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I have a confession: When it comes to clothing, I’ve always had a bit of a shopping problem (maybe, not so much a problem for a commerce reporter). Boys Retro Short Boxer Breifs
And then, when I had my daughter and was introduced to the world of children’s fashion, that problem turned into a fully-fledged addiction. Fun-sized fashion is just irresistible; the vibrant colors, patterns, and adorable accessories. And since children’s clothing is smaller by nature, and uses far less material, pieces typically retail for just a fraction of the price. Those are some excellent savings (per, girl math.)
Whether you have a newborn, tiny tot or rambunctious tween, there are many options. Some of my personal favorites: knit hats, baby joggers, denim overalls, shimmery tutus, ruby red rain-boots, tiny tuxes, and of course, all of the enviable loungewear — with all that time spent napping, it has to be top-notch material.
Hence, it’s time to bring you a roundup best children’s clothing brands. In light of this precious task, I’ve scorned the Internet, read hundreds of reviews, and tested many brands firsthand. The Post has also consulted Postpartum Doula, Valerie Trumbower, for expert recommendations on shopping for little ones and buying kid’s clothing on a budget.
Read below for our top finds, or if you’re looking for more kid’s shopping suggestions be sure to check out our roundup of the best children’s toys and top kids sneakers for back to school. And for those celebrating new little ones on the way, don’t forget to check out our baby shower gift guide.
I’ve considered a few factors when it comes to selecting the best kid’s clothing. Here is the criteria:
Style: “Enjoy picking out her outfits while you can!” was one of the first comments I got from friends and family as soon as I had my daughter. And that I will — I’ve sifted through dozens of kid’s clothing brands to select my favorite styles while my daughter is still young enough to agree with my choices. While I love many pieces for the sake of fashionability, I’ve also noticed she takes more interest in some prints and patterns than others — a plus for sensory development. My top brands also offer a range of sections, from sleepwear to going-out-wear.
Material: The brands I can personally recommend have been gentle on her skin — bamboo, organic cotton, non-toxic, eco-friendly dye, etc. Of course, I give extra points to anything easy to change her in and out of. Simple snap-closure buttons and zippers are a secret necessity among parent new parents. With little ones that seem to grow overnight, finding stretchy, flexible material is also a must.
Cost: Just like adult clothing, you’re sure to find a wide range of prices, depending on the quality you’re searching for. I’ve scored incredible deals on plenty of essentials from bigger brands like Amazon and Target, and occasionally indulged in some standout pieces like dresses and jackets from the ‘luxury’ kid’s brands. I’ve included both budget-friendly and splurge-worthy recommendations in this roundup.
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Hanna Andersson has a well-earned reputation in the kids clothing business. The Swedish brand has built a cult following and is a favorite amongst celebrities including Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner, and regular civilians such as myself.
Chief Product Officer, Kara Carter, told the New York Post that “every piece is designed with the intention to support kids’ comfort, independence, and discovery.” My favorite element of Hanna — the variety. You can find everything from signature sets and staples, to matching family outfits, Disney character collections, and even pre-loved ‘Hanna-me-downs.’ Take a scroll through social media and you’re sure to find a few babies sitting under the tree in one of Hanna’s iconic Long Pajama Sets or a pair of French Overalls. By biggest gripe with this brand — it’s hard not to buy everything.
Tea Collection Founder, Leigh Rawdon, told the New York Post that her company’s mission is to bring a little of the world to families: “Parents appreciate that our clothes are made to last, the distinctive globally inspired style, and that every purchase gives back to ensure a better world for children everywhere.”
Twice a year, CEO Leigh Rawdon and her team explore a new region of the world and transform their discoveries into a collection of high-quality, modern clothing for children. My personal favorites from the brand: the Apres Ski Edit (which includes this matching fleece jacket with bear ears and fuzzy sweats) and Paris Je T’aime line (my daughter will be living in this pink poodle cardigan). The vibrant colors and animated prints look like they could have come out of a children’s book or Baby Vogue.
CEO Jeremy Fischer, explained that he started Young Days after he was underwhelmed with the childrenswear options on the market. “We set out to design the solution for ourselves and the many like us who wanted stylish and sustainable clothes for their kids at a better price point,” Fischer shared.
Young Days has that playful style that is so reminiscent of running around the backyard. It’s no surprise that the brand is designed by parents, for parents. What I love about it? They offer a wide selection of gender-neutral, modern mix-and-match basics — take a look at this Bergen Jacket and Nantucket Shirt. This style truly comes in handy for hand-me-downs, or parents planning for siblings. Shoppers can also save some money by choosing from hand-picked bundles that include a full collection of pieces that go perfectly together (check yes for convenience).
Primary’s Co-founders set out on a mission to rewrite the rules of children’s clothing, and that is just what they did. Their products reflect their goal of producing clothing that reflects “every color for every kid. With no labels and no slogans. Super soft and sustainable fabrics, for clothes that all play together.”
They’re basics are unfussy, simple, and wearable, without compromising quality. Many pieces are offered in solid colors, which makes for great layering options. Clothes are also pre-washed, so you shouldn’t experience shrinkage. One section of their site that stands out: the DIY Halloween Shop, which provides recommendations with 100s of easy DIY ideas and a rainbow of Primary Basics to turn into your kid’s favorite character.
According to Trumbower, who specializes in the “fourth trimester” which encompasses the first three months of a newborn life, selecting the right baby clothing can make a huge difference with the amount of sleep new parents get.
“I once saw a quote that said, ‘friends don’t let friends buy baby clothes with snaps.’ This is so true. Snaps take time and in the middle of the night less time, which means more sleep,” explained Trumbower.
Trumbower recommends looking for baby clothing that is easy to change in and out of: “When you’re buying baby clothes think about what will be fastest during the middle of the night diaper changes. Gowns with elastic at the bottom, zippers and magnets are my favorite!”
Pehr is a female-founded, female-led children’s clothing company that works with artisans and partners whose skilled hands bring their products to life.
This is the brand to come to for shopping for casual and comfortable clothing that is built to withstand the adventures of young life (eating, sleeping, and playing). Another plus? Pehr uses 100% organic cotton in all their apparel which ranges from rompers, long sleeve pajama sets, jackets, pants, dresses, socks, booties, and more. I mean, they even have mini ponchos! Everything is in the details at Pehr — many of their pajamas are made with ‘grow with me’ cuffs and sleeves for toddlers, as well as two-way zippers for baby.
“As far as fabric there are a lot of really soft fabrics being used for baby clothes. Bamboo is super soft!” explained Trumbower. “Little Sleepies is great. The fabric is super soft and has some stretch so sizes tend to last longer.”
Maradith Frenke was inspired to create a children’s clothing brand for sensitive skin: “The idea for Little Sleepies was born shortly after my second son, Gavin. I became frustrated at the lack of sleepwear options on the market that were cute, affordable and gentle enough for his eczema-prone skin!” the founder explained. So, what was her solution? Little Sleepies designed their custom-milled blend of bamboo viscose, called Lunaluxe. The fabric has a cloud soft touch that is extra gentle on newborns, babies and children that have skin which becomes easily irritated. For parents of kiddos with sensitive skin, this brand will quickly become a family favorite (especially, these rainbow pajamas).
Mori was inspired by minimalist Japanese design, and it shows in their pieces; everything is sleek, simple, and wearable (my personal favorites are their Waterproof Recyled Padded Coat and precious Polka Dot Quilted Sweater). Many of their nappies also feature a clever double zip babies can be changed easily, and toddlers can have their feet out just before bed. In addition to their abundance of sleepwear, the brand also sells toys, nursery items, and gifts for kids and parents, making it a wonderful one-stop-children’s-shop.
Target is one of Trumbower’s top picks for budget-friendly children’s clothing. “The Cat and Jack brand from Target is affordable and they have really cute clothes,” she pointed out.
You can truly shop for every stage of life at Target. With tops from $4 and bottoms from $5, it’s hard to go wrong. Just take a look at this handsome Plaid Button-Down Shirt and Baby Girls’ Bubble Floral Romper. Need to accessorize? The Cat and Jack line also offers some adorable add-ons, like bows, headbands, and scarves. New items are constantly being added, so be sure to check their variety through the seasons.
Of course, we can’t forget Amazon. Amazon delivers all of our greatest needs -— from groceries and home supplies to cleaning products, all with ease and fast-shipping. Their baby clothing section does not disappoint, either. The Amazon essentials line is stocked with colorful basics, and many sets of three or more items (go get the most bang for your buck). There is even a section for kid’s uniforms, so your little one will be ready to head to school in style.
“Baby Gap is my absolute favorite and has been for years. Boy clothes for special occasions can lack variety at some stores. Khakis and a sweater vest for every holiday can get boring…” explained Tumwater. “Baby Gap has variety and often on sale.”
Tumwater’s glowing review of Baby Gap certainly holds true. You can’t miss their mix-and-match pieces, going-out sets from the ‘Party Shop‘, and darling denim options. Most of their single pieces sit below the $30.00 mark, and many in the single digit range, making this another excellent option for those looking to save.
Think rainbows, surfing, and perpetual happiness. That pretty much sums up Aviator Nation — the tried-and-tested, vintage, cool-kids brand. Their pieces are all over the streets of New York City, the slopes of Aspen Mountain, and the shores of Santa Monica. And for far less money than some of their fully-grown pieces, they can be on your kiddo too.
Personally, I think when it comes to splurging, it must be done on clothes marked by both exceptional quality and timeless appeal. Aviator Nation does both. There’s a great mix of casual staple pieces, like this zip hoodie and matching sweats, as well as stunning outerwear like their glossy retro snow jackets, and fun accessories that would also make great gifts — like this lightning bolt Trucker Hat.
If you’re hunting for the coziest pajamas for your little one, look no further. With Petite Plume’s luxurious sleepwear, your children will be off to dreamland in no time and look like they just stepped outside of a whimsical fairytale land.
There is something so delightful about Petite Plume’s pieces. I’m a huge fan of their charming striped pieces like the Antique Red Ticking Romper and the Pink Flannel Victoria Nightgown — reminiscent of a bygone era. The company is also just as committed to safety, as they are style. According to the site, every item is blended with just enough inherently flame-retardant fiber to pass strict CPSC regulations without the use of harmful chemicals.
Nordstrom already takes care of all our higher-end fashion needs, and their children’s section is stocked with equally high-quality items. I’ve shopped there for many of the essential first baby pieces, like my daughter’s first pair of mini Nikes and cozy UGG booties.
For someone new to the children’s clothing sphere, starting at Nordstroms can introduce you to wide variety of styles and help refine your taste. You can easily browse many top brands like Tucker + Tate, Mini Boden, Little Me, the North Face and more. They are also a go-to-spot for high-end strollers, nursery decor, and baby shower gifts.
The French know good fashion, and their children’s clothing is no exception. Jacadi Paris combines contemporary influences with classic Parisian roots. Browse plenty of options for streetwear, like this varsity cardigan and high-couture bright pink wool coat. Or, check out their ceremony outfits, like this beautiful communion dress embellished with pleats and a peter pan collar. The brand also happens to offer a large shoe selection; from mary janes and ballet flats to lined boots, loafers, and moccasins.
When it comes to Spring and Summer outfits, I know exactly where I am going: Babybala. They’re dainty, whimsical, and thoughtfully designed silhouettes are perfect for special occasions (just imagine, beach days tea parties in the park).
The creative mind behind the brand is Katie Gaston, a former interior designer and Birmingham native. Gaston has drawn inspiration from her own childhood clothing, as well as vintage textiles and heirloom quality details that she sees in her work. Many of the pieces give nod to her Southern roots. Two of my tops picks — the elegant Frances Cardigan and darling Reese Dress.
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