Cotton is one of the most controversial crops in the world, yet it’s also one of the most widely available fabrics for children’s apparel. This leaves us wondering about how best to source organic cotton for our children’s clothes when affordable and available.
Why consider organic clothes for your toddlers and kids?
Free of harsh chemicals, waxes, and formaldehyde, organic cotton is softer and gentler on sensitive skin — which is ideal for toddlers and children. There is also less risk of a potential allergic reaction with natural and safer materials like organic cotton. It requires fewer resources to produce and decomposes naturally in less time than its conventional counterparts. Since conventional cotton is grown with chemicals that can be harsh on its fibers, organic cotton clothing tends to be more durable, meaning it will last longer and is less likely to wear and tear over time.
Our criteria
Our editors have personally tested dozens of organic children’s clothing brands with our families, researched and corresponded with brands, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to choose our top picks. We continually update this list with emerging favorites that meet our criteria.
- NONTOXIC | These organic kids clothes are crafted with health and safety in mind — including no harsh synthetics, chemicals, or dyes.
- COMFORT | We all want our children to be as comfortable as possible in their garments. These sustainable clothing brands are functional and made with soft fabrics that’ll feel comfy all day.
- DURABILITY | Kids’ clothes tend to wear out easily with all the activities they go through in a day. We’ve ensured these kids clothing brands can withstand tons of wears and washes with ease.
- ETHICS | Each of these kids clothing brands upholds high-standard ethical and responsible production practices.
Here are a few of our favorite children’s apparel brands boasting clean and organic cotton for the littlest members of your family.
For more kids essentials, we’ve got you covered for baby clothes and twin mattresses. And if you’re in need of a wardrobe upgrade yourself, here’s our guide to our favorite organic clothing for adults.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Circular
1. Colored Organics
Size Range | 0M–6Y
Price | $20–$66
We love Colored Organics for its affordable, classic apparel. The tees, sweaters, and leggings come in earthy and neutral colors, and are made from 100 percent organic cotton. They’re colored with water-based dyes, too, so no chemical dyes will irritate sensitive skin. Every purchase from the collection helps a child in need, so if you’re looking for a brand that gives back, you’ve found it.
Colored Organic Review | “As with all of Colored Organics clothing, this shirt is soft and you can tell the fabric is high quality and made to last. A much welcomed addition to our wardrobe!” – Kinsey M. (See all reviews)
2. Hanna Andersson
Size Range | NB-14Y
Price | $28–$78
Hanna Andersson is a favorite for any family that loves bold designs in premium, organic fabrics that are made to last. We especially love the way they incorporate kids’ favorite characters into prints and patterns that are actually cute. From swimwear to matching family pajamas, the Swedish company has been committed to sustainable and fair trade practices for the last forty years, and continues to raise the bar on its own standards (the brand is currently piloting regenerative farming practices with its suppliers, and every year they increase the percentage of recycled materials into their clothing). They also have a pre-loved shop where you can enjoy — how cute is this? — Hanna-Me-Downs at a discounted price!
Hannah Anderson Review | “I ordered 4 of these Tshirts and absolutely love them! The designs are great and can be paired with lots of options. Quality feels great and my daughter has not wanted to take them off” – Alexis G. (See all reviews)
3. Mightly
Size Range | 2T–14Y
Price | $16–$48
Mightly is a Fair Trade Certified brand making kids’ active wear from GOTS certified organic cotton. Their bright, playful tops and bottoms are as durable as they are fun, with designs from independent artists in addition to their classic patterns and colorful solids. The women-owned company was created by moms with experience in the apparel industry who wanted to make comfortable, organic clothes that could withstand a full day of play with active kids. Sounds like a winner to us!
Mightly Review | “These sweatpants are the best, actually they are the best sweatpants we have found that are GOTS certified and don’t leach toxins from dyes and onto our skin. The pants are super cozy and so very soft inside which is one of my favorite things about them. They are not overly baggy and not tight, just perfect with a great fit. I wish they made these in adult sizes.” – Vera (See all reviews)
4. Boden
Best For | Colorful daily wearSize Range | 12M–14Y
Price | $16–$149
TGT fave Boden makes our lists for adult apparel time and time again, so we aren’t snoozing on their kid’s collections! With the same bold, colorful designs we love so much in their women’s dresses and swimsuits, their children’s tops, bottoms, outerwear, dresses, swimsuits, jammies, and accessories are just plain fun! The brand is always pushing its own sustainability goals, and recently became carbon neutral two full years before their target. Love that!
Boden Review | “A great, fun piece for my cat loving daughter to wear. The appliqué cats are adorable! Quality is top notch, colors are true to picture and sizing is tts. You need this!” – Hannah (See all reviews)
5. MATE the Label
Best For | Sweats
Size Range | NB-7Y
Price | $28-$58
We love MATE the Label for our own organic cotton sweats, so when we learned about their kid’s label, Mini MATE, we were IN! This LA-based brand creates stylish and sustainable loungewear using GOTS certified organic cotton and Tencel, and finishes off the looks with nontoxic, low-impact dyes in soothing hues. We can’t wait to outfit all the little ones in our lives in these cool, ethically made mini sweats!
MATE the Label Review | “Love these tees, true to size, soft, I line dry them. This shade is a perfect light neutral pink. My son is obsessed.” – Kate H. (See all reviews)
6. Jackalo
Size Range | 2Y–14Y
Price | $40–$178
If your kids are hard on their clothes or seem to grow out of new outfits before they even get a chance to wear them, may we introduce you to Jackalo! The organic clothing company creates well-made, versatile basics designed specifically for kids who take their play seriously. With reinforced knees on their best-selling pants, you won’t have to worry about those instant holes that come with the first wear! In fact, if any Jackalo pants rip within six months of purchase, the brand will repair them free of charge. Combined with their ethical practices, eco-friendly production, and sustainable materials, we’re keeping this shop on our radar.
Jackalo Review | “Bought these a couple years ago. Both kids loved. Youngest specifically asked to have a new pair once the original had been outgrown. Gave the first pair to a friend who now is about to hand them down to a younger child. Wish I had a photo because they still look great + kids all said they were/are comfy” – Aleeza M. (See all reviews)
7. Monica + Andy
Best For | Monogrammed kids clothes
Size Range | NB–14Y
Price | $14–$78
With a proud team of 95% women and 80% mothers, Monica + Andy is here to bring you the softest, coziest, and most functional kids clothing items around! Made with GOTS-certified organic fabrics, each Monica + Andy clothing item is tested to hold up against rigorous repeat washing so every garment keeps its structure, softness, and integrity. We love their embroidery shop, where you can embroider anything from blankets to overalls to hats for a personal touch. And for a picture-perfect moment, try their cozy matching sets, available for the whole family!
Monica + Andy Review | “Super cute. Daughter loves it and the quality is perfect. Soft and the sizing structure on point” – Natall (See all reviews)
8. Quince
Size Range | NB–12Y
Price | $20–$110
For elevated kids clothes at affordable prices, Quince is our top choice. You won’t just find 100% organic cotton pieces here, but also ethically sourced cashmere, silk, and more (and it’s all washable!). Quince uses OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton in a variety of fabrics and blends, like jersey and twill throughout their stylish kids apparel. The brand even keeps its prices low through their transparent pricing model where they purchase and sell directly from the source, rather than working with distributors. We recommend their cotton t-shirt packs, where you’ll save nearly 52% off traditional retail prices for thick and soft basics!
Quince Review | “Love these t shirts! They are the softest cotton shirts I’ve ever felt. They are thick and feel high quality. They have a velvety feel to them.” – Saren (See all reviews)
9. Nui
Size Range | NB–12Y
Price | $24–$28
When a classic, comfy wardrobe is in order, we’re looking to Nui. We love their timeless and monochromatic collection of kids t-shirts, leggings, shorts, and more. The pieces are simple, well-made, and are crafted with GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified cotton that’s free of harsh chemicals. Nui is also committed to working with ethical factory partners in Lithuania, Bulgaria, and India. And if you’re looking to expand your child’s clothing beyond cotton, you can also find sustainably sourced merino, merino Tencel, and lambskin clothing, too.
Nui Review | “My daughter loves these. So soft and very sturdy. I love the quality and how durable they are. We play very rough outside, and they’ve held up so well.” – Kelsey (See all reviews)
10. Burt’s Bees Baby
Size Range | NB–12Y
Price | $18–$32
Readily available online and through third-party retailers, Burt’s Bees Baby’s toddler and kids collection is full of boldly printed pajamas that are made from 100 percent GOTS Certified organic cotton. Don’t be fooled by the name: Sizes range from newborn to 12, and they even offer select collections for the whole family! The pieces are soft, durable, and breathable, so you can rest assured — literally — that your child is getting a good night’s rest and that their apparel will last, well, until they grow out of it.
Burt’s Bees Baby Review | “These are great lightweight pants that are perfect for cool nights. Very soft material, breathable and easy to move in, these are a great and stylish choice for your little one!” – Jolynne M. (See all reviews)
11. Kate Quinn
Size Range | NB–14Y
Price | $9–$84
Kate Quinn‘s collections for babies and kids are luxurious, soft, sustainable, and beautiful at price points that won’t break the bank. Since discontinuing their wholesale practices and focusing entirely on their online storefront, the brand has been able to cut down markups and sell their supremely soft, functional kids clothing at affordable prices. Choose from organic cotton, bamboo, or lenzing modal (a bio-based fabric made from beech tree cellulose) in unique prints like Sunset 60’s Daisy or Black Vintage Motorcycle.
Kate Quinn Review | “Beautiful style and print. Super soft. Absolutely love the colors” – Jenny C. (See all reviews)
Featured image is from Boden
