Ethical Kids Clothing

This year (of blogging), I’m delving into sustainable fashion a little more deeply, beyond thrifting which I have, eh hem, mastered.  I thrift for my kids but thought I might pick them up something new, something NEW new for back-to-school just so I would have a reason to explore ethical kids clothing options.  I had no idea where to start so I turned to Google and found some good resources…  First, I scrolled through Flare Magazine’s list of 10 Best Canadian Eco-Shops and when I saw Roots on the list, I thought PERFECT!  I stopped into the nearby Roots Outlet the next day, prepared to buy my kids some cute Canadian gear!!!  But…

Every single garment I looked at was made in China or Cambodia.  Every one.  I asked the clerk whether any of the pieces were made in Canada??  No, and she couldn’t comment on the ethical or sustainable practices of the company nor did her manager when she went to double-check.  Roots was on another list of Ethical Kids Clothing Shops so I double checked on their website – I might suggest the sales associates replicate this handy-duty trick – and was happy to read that their leather products are manufactured here in Canada…

And though their garments are made overseas, Roots follows ethical practices.  BUT we’ve all seen John Oliver’s piece on fast fashion and hopefully read the many many articles highlighting the truth behind many of the so-called ethical efforts, so I contacted Roots Director of Communication and Public Affairs for more information.  Mr. Sarner was kind enough to reply but only directed me back to the website where I found his contact information in the first place.  I was hoping for more specific information, but I’m not exactly an investigative journalist; I’m just a mom who wants to buy clothes for her kids that weren’t made by kids.  I hope Mr. Sarner’s words, and those on the Roots website, aren’t just lip service.  I’m trusting they’re not, and so I returned to Roots and let my kids pick out some clothes…

There are plenty of on-line ethical options for children’s clothing, but most of the sites I looked up went to size 8 max; my 8-year-old is bigger than your average supermodel so that won’t cut it for him or his big bro.  Luckily Roots pulled through as a nearby affordable ethical option.  One more option is American Apparel, with a local store in West Edmonton Mall, which has a kids clothing line and is designed and manufactured in Los Angeles.  And that’s just two options – I bet you could check the labels in stores like The Bay and find other made in North America pieces.

So instead of defaulting to known fast-fashion brands like The Children’s Place, Old Navy, Gap, H&M, head over to Roots or American Apparel.  Or leave the mall and go to the nearby Value Village, Goodwill and other little thrift shops!  One way or another, there is an alternative to fast fashion and a way to buy ethical clothing for kids!