How to Keep Your Kids’ Wardrobes in Decent Shape (the zero guilt edition)

Sometimes I look at my kids and all I see is confiture and chaos. They grow like weeds, stain things with mysterious substances (is that chocolate or…?) and somehow manage to wear out a knee faster than you can say “stop hitting your brother.” 

But if you’re trying to live a little lighter on the planet—and a little gentler on your wallet—keeping their clothes in good shape is one of the best ways to reduce waste and consumption. After all, when they’re done with it, it can still be loved again by another kid.

Here’s how to make what you already own last longer without banning mud and joy.

1. Stain Management 101

Instead of throwing something out because of one rogue raspberry, use your magic stain-removal toolkit: dish soap and a repurposed old toothbrush. Or for really tenacious stains, (vegans close your ears) grab a bottle of stain treatment with fiel de boeuf in it. Yes it’s made from cow stomach, but holy cow, does it work! And it’s biodegradable. Treat stains sooner rather like it’s no big deal and teach kids to help. It’s both a life skill and reinforces mama rule number 1: getting dirty is fine, but if you make a mess, you clean it up.

2. The Gentle Wash Revolution

You know those care tags we all ignore? Turns out they’re not just there to make us feel guilty. It took me until I was in my late thirties and many shrunken sweaters to learn to pay attention to them, but those things actually know what they're talking about! Washing clothes less often—and more gently—dramatically extends their life. Especially with wool, a quick spot clean or airing outside is often enough. (For your own delicates, a theater friend swears by putting a little vodka in a sprayer and spritzing the armpits. The alcohol kills microbes and evaporates odors.) When you do wash, choose cold water 75% of the time, always a gentle biodegradable detergent, and skip the dryer if you can. Tumble dryers are basically textile torture chambers. Line-drying might take longer, but it saves energy, preserves fibers, and makes everything smell like sunshine and virtue.

3. Mending as a Superpower

You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to sew on a button. Visible mending is officially cool now (see prior videos as proof!). A colorful patch on a knee or a few contrasting stitches on a tear can give new life to old favourites. Check out our Instagram for simple mending tutorials on Tuesdays. I promise to make it easy and fun!

4. Re-evaluate the “Need”

Before buying something because it’s cute and on sale, pause and ask: Do we actually need this? Can I find it secondhand? A surprising amount of children’s clothing is bought on a whim (Guilty as charged. "But it was on sale!" is the battle cry of my people). Making a list of true gaps—winter coat, sandals that fit, extra leggings—helps curb impulse buys, even if it's on sale. It’s not about denying joy; it’s about choosing quality and longevity over clutter.

5. Store Smart

When the seasons change, wash and pack away what will still fit next year—or what could fit a younger sibling. Avoid plastic bags (they trap moisture) and use breathable cotton bins or old pillowcases instead. Clothes will last longer and you’ll avoid that dreaded “mystery mildew” smell.

Keeping your kids’ wardrobes in good shape isn’t about never letting them get dirty—it’s about small habits that add up. A gentler wash, a quick mend, choosing quality over quantity. The less we consume, the more we value what we already have. And honestly? A patched pair of jeans tells a much better story than a brand-new one ever could.