Ah, those golden years when your little ones actually let you dictate what they’re going to wear. In celebration, we rounded up our favorite clothing brands, both staples and new discoveries—that hit that venn diagram of appeasing both adults and kids.
Koolabah
This Swedish line revolves around simple shapes—but that’s where the minimalism ends. Quirky prints (confetti, raccoons, diamonds) and bright colors are mainstays. As a bonus, everything in the line is unisex, and it’s 100% organic, too. Ages: 3 Months-6 Years
Mini & Maximus
Screen-printed, hand-drawn illustrations on eco-friendly materials (bamboo, organic cotton, water soluble ink) are mainstays here—that, and artist collaborations, which keep this California brand fresh. Ages: Baby-12 Years
Zara
The picks here are achingly cute and fashion-forward, thanks to interesting details and cuts that are reminiscent of Zara’s line for grown-ups. To be predicted, the prices are kind to wallets, too. Ages: Baby-14 Years
Anaïs and I
Launched by an architect who wanted to make cool clothing for kids that wouldn’t hold them back on the playground, this New York City-based label does just that: You’ll find lots of cute (and supremely washable) shorts, t-shirts, and pinafores. Ages: Baby-16 Years
junkfood
Here, you’ll find any number of iconic concert tees for the tween set—no bother that they were born too late to enjoy any of the bands on tour. Ages: 2 Years-16 Years
munster
Surf, skate, and street-culture inspired, Munster (and its coordinating Mini Munster line for really little ones) is predicated on the idea that if the themes are kid-friendly, and the shapes are compelling to adults, it works out well for everyone. Ages: Baby-14 Years
bonpoint
Sure, you’ll grimace every time your kid heads for a muddy soccer field, but the pieces from this iconic French brand are so well-made and so sweet, you kind of have to shake it off: They’re heirlooms. Ages: Baby-12 Years
soft gallery
Based out of Copenhagen, the prints and embroideries are done via artist commissions, meaning that every piece feels special and one-of-a-kind. Ages: Baby-14 Years
crewcuts
Everything at J.Crew’s crewcuts is so cute it hurts, from the perfect, pint-sized striped tees, to the corduroys and tulle skirts. Bright colors prevail. They also do great swim for all ages. Ages: Baby-14 Years
nico nico
Pre-baby, Sue Tsai was a stylist and designer—and then she had Nico, and decided to turn her creative energies toward a kids line from organic materials that’s nicely priced, too. As an awesome bonus, it’s all made in the USA. Ages: 18 Months-12 Years
old navy
Much like its BabyGap brethren, this much-loved brand really nails it in the kid’s department, from camo tees, to basic cardigans, to jeans that wear really well. In our experience, it’s always a winner with little ones—and the incredible prices don’t hurt either. Ages: Baby-Adult
boden
While Boden has bigger kid (and adult) lines, they really shine when it comes to the under 4 set: Their contrasting trim onesies last forever, and their star-dotted full-body bathing suits make time at the beach stress-free. They also have great pajamas. Ages: Baby-16 Years
Goat-Milk
The focus here is on organic underwear and thermals that have a European feel—it’s a little luxurious, a little utilitarian, and all unisex. Ages: Baby-14 Years
By boy and Girl
This California line is so well done, you’ll wish they made their cut-off sweat shorts and paper-thin t-shirts in adult sizes, too. It has a simple, beachy sensibility, reinforced by the fact that all the clothing is luxuriously soft. Ages: 2 Years-12 Years
madcap-in-the-making…
Caramel Baby
& Child
This London-based brand manages to nail that laid-back English aesthetic in a way that’s not too prim or precious. Ages: Baby-10 Years
mini rodini
Not only is this oddball line really, really cute, but it’s well-made too, meaning these are the sort of leggings and tees you can wash hundreds of times with no sign of wear. Ages: Baby-12 Years
Kid-Pleasing Shoes
Bink & Boo Bink & Boo Slippers Bink & Boo, $36 These can make anyone’s
ovaries hurt.
Superga Superga COTJ Slip On Superga, $44 Both streamlined and
washable.
vans Vans Kids
Classic Slip On Vans, $37 Irresistibly tough.
nike Boys Nike Air Force 1 Kids Foot Locker, $70 Start their collection early.
Saltwater Sandals Saltwater Sandals Zappos, $39.95 Sweet, sturdy, and impossible
(for kids) to take off.
Native Native Jefferson
Waterproof Slip On Native Shoes, $32 Like an updated (and
equally waterproof) croc.
Websites
Lock your wallets in the car.
ThumbelineThough the edit is tight, this online-only enterprise from L.A. hits all the bases: You’ll find ballet-inspired dresses from Tutu du Monde to grizzly bear bedecked pajamas from Popupshop.
FawnshoppeBeyond an encyclopedic selection of really good lines—Makie, Aden and Anais, Flora and Henri, Stella McCartney, Noe & Zoe—Fawnshoppe also has a well-edited selection of really beautiful toys, room décor, and party supplies.
Sweet WilliamThere are now three outposts of this beloved kid’s boutique (Brooklyn, Manhattan, and L.A.’s Silverlake), and it’s easy to understand why: The selection is fun, bright, and comfortable, as evidenced by the Bobo Choses sweatshirts and Sundek board shorts.
EggyLocated smack in the middle of Third Street, Eggy is the sort of place where you enter looking for a gift, and leave with a whole pint-sized wardrobe. They have a deep selection of lines—as evidenced by the online array—including lots of options for harder-to-fit sizes. Case in point: They carry the Japanese line Bitz Kids, which is great for skinny toddlers.
Shan & ToadMost of the brands at the online mainstay are hard-to-find and European, though the buy matches a wide range of aesthetics, from minimalists, to those more inclined to play dress-up (in fact, a whole section of the site is dedicated to the past-time).
