Marques ethiques pour enfants - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN FASHION

What ethically-sound fashion is there for children?

Green brands for little ones, which are more principled and respectful of the planet, are taking off spectacularly. Here are the top picks to put together a more eco-friendly clothing inventory for them. For style that’s ethically sound!

Fashion is getting the finger pointed at it due to its use of harmful substances which can have an impact on ecosystems and the human body, so loaded are they with chemicals (heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, allergenic dyes, etc.). Consequently, parents are increasingly trying to reconcile utility (having children wear brands that are kind to their skin and the environment) and pleasure (following fashion trends).

If you’re looking for environmentally-responsible clothes for your kids, here’s a pick of five brands that tick all the boxes: short supply chains, made in France for the French market or fairtrade, fine fabrics, certifications… All while going with the latest trends. Who’s going to be the best-dressed kid in the playground? Also, follow Mathilde Lepage, the Instagrammer who’s shaking up the fashion world. Some of her pieces of advice are really clever!

Les Petites Choses 

A brand for children and newborns based in Montpellier.

What’s its motto? Style that’s affordable, made from natural fabrics like organic cotton or merino wool for winter and certified by Oeko-Tex. Production takes place in Europe to rein in the carbon footprint.

We like: the fact that any unsold garments get donated to an association. Nothing gets lost.

La queue du chat

Queue du chat - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN FASHION

This brand based in Bordeaux offers fairtrade organic fashion, in collections with a relaxed feel that are fully certified. The whole clothing production chain is certified, from cotton cultivation through to clothes production (GOTS, FLO and SA8000).

We like: the fact that it’s eco-friendly as well, with biodegradable packaging.

Photo : © La queue du chat

Papate

Sweat papate - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN FASHION

The brand opted for 100% French production for the French market as part of an approach that’s both environmentally responsible and public-spirited. The sweatshirts come from Marseille and the T-shirts and bodies from Saint-Pouange. All made from organic cotton.

We like: the fact that the clothes on offer are unisex and gender neutral

Photo : © Papate

Perpète

You won’t find any collections here, but instead timeless pieces (super-hardwearing trousers, basic leggings, T-shirts in all colours…).

So what’s the idea? To put together the perfect clothing inventory for the whole year. The suppliers are based in Europe, the fabrics of very high quality (they have to last a good while!) and responsible (with GOTS certification as far as cotton is concerned).

We like: the brand’s commitment to a “new lease of life”. Perpète takes back all (too small and / or worn) garments in return for vouchers. And the clothes get upcycled or sold second hand.

Animal Kids

Animal kids - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN FASHION

Super-cute clothes emblazoned with animal motifs! All made from certified (GOTS) organic cotton with the guarantee of a design process free from chemicals. So what’s the philosophy of this attractive French brand? It’s about kitting out little ones and fostering adults’ awareness of endangered animal species or those in difficulty on this planet of ours. Who doesn’t care about what happens to hippos in Africa, or pandas? Not forgetting Jules the narwal or Maël the kangaroo? Because all the animals have names… And the prices are very fair.

We like: the fact that for each purchase, Animal Kids passes on 15% of the pre-tax price to the ONG or initiative of your choice.

Photo : © Animal Kids

The 5 pieces of advice from Mathilde Lepage

IInstagrammer @makemyclothesgreatagain and author of Changeons de mode [Let’s switch fashion modes] (published by Éditions Eyrolles).

Mathilde Lepage - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN FASHION
  • Go for garments that are certified in line with the criteria on your wish list. For example, textile certifications like Gots or Oeko-Text that vouch for eco-friendly, socially-responsible clothing production.
  • Opt for fabrics that won’t irritate the skin. As far as possible, avoid synthetic fabrics (polyester and acrylic), and favour natural fabrics like cotton (preferably organic). The only drawback: higher prices.
  • Try second-hand clothes. It’s a good way to kit out little ones (who grow fast) while avoiding adding to the downward spiral of production-pollution-overconsumption. All the more since second-hand clothes (pre-worn, pre-washed, etc.) contain fewer toxic microfibres. A few online second-hand childrenswear outlets: Fashionizy, Kids O’clock, SoKyoot, Beebs, By Bambou, TyDressing, Little Kids, and Patatam.
  • Stay logged into marketplaces running sales on ethically sound brands, like WILD or Dream Act, to find a few new branded items.
  • Don’t forget that you can rent clothes! For example, via “Les p’tits louent” in Lille (and in lots of other towns) or through the swap shop chain “Greendy Pact“.
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