14 Canadian brands to shop for kids' back-to-school fashion
Stylish and comfortable picks at every price point
It's hard to know what this pandemic school year will look like, especially for young children who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. But as a parent, I'm trying to remain hopeful that in-person learning can safely continue throughout the school year.
Right now, that means shopping for new clothes and litterless lunch essentials for my elementary school-age children, instead of the portable hand sanitizers and kid-sized fanny packs that were last year's must-haves. Poofy dresses, gender-neutral separates, organic cotton basics in trendy colours — they're ready to wear it all, after so many months of virtual school and Zoom playdates.
Ahead, 14 cool picks for little kids from Canadian fashion brands.
This cotton poplin dress from Joe Mimran's new baby and kids label, Rise Little Earthling, is made for first-day-of-school photos.
Rise Little Earthling Picnic Dress, $29, Toys "R" Us
Whistle & Flute offers gender-neutral kids' clothing made with organic fabrics. This stretch-denim jacket will make stylish layering a breeze this fall.
Bamboo Denim Jacket, $60, Whistle & Flute
Tentree's Lorax hoodie is made with organic cotton and recycled polyester, and the company works with partners to plant 10 trees for every item purchased.
Kids Lorax Speak For The Trees Hoodie, $45, Tentree
Available in seven colours, these unisex pants are made in Canada using an organic cotton fabric.
Louis Slim Jogger, $46 (on sale for $39.10), Petits Vilains
Ten-year-old Mya Beaudry, who's Algonquin from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation north of Gatineau, Que., founded this colourful accessories line in 2019. Each handmade scrunchie is named after an Indigenous woman that Mya looks up to.
Kokom Koreen Scrunchie, $9.98, Kokom Scrunchies
Fairechild, a Nova Scotia-based label, specializes in waterproof outdoor garments for kids. Available in colours like morel and goldenrod, these charming rain pants come with adjustable suspenders and stirrups.
Rain Pants, $105, Fairechild
Somewhere between an anorak and a hoodie, this tailored French terry polo is sure to become a wear-to-school staple.
Camp Zip Polo, $48, Roots
This sustainably-minded label from Cochrane, Alberta, is currently on a hiatus. But you can still shop styles from the brand's 2021 essentials collection online (and on sale!).
Relaxed Jogger, $62 (on sale for $56), Sēm
A classic flannel shirt that's comfortable enough for everyday wear but cute enough for school picture day.
Flannel Plaid Shirt, $44.95, Souris Mini
This minimalist, gender-neutral clothing line offers kids' tees and sweatshirts printed with bold, positive messages and graphics. Each order is printed on-demand in Toronto.
Legendary Sweater, $40, The Chevron Heart
Cozy and fashionable, this leopard romper is great for transitional weather days.
Mini Sunday Romper, from $58, Smash + Tess
The kids can get in on fall's turtleneck trend with these pretty, printed mock necks.
Agaboshi Floral Mockneck Top, $28 (on sale for $23.80), Agaboshi
Mini Mioche's organic cotton ballet dresses, available in five solid colours and three stripes, will please even the pickiest fashionista.
Ballet Dress, $39, Mini Mioche
This classic black moto jacket is machine washable and oh so cool.
Faux Leather Biker Jacket, $39, Joe Fresh
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.
