The best kids' clothing brands, according to a shopaholic mom

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).

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 piis just irresistible; like the vibrant colors from Tea Collection, patterns from Hanna Andersson, and adorable accessories from Boden.

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 — including gems like Amazon Kids, Little Sleepies, and Pehr.

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.

How We Tested

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.

Shop this article by category:

Best Kids' Clothing Brands for Basics

Hanna Andersson

mom with two kids in heart pajamas — Hanna Andersson

Pros:

Third-party testing to ensure every product meets all U.S. Safety and Hanna Quality Standards.
A diverse mix of basics and special occasion pieces
Pre-loved clothing is available through the "Hanna-me-downs" section
Personal shoppers are available to help select a wardrobe curated for your kids

Cons:

All purchases made March 1, 2021 or after will be subject to a $5 return fee (besides Alaska)

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

Pros:

Great variety for ages zero to 12
The brand gives back — donating 10% of profits to ensure a better world for kids everywhere
One-time price adjustment available on items purchased if you see the item on the site offered for a lower price within 10 days of placing your order

Cons:

Many Tea clothes are 100% cotton (best to wash in cold water with a low tumble dry setting).
Shoppers can't add, change or cancel orders once they've been placed

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.

Boden

Pros:

Best brand for embroidery and appliques (pieces look one-of-a-kind)
Unique accessories (hats, scarves, mittens, bags, and more)
Free return policy for up to 45 days, store credit provided for over 45 days

Cons:

Some special-occasion outfits and coats are on the pricier side

"We are a British brand with a huge sense of fun," said founder Johnnie Boden. "We are known and loved for our unique colors and detailing on our Mini Boden ranges. Above all children love our bold appliques and strong colors that you just don't find anywhere else."

Scrolling through Boden's website is like walking into a fairytale land. Sections are stocked with clothing that truly looks and feels one-of-a-kind. The reason why — Boden's founder aims to create lasting fashion rather than follow temporary fads. I'm yet to find a childrenswear brand that has mastered embroidery to the level of Boden has (see the Embroidered Festive Dress and Embroidered Denim Overalls). The meticulous detailing makes every piece unique, and darling appliques nearly pop off the clothing for added texture and a handmade look. I also must give Boden due credit for their line of accessories. What little girl wouldn't dream of this strawberry crossbody bag? And, every little lad certainly needs a colorblock bucket hat in their life.

Young Days

Pros:

Gender-neutral patterns and colors make these great hand-me-downs
Save more when you buy "Bundles"
Many pieces are designed thoughtfully with zippers (for easy changing)

Cons:

Better for little kids; offering sizes between 0 and 6T
Smaller selection than some larger kid's clothing brands

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 do 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

Pros:

Great selection of basics as well as puffers and jackets
Best for simplicity — no slogans and no labels
Orders placed on business days by 1pm ET ship the same day

Cons:

Less patterns, standout pieces, and special occasion outfits

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.

Best Clothing Brands for Babies

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

- December 12, 2024

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