on projects that address community needs so their families can thrive for generations to come. 

Mightly is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: dresses, T-shirts, tops, hoodies, sweatpants, leggings, shorts, pajamas, underwear, socks, accessories 
• Price range: $$
• Size range: 4–14 years old 

Pop My Way: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Baby Essentials

Pop My Way was founded in Switzerland in 2018 by Sashe Christopher to create a transparent kidswear brand that parents can trust. Today, they are an emerging sustainable clothing brand recognized for modular, versatile designs that take the stress out of dressing babies. 

“All Pop My Way garments are produced in a GOTS certified factory, which means that our entire supply chain process is monitored and audited regularly.”

Pop My Way

Pop My Way ensures their sustainability by sourcing low-impact materials, minimizing textile waste, and reducing their climate impact. All Pop My Way clothing is made from 100% Pima cotton, certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Their Pima cotton is harvested by hand, which reduces the climate impact. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, Pop My Way opts for safe dyes certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100, ensuring rigorous tests against harmful chemicals. Their garments’ popper and zipper components are nickel-free while fulfilling REACH and OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100. Pop My Way is also committed to eco-friendly practices regarding packaging. They minimize packaging by using a single sturdy branded mailing box that acts as a gift box and mailing box all in one. Furthermore, smaller orders are sent out in an eco-friendly mailing bag. And on that topic, all mailing boxes are FSC certified, while all mailing bags are bio-based (derived from sugar cane), fully recyclable, and carbon neutral. Packaging components such as tissue paper and stickers are printed with soy ink on FSC-certified and acid-free paper. Secondly, Pop My Way approaches textile waste reduction by designing garments to last and be passed on. Their collection is based on high-quality mix-and-match unisex items with neutral color palettes so that they can be passed down once a baby no longer needs them. The brand has also launched “Pop My Way Preloved”, which allows customers to return their used Pop My Way clothing in exchange for a discount, keeping garments longer in circulation. They also donate or repurpose any items unsuitable for reselling. Lastly, Pop My Way partners with Ecologi, pledging a climate-positive workforce. They do this by offsetting the entire carbon footprint of their workforce, including emissions from their homes, personal travel, holidays, food, hobbies, and more. On top of that, all business travel is also offset. Finally, they plant trees in their company forest every month and finance carbon reduction projects from around the world.

Pop My Way ensures their ethics by guaranteeing that their entire supply chain is fully certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, meaning that the wages paid to factory workers are monitored and audited regularly. 

Pop My Way is part of the No Issue Eco-Packaging Alliance, which contributes to global reforestation. For every order on their site, the No Issue Eco-Packaging Alliance plants trees in areas of need.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: tops, bottoms, sleepsuits, accessories
• Price range: $$$
• Size range: 0–18 months

Orbasics: Better Basics for a Better Planet

Orbasics was founded by Lilija Bairamova in Berlin, Germany, in 2017 to create functional and sustainable gender-neutral clothing for children. Today, Orbasics is a leader in sustainable children’s clothes, selling mix-and-match basics made ethically. 

“We understand that as a parent, you want the best for your child. That’s why we take pride in crafting our clothes with the highest quality organic cotton fabric that is gentle and comfortable on even the most sensitive skin.”

Orbasics 

Orbasics prioritizes sustainability by sourcing 100% organic cotton for their garments and manufacturing locally. Firstly, all their basics are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and packed in biodegradable, FSC-certified paper. The cotton fibers they use are grown without the use of genetically modified seeds, harmful pesticides, chemicals, or toxins, and the dyes for their cotton garments are GOTS-certified and free of toxic chemicals. Secondly, they manufacture locally in Europe to keep transport distances and the associated carbon emissions relatively low. 

Orbasics traces all of their supply chain and visits their suppliers regularly. Their final production stage happens in Portugal, a medium-risk country for labor abuse. Additionally, the brand is transparent about the journey of their basics, from cotton sourcing to sowing to finishing. 

Orbasics is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: kidswear 
• Product range: tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories
• Price range: $$
• Size range: 0–12 years old 

Little Green Radicals: Children’s Clothing Made With Fairtrade, Organic Cotton 

Little Green Radicals was founded by Nick Pecorelli in 2005 in London, England, to make cool baby and kid clothes using high-quality organic and Fairtrade-certified cotton. Today, they offer a range of baby boys’ and girls’ clothes, including babygrows, dungarees, dresses, leggings, and accessories. 

“We only use organic cotton to protect growers, their families and the land they live on from harmful chemicals.”

Little Green Radicals 

Little Green Radicals ensures their sustainability by sourcing low-impact materials and reducing textile waste. Firstly, they use Fairtrade- and GOTS-certified organic cotton for most of their collection. For functional clothes like waterproof outerwear and swimwear, the brand uses recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles to reduce the impact of using synthetic fabrics while ensuring the function of those pieces. Little Green Radicals is also environmentally conscious about their packaging, opting for 100% compostable bio-based clothing bags that can be recycled. Secondly, the brand has several waste-reduction strategies, including having zero-waste projects in their supply chain; creating timeless, long-lasting clothes; offering repair & renewal guides; and taking back preloved Little Green Radicals pieces to rent out on the Superloop platform.

Little Green Radicals’ manufacturing partners in India have GOTS and Fairtrade certification, guaranteeing transparency and good working standards. 

Little Green Radicals is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: babygrows, baby bodies, dresses, dungarees, knitwear, pajamas, outerwear, raincoats, snowsuits, swimwear, tops, pants, leggings, joggers 
• Price range: $$
• Size range: 0–8 years old 

loud + proud: Organic Garments for Loud Kids and Proud Parents

loud + proud was founded in Germany in 2008 by Barbara Schüsselbauer to provide eco-friendly clothes for, as they put it, “noisy children and proud parents”. Today, loud + proud is a carbon-neutral fashion label selling organic cotton childrenswear made ethically and sustainably.

“loud + proud would like to offer a fresh and affordable alternative to conventional clothing that conserves resources and that is manufactured under fair conditions.”

loud + proud 

loud + proud prioritizes sustainability by sourcing low-impact materials, reducing their climate impact with responsible production and operation, and facilitating the use of secondhand clothes to extend each piece’s lifespan. Firstly, all their garments are made with organic fabrics (organic cotton and organic wool) and are GOTS-certified. The brand also avoids (plastic) poly bags and opts for reusable transport packaging. Secondly, they implement various incentives to reduce their climate impact. These include sourcing fabrics and manufacturing garments locally in Europe (Hungary and Portugal) to make the transport distances and associated carbon emissions relatively low. Additionally, loud + proud powers their company building with green electricity and biogas. The company also has their own charging station to power their electric car. Together with Climate Partner, loud + proud calculates their carbon emissions and compensates fully for those with an investment in a climate project. Lastly, they take back no-longer-needed loud + proud pieces to resell, repair, donate, or recycle them. Customers receive a discount voucher for their next purchase when they return their preloved garments. 

loud + proud traces their entire supply chain and visits their suppliers regularly. The final production stage happens in the European Union, a low/medium-risk region for labor abuse. 

loud + proud donates unsalable products to aid organizations assisting in crisis areas. For example, they donate clothing in good condition to the international aid organization Humedica.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: T-shirts, jackets, pants, tights, shorts, rompers, dungarees, dresses, overalls, pajamas, sleepwear, underwear, accessories 
• Price range: $$$
• Size range: 0–16 years old 

Kids Worldwide: Fashion Aiming to Empower Kids

Kids Worldwide was founded in New York in 2020 by Robbie Stuart to use fashion as a vehicle to support, nurture, and empower youth. Today, they are an emergent sustainable brand recognized for their philanthropic efforts in combating poverty and education inequality in some communities. 

“Kids Worldwide uses fashion as a vehicle to support creative development, diversity & inclusion, eco-friendly materials and circular production practices. We hope to lead by example and encourage others in the industry to stand by these principles.”

Kids Worldwide 

Kids Worldwide ensures their sustainability by sourcing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing locally in the US. The brand develops clothing collections from original artwork produced in art-focused educational programs and workshops, using natural fabrics like organic cotton, wool, and cashmere. They also use a high percentage of recycled cotton in some garments. Additionally, Kids Worldwide produces their garments locally in the US, reducing the climate impact of transport. 

Kids Worldwide holds their final production stage in the US, a medium-risk country for labor abuse. 

Kids Worldwide works closely with The River Fund New York to develop meaningful and engaging workshops in which children reflect on their learning experiences through creative expression. Kids Worldwide then shares the original artworks through collection drops. At the end of each launch, proceeds are reinvested back into the community.

• Best for: kidswear, menswear, womenswear 
• Product range: T-shirts, pants, hoodies, sweatshirts, cardigans, sweaters, jackets, long sleeves, onesies, polos, shirts, shorts, socks 
• Price range: $$$ 
• Size range: 4–10 years old 

Little Man Happy: Stylish and Comfortable Children’s Clothes Made in Europe

Little Man Happy was founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2014 by designers Ivonne and Sven to create unisex designer kidswear. Today, they are recognized as a sustainable brand selling high-quality, minimalistic children’s clothes with playful graphic elements. 

“At Little Man Happy, we believe in creating a brighter, greener future for the next generation. We are committed to producing high-quality kidswear while minimizing our environmental impact.“

Little Man Happy

Little Man Happy ensures their sustainability by sourcing eco-friendly textile and packaging materials, manufacturing locally, and focusing on designing and creating durable, long-lasting pieces. Firstly, their garments are made with a high proportion of low-impact fabrics, including organic cotton and recycled polyester, and packed in oxo-biodegradable bags, which decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass within 180 days, leaving no harmful residues behind. Secondly, the brand holds their final manufacturing stage locally in Europe, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Lastly, they make timeless garments that stand the test of time as a statement against overconsumption and a more sustainable approach to fashion.

Little Man Happy traces and audits most of their supply chain. 

Little Man Happy is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, tops, shorts
• Price range: $$
• Size range: 1–15 years old 

KIVAT: Cotton and Woolen Children’s Clothes Made Responsibly 

KIVAT was founded in Finland in 1975 by Jukka Puskala as a family-run company making cotton gloves for children. Today, they are recognized as a responsible brand, extending their range to include long-lasting woolen clothing for both children and adults. 

“In addition to making quality products, we want to set an example of a responsible company, one where everyone can be proud of their work.”

KIVAT

KIVAT ensures sustainability by keeping the environmental impact of their products as small as possible throughout the entire life-cycle. They start with sourcing a high proportion of high-quality natural materials to ensure the products can withstand hundreds of wears. These include mulesing-free lambswool, Bluesign^®-certified wool, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and silk. They also opt for a small amount of synthetic spandex (elastane) in some of their products to increase their lifespan. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, KIVAT lowers their carbon footprint by sourcing and storing large batches of yarns to minimize transporting legs. All raw materials are trucked across Europe from spinning mills to KIVAT’s factories, with no air freight involved. Additionally, in 2022, they set up a solar power plant on the roof of their factory in Tampere, Finland, which produced about a third of the total electricity demand. Regarding cutting waste, KIVAT recycles the little wool waste they produce to make small products and transports cotton waste to a power plant a short distance away for combustion. Lastly, they encourage customers to correctly dispose of the paper packaging in which their products are delivered, to care for their clothing items with environmental perspectives as suggested in written detailed instructions, and to recycle their KIVAT products once they have gotten too small for their growing child. KIVAT partners with Ninyes, the first European store that exclusively sells responsibly manufactured second-hand clothes to facilitate selling the used products sent back by consumers. In return for recycling, you will get a refund of 50% or 70% of your pre-loved KIVAT’s estimated sale price. 

KIVAT is fully transparent about their manufacturing processes. Since their inception, KIVAT has intentionally kept production in Finland to have full control over the quality of the products and working conditions in which their products are made. Regarding animal well-being, they source merino wool and lambswool exclusively from mulesing-free sheep, avoiding the cruel treatment of the animals. 

KIVAT is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: kidswear, womenswear
• Product range: overalls, cardigans, sweaters, pants, leggings, socks, hats, scarves, accessories
• Price range: $$
• Size range: S–L

Vild House of Little: Form and Function in Equilibrium to Create Utilitarian And Beautiful Clothing

Vild House of Little was founded in London, England, in 2015 by Sofia Sköld and Allision Mitchell with the aim of being a category leader in certified sustainability and fabric innovation. Today, they are an emerging sustainable clothing label selling the hardest-working pieces in a child’s wardrobe: unisex, cross-seasonal, and functional. 

“Thinking about life cycle and authentic sustainability is paramount – the ‘thread’ which runs through the behaviour of our business. This means developing a considered range plan with as little waste, small batch and low-energy production or working with our partners to reduce energy, wastage and recycle/ upcycle any offcuts and deadstock. ”

Vild House of Little 

Vild House of Little ensures their sustainability by sourcing eco-friendly materials. In particular, they use a high proportion of low-impact textiles including organic cotton, TENCEL^TM, LENZING™ EcoVero™, and SeaCell™. Their fabrics are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, Vild House of Little colors their clothes with plant-based and mineral-based eco dyes or dyestuff made with on-edible agricultural or herbal industries’ waste (leaves or shells). They also treat wastewater from manufacturing their garments to make it pollution-free. 

Vild House of Little traces and audits most of their suppliers. Their manufacturing partners have certifications from Fairtrade, Better Cotton Initiatives, and Organic Content Standard. 

Vild House of Little gives back by partnering with impactful nonprofit organizations to develop limited-edition pieces and host creative fundraising events. The brand has also supported Mothers2Mothers (m2m), an organization fighting pediatric AIDS by training, employing, and empowering mothers living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

• Best for: kidswear
• Product range: bodysuits, tops, bottoms, knitwear, dresses, cardigans, jackets
• Price range: $$
• Size range: 0–6 years old 

Nui Organics: Putting People and the Planet First 

Nui Organics was founded in Texas in 2004 by Amanda Searancke with a vision of a world where sustainable solutions—with respect for people and the planet—are a part of everyday life. Today, Nui Organic stands as a sustainable brand, offering clothes made with natural fibers to families around the globe. They also have a range of garments for children. 

“We create high-quality, low-impact apparel in timeless, long-lasting styles using only sustainable materials and an ethical supply chain.”

Nui Organics 

Nui Organics approaches sustainability by making long-lasting products with natural materials. They use blends of natural fibers, including GOTS-certified organic merino wool, alpaca wool, silk, and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Additionally, they have OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100 certification, guaranteeing no harmful substances are found in their textile materials. Regarding the manufacturing process, Nui Organics lowers their environmental impacts by relying on renewable energy and integrated processes in manufacturing, using low-impact, non-toxic dyes in most of their products, avoiding harsh chemicals in fabric treatment (for example, no chlorine in merino wool treatment), and treating wastewater the standard of OEKO-TEX^® Detox to Zero. They are also certified by Bluesign^® for sustainable manufacturing. Furthermore, Nui Organics is a part of the Responsible Packaging Movement, actively eliminating single-use plastic and virgin forest fiber from packaging. Furthermore, their newest collections are delivered in FSC-certified 100% recyclable paper bags. Lastly, they run the (re) Nui platform, where customers can buy and sell pre-loved Nui garments to keep them in circulation, reducing waste and bettering the planet. 

Nui Organics works exclusively with factories that share their commitment to ethics and sustainability, both for the environment and for society. Their suppliers are also certified by GOTS, OEKO-TEX^®, Bluesign^®, SA 8000, and Sedex, adhering to ethical practices and improving working conditions. Finally, Nui Organics traces and audits most of their partners in the supply chain.

Nui Organics is not known to be part of any giving-back programs.

• Best for: womenswear, menswear, kidswear
• Product range: sweaters, knitwear, tops, blouses, T-shirts, socks, stockings, tights, accessories
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–XXL

Why Is It Important to Buy Products Made of More Sustainable Fabrics

It is important to buy products made of more sustainable fabrics because a sustainable textile industry has a lower carbon footprint, helps save natural resources, and is better for forests, animals, and humans. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Reduces Your Carbon Footprint 

The production of clothing and footwear is estimated to contribute 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than all international flights and shipping combined. If the fashion industry were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of carbon dioxide. 

One way to reduce the carbon footprint of the clothes you buy is to opt for sustainable fabrics. Sustainable fabrics, which are often made with natural or recycled fibers, have relatively low carbon footprints compared to petroleum-based fabrics. For example, organic cotton made in the US has a carbon footprint of 2.35 kg CO₂ (per ton of spun fiber)—a quarter of polyester’s carbon footprint. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Reduces Demand for Natural Resources and Waste Management

The textile industry uses water and land to grow cotton and other fibers. It is estimated that 79 billion cubic meters of water were used for the sector worldwide in 2015. For example, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires as much water as one person drinks for 2.5 years (2,700 liters of fresh water).

Worse yet, the textile economy is vastly more linear than circular: the largest amount of resources used in clothes ended up in landfill (instead of being recycled to remake clothes). According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation,

• Less than 3% of materials used in the textile economy in 2015 came from recycled sources.
• In other words, more than 97% of resources used in making clothes are newly extracted. 

When clothing items are disposed of within a short period of time—under a year in the case of half of the fast fashion clothes—the natural systems that provide raw materials for fabrics don’t have enough time to recover and regenerate, which could lead to ecological breakdown. 

Sustainable fabrics are made with less water and emissions while lasting longer:

• Because they are durable, you don’t need to buy new clothes too often. 
• Thus, you help reduce the pressure to extract more resources for making new items. 

Similarly, making and consuming sustainable fabrics made with recycled materials reduces the demand for virgin materials while helping tackle waste management. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Sustainable Management of Forests

Sustainable plant-based fabrics are made with raw materials from forests and plantations that are sustainably managed, such as complying with FSC standards. 

When you buy sustainable plant-based fabrics, you discourage unsustainable forestry practices like illegal logging. You can help reduce deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Fairer Treatment of Animals 

The fashion industry is rife with animal mistreatment when it comes to making animal-based fabrics like wool or silk. Every year, billions of animals suffer and die for clothing and accessories.

Buying sustainable vegan alternatives can help to reduce the pressure on raising more and more animals to meet the demand for animal-based fabrics while sacrificing their well-being and lives. 

Suppose you have to buy fabrics made with, for example, wool or silk; make sure you only choose brands committed to cruelty-free products. In that case, you help advocate better treatments for animals raised within the textile industry. 

Using Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Fairer Treatment of Textile Workers 

Recent statistics from UNICEF estimated as many as 170 million child laborers worldwide, many of whom were engaged in some form of work in the textile industry. They don’t get paid minimum wages and often work long hours. 

When you buy sustainable fabrics from brands transparent about the working conditions at their factories, you discourage the use of child labor and help promote better working conditions for textile workers.

How Can You Generally Buy More Sustainable Fabrics

The key to sustainably buying fabrics is to check on relevant environmental and original certifications. 

For natural fabrics: 

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): A globally recognized certification system that ensures a certain threshold of organic content has been met. It covers manufacturing, packaging, labeling, transportation, and distribution (but not what happens in the fields where crops are grown). 
• USDA Certified Biobased Product: The USDA BioPreferred^® Certification is a voluntary certification offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The certification identifies products made from plants or other renewable materials.
• Ecolabel: Ecolabel is the official European Union voluntary label recognized worldwide for certified products with a guaranteed, independently verified low environmental impact. The label requires high environmental standards throughout the entire life-cycle: from raw material extraction through production and distribution to disposal. It also encourages companies to develop innovative, durable, easy-to-repair, and recyclable products. 

For plant-based semi-natural/semi-synthetic fabrics:

• Forest Stewardship Council: An FSC certification ensures that the wood (or wood-like material) comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
  
  There are two types of FSC Certification: 
  • FSC Forest Management Certification, with a focus on the origin of the wood—the forest. 
  • FSC Chain of Custody Certification, which focuses on the path from the forest to the customer’s home. 

• Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification: PEFC’s approaches to sustainable forest management are in line with protecting the forests globally and locally and making the certificate work for everyone. Getting a PEFC certification is strict enough to ensure the sustainable management of a forest is socially just, ecologically sound, and economically viable but attainable not only by big but small forest owners.

For recycled fabrics:

• Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): The Textile Exchange RCS was originally developed as an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled input and chain of custody. 
• The Global Recycled Standard (GRS): The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled Content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. It can be used for any product with more than 20% recycled material.

For all types of fabrics:

• STeP by OEKO-TEX^®: STeP by OEKO-TEX^® is an independent certification system for brands, retailers, and manufacturers from the textile and leather industry. It communicates organizational environmental measures, including reducing carbon footprint and water usage.
• OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100: OEKO-TEX^® labels aim to ensure that products pose no risk to human health (i.e., containing banned chemicals). 

Some certifications that are signaling brands’ efforts toward lowered environmental impacts and a circular economy are: 

• B Corp Certification: The label B Corp is a certification reserved for for-profit companies. Certified holders are assessed on their social and environmental impacts. 
• Cradle2Cradle certification: Cradle2Cradle provides a standardized approach to material circularity. It assesses whether products have been suitably designed and made with the circular economy in mind covering five critical categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

Final Thoughts

Among the many issues of the fast fashion industry, clothing items that are easily replaceable and influenced by trends stand out in particular—and children’s clothing is no exception. This leads to the huge adverse environmental impacts of making and landfilling various garments, especially with certain high-impact materials. 

By purchasing new or pre-loved children’s clothing from brands that commit to sustainability, you support their mission to create a fairer and less harmful textile industry for all lives on Earth. 

Here is the list (again) of the most sustainable children’s clothing brands:

• Jackalo
• Infantium Victoria
• Mini Rodini
• Mightly
• Pop My Way
• Orbasics
• Little Green Radicals
• loud + proud
• Kids Worldwide
• Little Man Happy
• KIVAT
• Vild House of Little
• Nui Organic

To make your use of these children’s clothing items even more sustainable, follow these steps:

1. Buy second-hand, recycled, or upcycled children’s clothing made with low-impact materials. 
2. Encourage your children to maximize the number of wears between washes and to keep them as long as possible.
3. At the end-of-life of these clothes, upcycle the materials to extend their usage and arrange for them to be recycled or properly disposed of.

Stay impactful,

Sources

• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Polyester Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Leather Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Science Direct: Life-cycle assessment (LCA)
• Jackalo: Home
• Infantium Victoria: Home
• Mini Rodini: Home
• Mightly: Home
• Pop My Way: Home
• Orbasics: Home
• Little Green Radicals: Home
• loud + proud : Home
• Kids Worldwide: Home
• Little Man Happy: Home
• KIVAT: Home
• Vild House of Little: Home
• Nui Organic: Home
• Jackalo: Our Story
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Jackalo
• Global Organic Textile Standard: Home
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Jackalo: Sustainability
• Jackalo: Care & Repair
• Jackalo: TradeUP | Trade In and Upcycle Outgrown Kids Clothes
• SimpliZero: Home
• International Labour Organization: ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
• Jackalo: Transparency
• Fairtrade International: Home
• One Percent for the Planet: Home
• Global Organic Textile Standard: Home
• Infantium Victoria: About Us
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Infantium Victoria
• Infantium Victoria: SUSTAINABILITY
• Infantium Victoria: Infantium Victoria Preloved | FROM PARENTS FOR PARENTS
• Infantium Victoria: Code of Conduct
• International Labour Organization: ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Mini Rodini
• Mini Rodini: ABOUT MINI RODINI
• Global Organic Textile Standard: Home
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are TENCEL^TM Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Textile Exchange: Global Recycled Standard
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Recycled Polyester Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Recycled Nylon Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are ECONYL Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Wool Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Linen Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Mini Rodini: Sustainability
• Mini Rodini: Our Impact
• Mini Rodini: SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2022
• Mini Rodini: Upcycling
• International Labour Organization: ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
• Fair Wear Foundation: Home
• Sea Shepherd: Home
• Wildhood Foundation: Home
• Galgos del Sol: Home
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Fairtrade UK: Chetna Organic Agriculture Producer Company Ltd, India
• Mightly: Sustainability
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Global Organic Textile Standard: Home
• Fair Trade America: Home
• Mightly: Lightly Loved
• Mightly: Our Values
• Pop My Way: Sustainability
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Home
• Pop My Way: Pima Cotton
• OEKO-TEX: OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100
• Europa: REACH Regulation
• Pop My Way: Packaging
• Forest Stewardship Council
• Pop My Way: About Us
• Pop My Way: Pop My Way ‘Preloved’
• Pop My Way: Our Factory and People
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Orbasics: Better Material
• Orbasics: Trusted Manufacturer
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Orbasics
• Orbasics: The Journey of your Clothes
• Fairtrade International: Home
• Little Green Radicals: Our Blog | Fairtrade and Organic
• Little Green Radicals: Kids Outerwear
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Recycled Polyester Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Synthetic Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Little Green Radicals: Our Impact
• Little Green Radicals: Our producers
• Little Green Radicals: Superloop
• loud + proud: Climate neutrality
• loud + proud: Materials
• loud + proud: Sustainable production
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Wool Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• loud + proud: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• Climate Partner: loud + proud
• loud + proud: Product circle
• Good On You: Brand Directory | loud + proud
• Foresighted: loud + proud
• Humedica: Home
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Kids Worldwide
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Wool Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Cashmere Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Recycled Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Kids Worldwide: Community
• Kids Worldwide: About
• Little Man Happy: Our Planet
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Recycled Polyester Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Little Man Happy
• KIVAT: Materials
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Wool Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Silk Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Spandex Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Elastane Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• KIVAT: Production
• KIVAT: Care instructions
• KIVAT: Second hand
• Ninyes: Home
• KIVAT: Merino wool for kids
• Good On You: Brand Directory | Vild House of Little
• Vild House of Little: Who We Are
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are TENCEL^TM Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are EcoVero™ Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Duvalli: SeaCell™
• Global Organic Textile Standard: Home
• OEKO-TEX: OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100
• Vild House of Little: Sustainability
• Fairtrade International: Home
• Better Cotton: Home
• Textile Exchange: Organic Content Standard
• Nui Organic: Materials
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Alpaca Wool Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Silk Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• OEKO-TEX: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• Bluesign: Home
• Nui Organic: Sustainability
• Nui Organic: Factories
• Nui Organic: Merino Wool
• PrAna: Responsible Packaging Movement
• Nui Organic: (re) Nui
• European Parliament: The impact of textile production and waste on the environment (infographic)
• Science Direct: The challenge of “Depeche Mode” in the fashion industry – Does the industry have the capacity to become sustainable through circular economic principles, a scoping review
• Science Direct: Carbon Footprint of Textile and Clothing Products
• European Parliament: Environmental impact of the textile and clothing industry
• European Parliament: What if fashion were good for the planet?
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s future
• McKinsey: Style that’s sustainable: A new fast-fashion formula
• Forest Stewardship Council: Home
• Our World in Data: Deforestation and Forest Loss
• Our World in Data: Renewable Energy
• Peta: Animals Used For Clothing
• The Guardian: Child labour in the fashion supply chain
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Natural Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Home
• BioPreferred: WHAT IS THE BIOPREFERRED PROGRAM?
• European Commission: Environment | EU Ecolabel
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Semi-Natural/Semi-Synthetic Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Forest Stewardship Council
• FSC Forest Management Certification
• FSC Chain of Custody Certification
• Textile Exchange: The RCS and GRS are designed to boost the use of recycled materials
• Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Recycled Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Textile Exchange: Recycled Claim Standard
• Textile Exchange: Global Recycled Standard
• OEKO-TEX: Certification according to STeP by OEKO-TEX®
• OEKO-TEX: OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100
• B Corp Certification: Home
• C2CCertified: Home