Your kid loves fashion-forward duds. You love clothes that can take a beating and last more than one season. We looked high and low to find the newest, coolest kid clothing companies that offer the best of both worlds. From affordably chic to gender-neutral styles that work for everyone, read on to discover eight awesome clothing lines perfect for even the tiniest trendsetter.
Cat & Jack
Target’s new line of kids clothing, which launched in July 2016, replaces Chico and Cherokee, the big-box retailer’s long heralded go-to style lines. While you may miss the classic styles of the latter brands, Cat & Jack is filled with almost 2,000 wardrobe staples, accompanied by trendier pieces that’ll keep bargain-hunting fashion fans on the cutting edge of style. Target takes their style seriously: They worked with kids to create Cat & Jack, and even had a group of fashion-forward kiddos stop by headquarters in Minneapolis, Mn, for a session with the designers.
Why you’ll love it: The prices are right on target (ha!), the new leggings are made with reinforcements for hard-playing kiddos, and there’s a one-year guarantee on every item.
For ages: Baby Cat & Jack: 0-24 months, Cat & Jack: 2T – 5T and 4-18 years.
Runway of Dreams
Iconic American designer Tommy Hilfiger believes fashion is for everyone. He collaborated with nonprofit Runway of Dreams to design an adaptive version of his Kids Spring 2016 line, and it was such a success the Fall 2016 line was drawn up shortly thereafter. This collaboration marks the first time a mainstream brand has offered all-inclusive clothing for kids. The brightly colored, comfy gear looks sharp and fashionable, and comes kitted out with a few cool features: Jackets with concealed MagnaReady® magnets that look just like any other snap buttons, polo shirts with MagnaReady® magnetic side seam for easy in and out, denim jeggings with an adjustable waistband, a MagnaReady® magnetic system, Velcro instead of a traditional zipper and button for easy open/close, and more.
Why you’ll love it: The Runway of Dreams x Tommy Hilfiger collaboration is a big step towards making fashion fun and accessible for all kids.
Ages: 4T – 16
Rockets of Awesome
This new clothing company does all the work for you. As a subscription service, Rockets of Awesome delivers seasonal mini-wardrobes right to your doorstep. Each box contains a mix of 12 classic and on-trend pieces, curated to fit your child’s style and preferences (i.e. no buttons, loves patterns, etc). Look for bright, bold colors, comfy design, and soft, high-quality fabrics.
Why you’ll love it: The stylists at Rockets of Awesome tap into your buying history and your kids’ style sense to bring you an uber-personalized wardrobe. Plus, you can browse the e-commerce shop and buy pieces between seasons.
Ages: Boys and Girls 2-14
Cost: No membership, shipping, or styling fees. Purchase only the pieces you love, each under $40, and send back the rest!
Youth Independent Party
Designed and made in Long Beach, Ca, Youth Independent Party (YIP) is a new range of fashion-forward basic knits. From raglan sweatshirts to pocket skirts and dresses, each item is sustainably made with recycled materials and is reasonably priced (tees start at $12). There are only five colors, and a couple prints to choose from, but the modern, hip designs are stylish and comfy—a hard combo to find!
Why you’ll love it: These staples will help you goodbye to early-morning wardrobe struggles.
Ages: 1-10
Athleta Girl
You love the comfy fit of Athleta’s yoga pants, sporty gear, and poof jackets. Now your active little gal can enjoy the same awesome duds. Athleta Girl (online and in selected stores Summer 2016) is designed for girls on the move—the easy-fit clothing goes from school to the soccer field, gym or swimming pool with no fuss. Each item is made in the same high quality of regular Athleta items, colors range from bright fuschia and teal to cool peaches and yellows, and the variety of items means every activity on your family calendar is covered.
Why you’ll love it: You’ll feel good about spending your hard-earned dollars on clothing with a cause. Since 2011, Athleta been the national sponsor of Girls on the Run, a non-profit that helps girls build confidence through fitness.
Ages: Girls: 6 – 14 years.
Age to Come
Started by two moms whose motto was “comfort is key,” Age to Come offers gender-neutral, reversible clothing in black, gray and white. From the super-cozy zipper pants (originally designed to hold LEGO!) to the oversize ponchos, whatever you buy can be passed down to younger family members. Each uber-simple piece starts with base layers of comfy cotton, is made with the best material, and can be worn and washed, worn and washed, and passed on, again and again.
Why you’ll love it: There will be no crying over spilled milk in these clothes. Have your kiddos simply flip ‘em around and go on with their day.
Ages: 3 – 10
Little Activists
Give your kid a chance to become an agent of change with Little Activists. The newly launched company designs and produces t-shirts with cool mantras and great graphics: No Bully Zone, I Root for Trees, No Animals were Harmed, and more. Each one is made-to-order and sent off to you within 10 days. Started by two moms who wanted to create an open dialogue with their own kids in a creative way, Little Activists gear is fresh, engaging, and will let your little do-gooder express himself in a kind way. Coolest part? There’s something for the whole family: Little Activist has capes, tutus, onesies and adult shirts, too.
Why you’ll love it: Little Activist practices what they preach. Each item is made with organic cotton in the USA, and then shipped to you in eco-friendly packaging.
Ages: Infant to adult.
Ace Playfield
If you want to personalize your kiddo’s wardrobe but feel like monogrammed everything is so last year, Ace Playfield is your jam. Started by a family with young kids (Dad is the main designer!), each item is well constructed in a minimalist, fashion-forward style and can be made especially for your little trendsetter. From sports-like jerseys with fun statements such as “Dad is on the squad” to “Mom is my homie,” to adorable onesies and even tote bags, you might be tempted to buy one of everything.
Why you’ll love it: Don’t see what you want? Ace Playfield will work with you to create a custom design.
Ages: 0 – 12
Which one of these new clothing lines did you like the best? Share with us in a Comment below!
—Gabby Cullen
All images courtesy retailers.
