Sustainable Children’s Clothing Brands That Don’t Break The Bank

Now that three (three!) of my best friends are welcoming their first babies this summer, I’m pretty much never not looking up handmade baby clothes on Etsy. Plus, over the years, I’ve come across tons of adorable sustainable children’s clothing brands, and yes, a lot of them are just as pricey as their adult counterparts. Which isn’t exactly something every new parent on a budget hopes for. While it’s important to acknowledge why sustainable clothing costs more than fast fashion (ie ensuring ethical production, fair wages, earth-friendly materials etc), that doesn’t mean everyone can afford it. Many parents I know take advantage of hand-me-downs and secondhand shops for baby and children’s clothing, and mix in the occasional “new” splurge. As a last note, I think the brands below make wonderful options for finding precious gifts for your closest friends!

affordable + sustainable children’s clothing brands

If you’re a small-biz supporting mama, you have probably heard of Darling Clementine, huh? Founder Lindsay Meyer-Harley curates their collection of sustainably and ethically produced clothing, accessories, and wares for little ones + the whole family, featuring coveted independent baby brands like Rylee and Cru and Bobo Choses. This shop also has the sweetest decor!

We’ve highlighted ethical brand ARQ in our guides to sustainable underwear, and as the perfect gift idea, but did you know they make children’s basics and darling mama-and-me sets? Baby bloomers are $15 and bodysuits $22. They’re made of organic cotton and come in delicious colors, and a few sweet prints.

Lola and Stella is an Etsy shop from Portland, OR producing the sweetest organic baby and toddler clothes. You won’t find their prints anywhere else!

Based in New Jersey, tiny apple offers a wide selection of affordable, French inspired sustainable children’s brands for babies, boys, and girls. (Side note: They feature a ton of brands so if you’re concerned about certain sustainability aspects, be sure to check out each individual vendor for further details!) This set above? I mean. Too cute.

Eco club member and UK based children’s brand Toby Tiger has been offering organic, sustainable kids clothes since 1998. They are all about affordable, playful, fun, and cozy baby and kidswear from onesies and t-shirts to dresses and the cutest kids dungarees. They also offer books, toys, and even sustainably sourced gift wrap!

I’ve followed Mien for a few years now, loving their womens jumpsuits and mama-mini sets. While Mien has shifted the focus more from children to womens, the pieces they do have on the site for littles are so darling and extremely well priced. It’s all heavily discounted at the moment, with pieces from $16-$35.

Surf-inspired small business Of One Sea makes recycled children’s swimsuit and sunwear, and adult (men + women) clothing too. They’re based in Oahu and just so cute!

Made in USA children’s clothing brand Plain Jane makes the softest modal basics for women and kids. They have a 2 for $60 offer on all children’s items.

Sustainable, artisan, and fair trade children’s clothing brand Misha & Puff has all the fun prints. Their basics come in at under $40, but they also offer higher end + occasion pieces like knit sweaters made with hand dyed yarn!

While Petit Vilains is on the pricier end of this list, they carry both beautiful basics and more occasion-style pieces for baby and children’s, all of which is made to grow with baby, to get as many wears out of them as possible. They also make everything in small batches in Vancouver, BC, with natural fibers and sustainable practices. Free shipping in the US and Canada is offered over $100 as well.

I love Apricot LA‘s hand-dyed linens, and their children’s goodies are just as sweet! Just look at these tie dye onesies. So bright and fun.

This is just a few of the cute sustainable children’s brands and baby clothes I’ve found in my gifting! I’m sure there are so, so many more wonderful brands to support so please leave their names in the comments so we can add them to the post.