Dressing Kids For Fall—And The New Normal

Returning to school this fall is unlike it’s ever been before. Classrooms will look different; teachers will act different and everything will feel different. Despite the fact they may not be heading back to class the same as previous years, our kids are still growing, playing and learning. They need clothing that will support their new normal—in the classroom, learning from home and, as always, on the playground. Below, the best Canadian kids’ fashion brands to keep little ones comfortable and cute, no matter how they’re learning. (And best of all, you can shop from home. All styles are available online and ship from Canada.) —Jenn Wint

for comfort. Mini Mioche makes the best basics. Their comfy, timeless, unisex staples—rompers, sweats, tees, hoodies and beanies—are made with the softest organic cotton and bamboo. In addition to their signature neutral colour palette, check out new seasonal hues like mustard, teal, coral and pine. Sizes range from newborn to 12 years and clothes are made ethically and sustainably from start-to-finish in Toronto.

for play. Designed for playful living, Vancouver-based PK Beans‘ fall 2020 collection embraces new beginnings with clothes that inspire independence and confidence. Autumn styles embody resilience, going back-to-basics for school and new normals, without impacting comfort and freedom for play. Featuring on-brand colour blocking, rich colours and unisex designs, this collection is made for easy mixing, matching and layering going into the cooler months. This is the first collection with the PK Beans new rebrand.

for style. Kids with unique style will love these exclusive fabrics designed in-house and handmade in small batches. Vancouver’s Lennon and Lime features bold colours, funky illustrations and edgy patterns to create gender-neutral clothing styles that stand out. The brand also offers a line of upcycled styles, repurposing used clothing to create new, unique pieces. Graphic tees are washed, recut and resewn into rompers, dresses, raglans, skirts or hoodies.

for fashion. With designs inspired in Italy, Romeo Milan, out of Edmonton, is a fashion-forward brand for little rebels. Their fall collection outfits kids in distinctive, comfortable, and eco-friendly styles. With art, design, and music in mind, they include a bit of edge into everyday pieces. Fabrics include certified organic cottons, eco-friendly fabrics like tencel/lyocel and bamboo.

for sustainability. Each piece of North Kinder clothing is designed using sustainable materials and is ethically manufactured in Vancouver. Details are thoughtfully planned from having a Canadian distributor that certifies OEKO-TEX fabrics, to drawstrings, clothing tags and hang tags all made by local companies. North Kinder is passionate about giving back to their community through their NK Loves People collection, where 10 per cent of sales go to a charity or a family in need. For those that love to match their littles, they’ve got a twinning collection for Mamas and Dadas.

for lounging. For school, play or the couch, Lav and Kush’s softest fabrics will keep kids comfy around the clock. From Vancouver, these versatile styles are perfect for transitioning from learning to lounging. The unisex romper is a best seller with button closure on the shoulder for easy openings, relaxed fit, and slimmer leg. Fabrics are super soft and breathable, made from 95 per cent cotton and five per cent Spandex.

for feet. Simple products designed in Abbotsford, B.C., for running and jumping, Heyfolk’s fall Voyageur collection introduces four new colours perfect for the season: indigo, nutmeg, sparrow and lilac. The supportive but stretchy design makes them easy to put on and accommodates wider feet or higher insteps. Shoes are washing machine friendly, perfect for activity all year round. Made with post-consumer recycled threads, these eco-friendly kicks divert plastic bottles from landfill.

Additionally, it’s important not to overlook the significance of choosing the right socks for toddlers. Once again, selecting breathable materials like cotton or bamboo is advisable, as they provide hygiene and minimize the risk of skin irritation or discomfort. Many brands understand the importance of comfort and fun for kids and incorporate special features into their socks. For example, toddler socks with grips on the bottom are designed to keep their feet secure with the help of non-slip grips. These grips enhance safety and enable toddlers to engage in physical activities confidently.