Sustainable Children's Clothing: Why it Matters and How to Choose It

As parents, we want the best for our children. This includes their clothing, which not only serves the practical purpose of keeping them warm and comfortable, but also helps to express their personality and style. However, as the global environmental crisis deepens, it's becoming increasingly clear that the way we produce and consume clothing is not sustainable. Fast fashion, in particular, is known for its high social and environmental costs, from labour exploitation to pollution and waste. So, as conscious consumers, what can we do to make a difference? One answer is to choose sustainable children's clothing. The easiest way to do this is to shop small businesses who create their own products.

Sustainable children's clothing is made with respect for people and the planet. This means that it's produced using environmentally friendly materials and methods, and that the workers involved in its production are treated fairly and paid a living wage. At Pretty Plum Boutique, everything is made in Alberta. Chelsea makes majority of the items, but during busy seasons she works with a manufacturer based in Canada, that also values ethical and sustainable fashion. Sustainable children's clothing also tends to be high-quality, durable, and designed to last, rather than to be worn a few times and then thrown away.

There are many reasons why choosing sustainable children's clothing matters. For one thing, it helps to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. By choosing sustainable clothing, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve water, and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

In addition, sustainable clothing can also benefit the people involved in its production. Many fast fashion brands rely on cheap labor and unsafe working conditions in order to keep their prices low. By choosing sustainable clothing, we can support fair labor practices and help to improve the lives of workers around the world.

When it comes to choosing sustainable children's clothing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency. This might include brands that use organic or recycled materials, or that have a strong commitment to fair labour practices. Some certifications to look for include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, and OEKO-TEX. At Pretty Plum Boutique all of our fabrics are Oeko-Tex Certified. 

Second, consider the durability of the clothing. Sustainable clothing is designed to last, which means that it's often made with high-quality materials and construction. Look for clothing that can withstand wear and tear, and that can be passed down to younger siblings or donated when it's outgrown. The clothing and accessories from Pretty Plum Boutique are made to last. All of our clothing is made with functionality and durability in mind. 

Finally, think about the end of the clothing's life cycle. Will it be recyclable or biodegradable? Can it be repurposed or upcycled? By choosing clothing that can be reused or recycled, we can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Sustainable children's clothing is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment and on people's lives. By choosing clothing that's made with respect for the planet and its inhabitants, we can help to create a more sustainable and just world for our children and future generations. So next time you're shopping for your little ones, think beyond the latest trends and consider the long-term impact of your choices.

Pretty Plum Boutique offers sustainable children's clothing made from the highest quality Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, and all items are made right here in Canada. To reduce fabric waste, we printed in small batches, and we don't go with trends, but go with what fits our style. All of our fabric scraps are used to fill beds for animal shelters, donated to classrooms, or sent to a local garment recycler that reuses the scraps. At Pretty Plum Boutique, we love to support other small businesses! Check some of our favourite sustainable children's small businesses below! 

Oakley Rae Handmade is a Canadian handmade heirloom Children's clothing and accessories line. Our mission is to encourage everyone particularly those with a disability that they can do anything they set their minds too, as long as they believe in themselves and never give up.  

Being a Canadian handmade line we strive to be as ethical and sustainable as possible. Each piece is made from Oeko-Tex cotton and linen. Any left over fabric is made into our accessories or donated to other small shops for other items.  We use colours and prints that are timeless and everlasting. Allowing for a child can get many seasons out of it then pass down for generations to come.   

Wheat & Wildflower Handmade creates cute and comfy clothes that fit growing kids for 3 sizes. All clothing is handmade by owner, Janine, in a home-based studio located at Arnes, Manitoba.

Yes, Grow With Me Clothing fits for 3 sizes! With extendable cuffs and thoughtfully designed patterns, these clothes are stylish, functional and practical. Grow With Me styles mean less clothing is needed and clothes can be worn longer. This made-in-Canada clothing is an easy step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

A variety of styles are available seasonally, including pullovers, joggers, dresses, cardigans, shorts, tees and hoodies and offered in an inclusive size range covering newborn to 12Y. All items are sewn from cotton, bamboo or Tencel fabrics that ensure breathability and comfort for little ones.

In an effort to increase sustainability, small remnants of fabric are sewn into accessories for children and adults. And any small, unusable fabric scraps are sewn into upcycled cases and donated as pet pillows to a local humane society. No scrap fabrics are sent to the landfill.

Studio Bella was created by Sabrina who is the one woman show behind the brand.  Sabrina started this business during the height of the pandemic, when she found herself pregnant and bored. What started out as a hobby, has now grown beyond her imagination imagination. Her favourite thing about being a small business owner is the amazing community of like minded individuals that she has had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with. 

What makes Studio Bella a sustainable brand? At Studio Bella, their focus is on high quality, exclusive small batch collections. All the products are made to stand the test of time, to become hand-me-downs or still hold value to re-sell once it’s been outgrown. The oversized apparel fit allows for littles to get the most wear out of their clothes. 

You can find our products in various markets across Edmonton and area year round, or online.