Of course, parents should also be mindful of their child’s skincare needs, such as if their child is sensitive to any types of fabric or whether they might need a fabric that is more breathable for certain activities. A basic understanding of fabric options can go a long way in ensuring quality clothing selections.
2. Clothing Construction
“While the right fabric is an essential first step in producing quality toddler clothing, how that clothing is put together is just as important,” Wang says. “With children’s clothing, you want to pay extra close attention to the seams and stitching. Quality clothing has tight stitching that results in even seams. This is what literally keeps the clothes together as your child uses them. Be wary of any clothing with loose threads or gaps in the seams.”
An article of clothing’s construction also influences its fit — whether it is an appropriate fit for the intended size and style. Quality construction won’t just help an article of clothing stand the test of time. It will also ensure a lasting, comfortable fit for your child.
3. Customer Reviews
Wang is also quick to cite the importance of reviews when shopping for children’s clothing. “If you’re not confident in your own ability to judge the quality of children’s clothes, you can rely on reviews from other parents to help guide your choices,” he says.“Thankfully, the digital age has made it easier than ever for reputable clothing companies to showcase reviews of their products. Obviously, when there are a large number of ratings and reviews, parents can have greater confidence based on the real-life experiences of others.”Such reviews are also especially helpful when shopping for clothing online, as the lack of an in-person shopping experience can make it harder to judge the actual quality of an item of clothing. It is no surprise, then, that Statista reports that 86% of online clothing shoppers “always” or “regularly” check online reviews before buying.
4. Meeting Safety Standards
Safety is naturally an important priority for parents when selecting clothing for their children. For example, it is a common recommendation to avoid clothing with cords or drawstrings that could get caught around the neck of a child under the age of seven. But as Wang notes, this isn’t the only safety consideration parents should consider when looking for top-quality clothing.
“The regulations that have been established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Equipment influence both the design of the clothing, as well as ensuring that harmful substances like phthalates and lead are kept out of the materials themselves. High-quality clothing should naturally meet all applicable safety standards. These items can actually come with a Children’s Product Certificate when they are tested by a CPSC accredited laboratory, which can give much-needed peace of mind to parents.”
5. Availability of Product Details
Finally, in an era when fashion e-commerce now accounts for 20% of all e-commerce sales in the United States, Wang highlights the availability of product details as an important consideration when looking for high-quality children’s clothing.
“High-quality clothing manufacturers are going to provide as much information as possible to help you have confidence in what you’re buying,” he explains. “You’ll get information on the fabric characteristics and thickness, its fit and length, care instructions and more. They want you to make an informed choice so you’ll be satisfied with your purchase. Detailed and easy to understand information is a sign that the manufacturer stands behind the quality of their products.”
Make the Best Clothing Selections
No piece of children’s clothing will last forever — stains, tears and other mishaps are inevitable. However, by following these guidelines, parents can have greater confidence when selecting clothing for their children.
Rather than simply shopping for the cheapest available option, buying from clothing companies that use quality fabric and construction, adhere to safety standards, and provide ample product details and customer reviews will ensure that your child’s clothing will stand the test of time.
The Jezebel editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.
