Tips to Buying Sustainable Kids Clothes
While you may be tempted to buy the latest designer labels, you should remember that there are other, more sustainable options available. Instead of buying name brands, look at second-hand shops and organic fabrics. You can even buy clothing made from recycled material. Here are some tips on how to buy sustainable kids clothes. We’ll also discuss the importance of not purchasing big-name brands and other harmful chemicals. The article also covers the pros and cons of different styles, fabrics, and brands.
Second-Hand Stores
A sustainable alternative to buying new kids’ clothes is to shop at second-hand stores. The idea behind these stores is to provide families with affordable, environmentally-friendly options. Second-hand stores like Bounce Mkt are a great place to shop for secondhand children’s clothes. The store offers like-new pieces from many brands and accepts gently used clothing. The idea behind these stores is to increase the circularity of children’s clothing by diverting used apparel from landfills. And second-hand shopping for kids’ clothing has never been easier!
The biggest online thrift store for kids clothes Pakistan is Leyjao.pk. As the name implies, there is no middleman and no commission to pay, so buyers and sellers can easily trade. Items are listed in price ranges, making it easier for the shoppers to decide which ones are worth buying. Sellers can specify a specific price range, but if you’re not sure, you can shorten the description of the items by adding the words “secondhand” or “preloved”.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can also try thrift flipping to turn your kid’s clothes into stylish and affordable outfits. By using recycled materials and creative ideas, you can turn old jeans and dresses into skirts. Upcycling does not require any sewing knowledge or sewing experience. You can also try upcycling, which is a great way to reuse clothes and donate them to charities.
Avoiding Big-Name Brands
There are many reasons to avoid buying big-name brands when buying sustainable kids clothes. Fast fashion is highly polluting and uses harmful chemicals during the fiber growing process. Some manufacturers also employ slave and child labor. A sustainable kids clothes brand will reduce pollution, use natural dyes and organic fibers, and pay fair wages to its employees. These are just a few of the benefits of buying sustainable kids clothes.
When buying sustainable children’s clothes, look for brands that use organic cotton and other natural fabrics. Organic cotton is strong, durable, and does not retain odors like oil-based fabrics. Shop 1212 donates its used baby clothing to non-profit organizations like Baby2Baby, which provides basic necessities to low-income children. Alternatively, you can check out Lark Adventurewear, which uses biodegradable materials and US-made fabrics.
Alternatively, a more affordable option may be BeyaMade clothing. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, Mightly clothing is free of hazardous chemicals and child labor. These brands produce children’s clothes in sizes 2T-14. While Mightly is not the cheapest option for sustainable kids clothing, the quality and attention to detail will make the investment worthwhile. In addition, Mightly clothing is durable and functional, so it can be used for years to come.
Another sustainable kids clothing brand is Jackalo. Founded by a mom who has two energetic children, Jackalo uses organic cotton in its clothing production. Organic cotton is better for the environment than other materials, and the company’s pants are reinforced at the knees. It also offers a trade-in program, wherein customers can trade their outgrown clothes for a $15 discount on their next purchase.
Organic Fabrics
Filibabba produces 100% organic cotton kid’s clothes. Their range of pajamas includes Disney’s “Frozen” and Star Wars PJs for boys. Their GOTS certified cotton fabrics continue to include the highest standards of quality. Inspired by Scandinavian and Danish tradition, the brand’s collection features unique, colorful prints, and is made from environmentally-friendly organic cotton. The company also supports a year-round upcycling and give-back program.
Children’s clothing often contains harmful chemicals. Many of these chemicals cannot be washed out of clothing. These chemicals can end up in your baby’s stomach, making them unhealthy for them. So, it’s essential that you choose organic fabrics for kids’ clothing. Listed below are the benefits of organic cotton for babies and toddlers
Organic cotton is the most sustainable option for children’s clothing. And organic cotton has higher durability than conventional fabrics, and it’s biodegradable. Organic cotton is also renewable and uses fewer chemicals during the manufacturing process than its synthetic counterpart. It’s also more durable, which means that your child will outgrow their clothes quickly. It’s also possible to find a wide range of nontoxic kids’ clothing on sites like Green Baby Bargains, Ecoplum, and Green Pages. Buying used clothing is also a great way to save resources.
Avoiding Hazardous Chemicals
The textile industry uses a staggering number of toxic chemicals in the making of kids’ clothing. There are more than 550 types of dyes used in clothing and more than three thousand chemicals banned for use in textiles. Whether the textile industry can afford to use safer alternatives is another question. Fortunately, there are some ways to buy sustainable kids’ clothes. Here are just a few ideas. But first, make sure to do your research!
Some textiles contain phthalates. These chemicals are commonly used to soften PVC, synthetic leather, rubber, and textiles. Some phthalates are known to be harmful to the development of human testes and may be particularly problematic in children. Therefore, it is important to check the labels of kids’ clothing to ensure that you are not giving your child a chemical that could cause harm. Look for brands that do share how they make their clothes.
Choosing Kids clothes made of natural fibers is the best option. While synthetic materials can be durable, they release microplastics that can be harmful to humans and nature. Even stuffed animals can become contaminated. Second-hand clothing is a great option for health, economic, and environmental reasons. You can also purchase pre-loved clothes that are in great condition and cost a fraction of what you would pay for brand-new clothes.
Avoiding Clothing made with Hazardous Chemicals
Many manufacturers coat their wares in toxic chemicals. The materials used in clothes come in contact with your children’s skin and may contribute to impure public water supplies. For this reason, it is imperative to avoid clothing made with hazardous chemicals when buying sustainable kids clothes. Here are some tips to help you avoid these toxins:
Whenever possible, look for certified apparel. Certified apparel means it has made without the use of hazardous chemicals. Organic apparel has strict standards that protect farmers and communities from harmful herbicides and pesticides. However, most clothing made with organic materials still contains plenty of chemicals during the processing and garment-making process. Look for labels that specify what types of chemicals the clothing contains and which brands source these materials from.
Labels can help you make an informed decision about which clothes are safe to wear. Look for Fair Trade Certified, GOTS, Organic, Cradle-to-Cradle, and Oeko-Tek. If possible, choose organic cottons and wools. When buying second-hand clothing, ask whether the items have treated with anti-mold substances. If there is a possibility, try looking for a brand that uses PFAS-free materials.
If you’re unsure what to look for in sustainable kids clothes, you can look at the materials. Many fabrics, like cotton and linen, contain high levels of formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation. Some dyes may also contain phthalates, which are known Endocrine disruptors. These chemicals may not be recognizable as harmful, but they can still have a negative impact on your child’s health.
Avoiding Clothing Made in Hazardous Facilities
When buying sustainable kids’ clothes, you should avoid purchasing items that have made in a hazardous facility. Many of today’s mainstream clothing brands contain harmful chemicals, which can absorbed into a child’s skin. Some of these chemicals are carcinogenic, hormone disrupting, or damage the nervous system. Moreover, kids outgrow their clothes quickly. Avoid buying clothing made in a hazardous facility by choosing clothing made from organic cotton, organic wool, or recycled materials.
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