Independent Children's Clothing Brands vs. Big Chain Stores

When it comes to buying kids clothes, parents are spoiled for choice. From the big high street chains to the independent brands that pop up on Instagram, there’s loads of options. But with growing concerns about sustainability, ethics and wanting to support small businesses, more and more parents are ditching the high street in favour of independent kids clothes brands. This post will weigh up the pros and cons of both and help you decide where to shop for your mini me’s.

Independent Kids Clothes Brands

Pros:

1. Unique Designs: Independent brands offer unique and creative designs you won’t find in the high street, like our very own ‘Exclusives’ Collection. So your child can have a wardrobe that stands out from the crowd.

2. Quality: Small brands prioritise quality over quantity. The clothes are often handmade or produced in small batches so attention to detail and durability is key.
   
   

3. Ethical Production: Many independent brands prioritise ethical production, fair wages and good working conditions for their workers. L&L have been voted Ethical Baby & Children’s Brand of the year for 4th year running <3
   
   

4. Support Small Businesses: By buying from independent brands you are supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. And you are helping someone’s dream come true. Every purchase you make is a step towards the growth of these independent makers and their dreams. Find out how L&& started by Viewing our ‘About Us’ page.
   
   

5. Sustainable Practices: Independent brands are often more eco-conscious, using organic or recycled materials and minimising waste

Cons:

1. Price: Clothes from independent brands are often more expensive due to the higher production costs of ethical and sustainable practices.
   
   

2. Availability: Independent brands may have limited stock and sizes and popular items may sell out quickly.

Big High Street Brands

Pros:

1. Price: Big high street brands are usually cheaper, so more accessible to a wider audience.
   
   

2. Convenience: Big high street brands are everywhere and often offer online shopping with fast shipping and easy returns.
   
   

3. Choice: Big high street brands offer loads of styles, colours and sizes.

Cons:

1. Quality: The quality of clothes from big high street brands can be variable and items may not last as long as those from independent brands.
   
   

2. Ethics: Big high street brands produce their clothes in factories where workers are paid low wages and work in poor conditions.
   
   

3. Environmental Impact: Mass production creates a bigger carbon footprint and more waste.

Conclusion

Independent children’s clothing brands and big high street brands both have their pros and cons. Independent brands offer unique options like alternative and gender neutral collections; focus on quality and often prioritise ethical and sustainable practices but may be more expensive and have limited availability. Big high street brands are affordable and convenient but have ethical and environmental concerns.

Ultimately it’s up to you where you shop. If you value unique designs, quality and want to support ethical and sustainable practices then independent children’s clothing brands may be the way to go. And shopping with independent makers is a way of making dreams come true as you are directly contributing to the growth of small businesses and the realisation of their dreams. If you are on a tight budget and need convenience then big high street brands may be the better option.

Remember every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Choose wisely! Looking to start your handmade clothing collection but on a budget? Our SALE collection is a great place to dip a toe into ethical fashion.