Where to find the cutest, gender-neutral kids' clothes
Plus, 11 picks to get their spring wardrobes started
A number of unisex apparel collections and gender-neutral fashion labels for adults have launched in recent years, so it's not surprising that it's become a bit easier to find kids' clothing that doesn't conform to conventional gender norms, too.
While some retailers continue to sell flip sequins and tulle dresses for girls and superhero masks and dinosaur t-shirts for boys, others are actively adding gender-neutral designs into each collection and a few are even offering gender-free sections in stores and online. And, there are a growing number of kids' gender-neutral clothing lines available in Canada, including one that's headed by Céline Dion!
Here are 11 stylish gender-neutral clothing picks that are perfect for kids who don't want to follow the traditional fashion rules (and parents who want to buy clothes that will make for easy sibling hand-me-downs, regardless of gender).
Launched in late 2018, Céline Dion's gender-free fashion collaboration with Israeli kids' label Nununu offers minimalist, mostly black and white apparel for babies, kids and adults. These graphic-print cotton pants, available in sizes from 0-6M to 12-14Y, can turn everyday basics into a statement outfit.
Alphabet Baggy Pants, $93 (on sale for $56), Celinununu
Japanese retailer Uniqlo offers classic garments that are specifically marked for boys or girls, but the majority of styles in the kids section are gender-neutral, and the prices are great. This colourful top is perfect for daily wear, and is a little more fun than your basic striped tee (although Uniqlo has those, too).
Kids Striped Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt, $14.90, Uniqlo
Ethically made in Abbotsford, British Columbia using sustainable and organic fabrics sourced from China, the Little & Lively label offers wardrobe essentials in baby, kids, youth and adult sizes. This cotton and bamboo-blend pullover makes for a nice layering piece in an unexpectedly fresh hue.
Little & Lively Youth Bamboo/Cotton Pullover, $42, The Kindred Clothing Co.
Toronto's Province of Canada label offers a number of unisex children's sweatpants and sweatshirts for kids size two to eight. Made in Canada and printed with an eco-friendly ink, these thick sweatpants are both durable and comfy. Pair them with a button-up shirt for school, and a matching sweatshirt for a cozy weekend look.
Province Kid Sweatpants, $56, Province of Canada
Toronto-based retailer Modern Rascals supports colourful, organic, ethically-produced and gender-neutral fashion for kids from around the world. This vegetable-forward, unisex top from Sweden's Duns label, made using organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, stands out for its extra fun print.
Duns Sweden Eat Your Greens Long Sleeve Shirt, $35 (on sale for $25), Modern Rascals
In 2018, Abercrombie Kids launched an Everybody collection that's gender neutral. It's a small range, but offers a few personalization touches such as fabric markers (free with any purchase from the collection) and iron-on patches.
Abercrombie Kids Long-Sleeve Print Logo Tee, $29.95, Abercrombie
Toronto-based Mini Mioche's stylish essentials are popular with parents of babies and toddlers, but did you know that they offer some apparel in kids and youth sizes, too? Everything is gender-neutral and made in Canada using low-impact dyes and organic cotton or bamboo.
The Ball Tee, $30, Mini Mioche
Based in Victoria, BC, Whistle & Flute offers modern, gender-neutral apparel for toddlers and kids. Available in size 12 months to 12 years, these rain pants come in an adorable cloud print. Style it with the matching rain jacket or t-shirt, or even styled under a favourite spring dress.
Kawaii Cloud Rain Pants, $38, Whistle & Flute
Layer this super-soft bamboo tee solo, or over a long-sleeve knit top for a fun look. We love that Os & Oakes' unisex basics and accessories are all made in Ontario in small batches using a sustainable, bamboo-blend fabric.
Bamboo Classic Ostrich Tee, $28, Os & Oakes
Unfortunately, COS does not offer online shopping in Canada yet. But five of the company's seven Canadian locations do carry the brand's clothing line for children in stores. It's worth the trek to check out their well-made, modern apparel in trendy colours — available in size 1-10 and, for the most part, designed to be gender-neutral.
Coated Organic-Cotton Jeans, about $59.50, COS
Target, which still ships to Canada, offers adaptive clothing for children online, as well as a small unisex selection. (As well, there are lots of gender-neutral baby clothes.) Our top pick from the kids section? All of the adorable, gender-neutral cotton pyjama sets.
Kid's Fruit Pajama Set, about $19.82, Target
