Material
You want your child to be comfortable. Rough fabrics or poorly constructed styles can make them feel irritated and upset throughout the day. In general, cotton and even bamboo fibers tend to be the first choice for children’s clothing because they are more breathable, durable, and comfortable. However, if you’re buying sportswear, it’s not recommended to use 100% cotton because it doesn’t have a natural moisture-wicking function. Instead, you’ll need a moisture-wicking fabric like polyester that will keep your child dry while sweating. Parents look for clothing that is free of harmful chemicals whenever possible. If you’re worried about irritating your child’s skin, pay attention to the trim sewn on your clothes and where they’re located. Trim on the front of clothing, legs, or sleeves is generally safe and does not irritate the skin. In contrast, items located on the skirt or collar may rub against the skin, causing irritation.
Guality
While we do prioritize affordable children’s clothing brands, we can’t pretend it’s easy to indulge in spending a lot of money on clothing for kids. With that in mind, you need clothes that are built to last. This usually means you’re looking for garments that are easy to clean – i.e. machine-washable and tumble dry. Also, look for garments that don’t fade easily after repeated washing. This will help you get the most out of your investment.
Return Policy
Return policies vary widely from retailer to retailer. Parents want to “familiarize themselves with the store’s return policy” before they start shopping. This way, you’ll be aware of the guidelines and avoid shopping in places that may have strict return policies. At a minimum, brands typically offer a 30-day return policy that allows you to exchange or return an item and refund the full amount you paid, either in the original form of purchase (cash or credit card). Note, however, that some stores have a more vague return policy with an unlimited return period. Regardless of the store, be sure to keep receipts and understand that most stores do not accept returns or exchanges for garments with tags cut off or items worn. Keep in mind that return policies tend to fluctuate depending on the time of year. If you’re shopping for clothing during the winter holidays, most brands offer a more lenient return policy.
The Child’s Personal Style
Not all parents or kids are interested in stereotypical design themes like “pink, hearts, cats, and unicorns are girls” and “blue, dinosaurs, and monster trucks are boys.” And not all brands have kept up with this reality. Especially when children are a little older and start expressing their individuality, it can be frustrating for boys who like lilac, girls who like navy, or non-binary kids who just want to wear their favorite cartoon characters without being labeled. Don’t assume what they’ll like before shopping for your child and involve them in discussions about colours, prints, and styles – all while still controlling things like whether the clothes are suitable for the climate or environment.
Organic, Eco-Friendly and Fair Trade Certified
While this aspect may not be important to every shopper, some parents care deeply about fabric composition and ethical sourcing. There are several major third-party certification bodies that can confirm whether a brand is not only organic, but also avoids the use of harsh additives or chemicals on its clothing. Oeko-Tex certified garments do not contain harmful substances. Independent testing using the organization’s Standard 100 guidelines, it will review the brand’s textiles to confirm that they do not contain any prohibited items. At the same time, if you prioritize organic cotton or other natural fibers, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) provides certification after third-party testing to confirm that the natural fibers used by brands in their textiles are organically sourced.