Why Moms Deserve Better Options for Kids' Clothing

We love our kids and we all think our kid is the absolute cutest (I win for sure!) but as fashion trends evolve and money gets tighter in our everyday lives due to inflation and the fluctuation of prices from gas to groceries, where do our children fit in?

Our kids grow fast and furious and our clothes and wallets can’t seem to keep up we put what we want at the back as moms because the industry isn’t listening to us. The United States has a poor view of children as a whole and their place in society and that really shows in what little bones are tossed our way. The lack of love for children is the lack of love for mothers.

In the fashion space I often hear “You can tell when a designer really loves women. Christian Dior loves women.” Well I have yet to find a fashion designer that loves children, and I hope that I can evoke that same affection in my clothing as well.

What are we lacking?

Design Focus

Children's clothing is not designed with them in mind. Often clothing brands throw together kids lines to gather a larger audience appeal and make money, but there is no thought put in the designs they are often just tiny versions of adult clothing slapped with trucks or flowers on them.

As I watch my sons grow and play, I noticed that children’s clothing, isn’t designed for childhood. This becomes increasingly evident as you start potty training. Pants restrict mobility and don't provide easy removal In times of an emergency (and with toddlers its always an emergency). And BUTTONS why are we slapping buttons on everything I barely wanna button up my own clothes and I don't need to remove my pants 10 times a day.

Sensory considerations

It can be a common misconception that only kids on the spectrum face these challenges, but we all remember a holiday sweater our moms’ shoved us into that was so hot and itchy. Children feel everything so intensely, everything is a first for them.

Clothes tends to have crazy sequins, itchy seams and tags, clothing that pills and sheds, and buttons or zippers that poke their little tummies.

As a designer considering exactly who is wearing your clothes is #1 priority but when it comes to the clothes of young children it’s more important to consider who is dressing the child. We want our children to look cute, and dress them for outings and events, but currently the mutual frustration and helplessness in the process isn’t always worth the fight.

The Children

On the same note, many toddlers have the capability to dress themselves but are hindered by the poor construction of clothes leading children to a negative association with getting dressed for the day. That's how you end up in sweats and no shoes for awhile, or pajamas.

Lack of Innovation

The United States is behind in the evolution of children's fashion. We show no care for the mother or child in design both avatars are an afterthought.

1. Why has no one come up with a way to prolong the use life of children’s clothing. They grow like weeds and more often than not taller much faster than wider.
2. Sacrifices are always made. Companies cut corners on either style, comfort or durability. We need innovation for comfortable clothing that lasts the tests of children. I'd also prefer it not be tacky.
3. Sizing is inconsistent between brands at best and inconsistent on the same shelf at the worst.
4. Prioritizing quantity over quality, fast fashion is unsustainable, and has a severe impact on our children's futures.
5. Restrictions on the production of children clothing by the government. There are lots of considerations to make when creating clothes meant for children, especially safety. Which leads to no drawstrings among other hindrances.

What we can do today

The #1 most important thing we can do is protest with our wallets, its the only language companies speak in. Invest in companies that are innovative and solve problems.

Also shop secondhand, until there's a solution for parents why waste your money on something you hate and they won't fit next week.

Conclusion

We are essentially told by companies to take what we can get or do it ourselves, well I'm gonna do it myself. So subscribe to my email list for more conversations about transforming the industry and product launches!