Reviving the Tradition of Quality Kids Clothing

by Francesca Brunsden, Social Media Manager and Mom

Kids outgrow their clothing quickly. But that doesn't mean it's a waste of time looking for good quality, timeless pieces. The average Canadian family spends $3,371 on clothes every year. That's a lot of money! What happens to most of that clothing? It ends up in the landfill.

The tradition of passing clothing from kid to kid and generation to generation has been lost in this world of Fast Fashion. There's a reason our parents' generation did things differently. They knew that buying high-quality clothing meant money in your pocket in the long run, less time spent shopping and doing laundry, and more time spent with your family.

Poppys Collection does not support Fast Fashion. We want to save you money and time, and unlike a lot of the baby and kids clothing companies out there, we believe in quality over quantity. Kids clothing should be made to last, not to be thrown out after a couple of washes. Clothing should be well-loved and passed along to our loved ones. That's why we only invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that are made or designed by moms for moms and their little ones. 

Here are some tips for keeping your baby and kids clothing in great condition.

HOW TO BUY CLOTHES

Look for classic styles and gender-neutral colours and patterns. Clothing made with natural fabrics, like wool, linen, bamboo and cotton, tends to last longer. Look for quality manufacturing, as well. Double layers of fabric, bound seams, and high-quality finishings mean more care went into making your garment.  The best way to judge clothing is to let your hands and your eyes guide you. Does the garment feel smooth, soft and substantial? Does the fabric return to its original shape after stretching? Is the stitching smooth, flat and tightly spaced?

HOW TO PROTECT CLOTHING

Invest in a bib or sleeved-bib to protect your child's clothing while they're eating or playing. Spills happen all the time, so why create more work for yourself?  Outdoor gear is also important. Get your little ones suited up in Grass & Air's Rain Suit to keep them dry and to protect their clothing against the elements. The durable nylon fabric and waterproof taped seems are easy to wipe down with a wet cloth after a morning of jumping in muddy puddles. Now that's smart! 

HOW TO FIX PILLING

Pilling happens when fabrics rub against each other, especially in the washer or dryer. Buy a fabric shaver to remove any pills on sweaters or fleeces. Consider washing fabrics that are prone to pilling in separate delicate garment bags. 

HOW TO WASH BABY CLOTHES

Spot clean whenever possible and, unless a garment is filthy, try to do laundry less often in general. Wash everything on the cold setting of your washer. Turn jeans and dark coloured pants inside out to avoid fading. Air dry or lines dry clothing whenever possible. To prevent wrinkles, fold clothes immediately after the drying cycle has completed.

Stain: Proteins

For proteins such as formula, breast milk, spit-up), soak stains in cool water with an enzyme product. If that doesn't work, try an all-purpose stain remover and launder normally.

Stain: Urine

Removing a urine stain takes two-steps. First, dilute 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 cup of water, and use it to treat the area. Remember to dab the mixture in a small area first to make sure the garment is colourfast. Second, use a stain-removal product and wash normally.

Stain: Baby Oil

Start with a prewash stain remover. Wash in the hottest water that is safe for the garment, according to its washing instructions. Let the garment line dry to ensure the stain has been removed. Heat can set an oil stain if it's not completely removed.

Stain: Fruit & Veg

First, try rinsing the stain with cool water. Then try placing the garment in a 1-to-1 combination of rubbing alcohol and water, and wash normally. If that doesn't work, try a prewash stain remover, followed by laundering. If that still does not remove the stain, soak the garment in a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water and wash again. 

HOW TO STORE CLOTHES

Zip zippers and button buttons. Loose fasteners can pull and snag clothing, leading to more wear and tear. Give the clothes enough room to breathe. Overstuffing drawers, cupboards and containers can stretch, pinch and wrinkle clothing unnecessarily. Try to wash and fold clothing that's now too small for your little one and store it in labelled clear plastic containers in a cool and dry place. That way, they'll be clean and ready to go when the next baby arrives!

At Poppys Collection, we're committed to the tradition of selling high-quality, elevated basics that your kids will love and you'll love to share. Please contact us at hello@poppyscollection.com if you have any question about caring for our garments.

About the Author

Twitter: @wethemamas  Instagram: @wethemamas  Facebook: @wethemamas  Francesca Brunsden is a transplanted Brit, a hairstylist-turned-entrepreneur, a queen crafter, and one social mama. Her network boasts some of the most highly connected millennial moms in with a reach of 2.5 million followers and growing. Her social media management skills are unparalleled: whether it's making compelling Instagram stories and posts, beating the latest iteration of social media algorithm into submission, or building personal and long-term relationships with customers and influencers. Francesca has perfected the brand voice that connects with millennial moms where they are at least 8 hours every day, online.