5 Ways to Consciously Shop for Sustainable Kids Clothes
When it comes to dressing your little one, are you looking to combine comfort, care, and sustainability? The fast fashion industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and contributes heavily to landfills. By shopping thoughtfully for your child’s wardrobe, you can help combat this and make a positive difference. Here are five easy ways to shop consciously for children's clothes.
1. Look at fabric labels to avoid greenwashing
When shopping for kids’ clothes, it’s worth taking a moment to check the label for sustainable, natural fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton, bamboo or linen. For example, GOTS-certified organic cotton uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and skips the harmful pesticides and chemicals that can damage both the planet and farmers (Textile Exchange, 2021).
Keep an eye out for trusted certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX or Fair Trade. These labels ensure the product meets high environmental and ethical standards, helping you to steer clear of greenwashing, where only a small percentage of the fabric may actually be organic. By looking for these certifications, you can shop with confidence, knowing that your purchase is not only better for your child but also for the planet.
2. Choose gender-neutral and timeless designs for longer use
Kids grow quickly, so choosing versatile and well-loved pieces can help extend the life of their wardrobe. Unisex designs are perfect for passing down to siblings and friends, no matter what the gender. Look for timeless, all-season designs that can easily be shared and worn again, helping to keep them out of the fast fashion cycle.
3. Prioritise Durable and Long-Lasting Clothing
Kids' clothes need to keep up with their boundless energy and frequent washes, so durability is key. Look for well-made garments with reinforced stitching, sturdy fabrics and thoughtful features like adjustable waists or cuffs that allow for growth. For example, at Ducky Zebra, our baby sleepsuits have foldable cuffs that extend as your baby grows, helping them to last longer - allowing you to buy less and save money. Double win!
Durable, high-quality pieces not only save money but also reduce your environmental impact. Extending the life of just one item by nine months can reduce its environmental footprint by 20-30% (WRAP, 2021).
4. Embrace Secondhand and Consider Rental Kids' Clothes
Did you know that buying secondhand can reduce an item’s carbon footprint by 82% compared to buying new (ThredUp’s 2023 Resale Report)? Shopping secondhand is a fantastic way to reduce waste, save money and discover hidden treasures! Check out charity shops, online resale platforms like thelittleloop and local clothing swaps for pre-loved clothes. You can also explore rental options, offering a simple way to dress your kids without the long-term commitment. At Ducky Zebra, we’ve partnered with Borro and thelittleloop to allow you to rent a selection of our clothes.
5. Think About End-of-Life: Recycling and Take-Back Programs
What happens when your child outgrows their clothes? Brands with take-back schemes - like ours - ensure old items are recycled or repurposed, keeping them out of landfills. In fact, around 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste end up in UK landfills each year.
If take-back schemes aren’t available, donating outgrown clothes to friends, family, or charities helps extend their life. For garments that are too worn to reuse, UK programs like Textile Recycling UK or Clothes Aid offer collection services where items can be recycled into new materials, including insulation or filling for furniture. Planning for a garment’s end of life is just as important as the purchase itself when shopping sustainably for kids’ clothes.
Ready to Shop Consciously?
At Ducky Zebra, we create playful clothes that are thoughtfully made. Our unisex, all-season prints are designed to be passed on to friends or family, no matter what the season or gender. Made from soft GOTS-certified organic cotton, our fabrics are kinder to the environment - and your little one’s skin. And our take-back schemes encourage you to return outgrown clothes, ensuring they’re repurposed responsibly. Together, we can create a more sustainable future - one outfit at a time.
Shop our collection of sustainable kids' and baby clothes today, and take the first step toward mindful shopping!
Do you have tips for shopping sustainably for kids? Share your ideas in the comments below!
