We think a lot about what goes into KIDLY Label. All our products must look good, feel good and last - kind of goes without saying! - but we're also committed to Going Green. Meaning: where we can use organic or sustainable materials, we do. We've already got Organic Ribbed Tees and Leggings, Onesies, Sleepsuits and Pyjamas and we're committed to making all our cotton organic in the very near future. Also, all our clothing is OEKO-TEX-certified - so no harmful chemicals are used in the production or dyeing process.
We're also really keen on using natural and recycled fabrics. KIDLY Label Rain Boots are 100% natural rubber and our Recycled Padded Jacket and Gilet Recycled Swimwear and Teddy fleece items are woven from regenerated yarn. Our Socks and Tights are made of 80% recycled cotton. Currently, if we can't make something from sustainable or recycled materials, by making sure it's tip-top quality we ensure it's longer-lasting and you can (we hope) hand it down.
Here's a bit more detail on the materials, methods and certifications you'll see in our product descriptions, with links for extra info.
MATERIALS
2 x 2 rib (KIDLY Label Organic Ribbed Legging and Long Sleeved Tee) - like a regular 1 x 1 rib stitch (for those of you who've ever knitted) but made by alternating 2 knit and 2 purl stitches. Rib stitches adds elasticity to fabrics, which is why you'll often see them used for cuffs. We use 2 x 2 rib for our closer-fitting clothes, like our Organic Ribbed Tees and Leggings, because it gives them lots of stretch, while still being 100% organic cotton.
Brushback fleece (KIDLY Label Zip Through Hoodie & Pocket Sweatshirt) - a premium fleece with a fluffy reverse that makes it perfect for winter weight clothes or outerwear.
Denim - All our denim is certified low impact: it uses significantly less water and energy, fewer chemicals and more sustainably sourced cotton. We’ve chosen a supersoft midweight material that has the good looks of classic denim, but the feel and movement of a brushed cotton. So it’s comfy to play in, all day long.
Down-touch pearl (KIDLY Label Recycled Padded Jacket & Recycled Gilet) - the filling we use in all our outerwear, down-touch pearl is a premium recycled polyester, made of thread regenerated from shredded plastic bottles. The thread is carded into fluffy wadding, that's both warm and light. It's then injected into the wide quilted channels of our Recycled Gilets and Puffers. Fill-injected outerwear has less bulky seams, so there's more movement in the garment and it's comfier and less restrictive to wear.
Silicone (KIDLY Label Silicone Bib, Foldaway Bucket & Spade Set, Feeding Range) - silicone is more environmentally friendly than plastic (the material it usually 'replaces' in modern manufactured goods) because it is made from silica, which is derived from sand, so manufacturing silicone does not involve mining for crude oil, which most plastics are made from. It is also more durable than plastic, so it lasts longer. Silicone is 100% recyclable, but not biodegradable, however it does not break down into micro-plastics either, which makes it ocean-friendly and less harmful than plastic. It's also non-toxic and odourless, contains no BPA, latex, lead, or phthalates, and is considered non-hazardous waste. It can also be heated to high temperatures and is dishwasher safe. Food grade silicone doesn't contain any chemical fillers or byproducts, making it safe for use in contact with food.
Loopback fleece (KIDLY Label Organic Easy Sweatshirt & Jogger, Organic Sweatshirt Dress) - aka French Terry, is a knit fabric that's similar to jersey, with loops on one side. It’s midweight, so it's lighter than cold-weather sweatpants but heavier than a tee. We love it because it’s cosy, absorbent and keeps you cool.
Organic cotton (KIDLY Label Organic Onesies, Organic Cotton Beanie & Sood, Sleepsuits & Pyjamas, Cord Dungarees, Knitwear) - there are 3 main reasons why organic cotton is considered better for health and the environment. 1) Healthier soil - natural methods like composting create healthy soil, that acts like a sponge, soaking up water during floods and holding it for longer during droughts. 2) Pesticides - no polluting pesticides are used, so it's kind to skin, especially more sensitive skins. 3) Water use - most organic cotton is grown in wetter areas, meaning rain irrigates it, rather than water being drawn from the ground, which can put pressure on the supply in local communities.
Natural rubber (KIDLY Label Rain Boots) - comes from the latex of the rubber tree. Rubber boots are breathable, so feet sweat much less than in PVC boots, so they’re comfier for prolonged wear. Plus they're supple and flexible, even at low temperatures down to -15°C, are scuff resistant and are good shock absorbers.
PLA (Eco Tableware) - PLA stands for polylactic acid. It's classed as a plastic, in that it’s a synthetic material, but instead of coming from non-renewable petroleum, it’s made from renewable sugars, like cornstarch, tapioca, sugar cane or sugar beet. The end result ‘bioplastic’ looks, acts, and performs like petroleum-based plastics, but with none of the downsides. So it's light and strong, but also recyclable and totally biodegradable.
Recycled polyester & nylon (KIDLY Label Swimwear, Coverall Bibs, Recycled Padded Coat, Recycled Gilet & Puddle Suits, Teddy Fleece, All-In-One, Mittens & Trapper Hat, Mini Backpack) - all our swimwear, outerwear, coverall bibs and teddy range are made from regenerated nylon & polyester. These materials are spun entirely from yarn recycled from PET plastic bottles, fabric off-cuts and post-consumer waste.
Slub Cotton (KIDLY Label Perfect Tee, Perfect Long Sleeve Tee, Organic Easy Sweatshirt & Jogger, Organic Sweatshirt Dress) - Slub thread has sections that are thicker and thinner, so when it's woven the resulting material has a variegated look that adds depth and texture and a lovely vintage-looking feel.
MANUFACTURING METHODS & CERTIFICATIONS
BPA-free - Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an estrogen-imitating chemical used to produce reusable plastic products. These types of chemicals have reportedly had health effects on humans, specifically in foetuses and babies. BPA-free gives you the assurance that these products are food safe.
GOTS certified - Global Organic Textile Standards is a textile production certification that limits the use of toxic bleaches, dyes and other chemical inputs during the production process of textiles. It’s internationally recognised as the toughest organic textile standard because it goes far beyond verifying the organic farming process, to include every step of manufacturing.
Garment dyeing - the process of dyeing garments after they've been sewn together. This gives a lovely relaxed 'lived-in' look to the garment and subtle depth and variation to the colour.
OEKO-TEX certified dyes - to attain OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, fabric has been tested and certified to be free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health.
Nickel-free - Nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy rash that appears where skin touches a usually harmless substance. Nickel can be found in many everyday items, such as coins, zippers, mobile phones and glasses frames. All our zippers and poppers are nickel-free.
Phthalate-free - Phthalates are a family of man-made chemical compounds used in plastics, solvents and personal care products. When absorbed into the body, phthalates can either mimic or block female hormones, or in males, suppress the hormones involved in male sexual development. Phthalates can also cross the placenta. Children under the age of three are more at risk from phthalates because of their developing, smaller body size and the fact they use their mouths to explore so much.
UPF, UVA and UVB - the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun's rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, thus reducing your exposure risk significantly.
NOT FOUND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
If you still have a question about one of our KIDLY Label products, you can jump onto Live Chat and we'd love to help. Just hit that purple button, bottom right.