Spring Kids’ Clothes So Cool You’ll Want Them Too

Here are our favourite fashion-forward labels crafting warm-weather looks for the wee ones in your life

Sometimes, kids clothes are so… juvenile. But there are lots of great brands out there making fun, funky and fresh designs that are so drool-worthy, you’ll wish they came in your size too. (In fact, you’re in luck—some of these lines do make adult sizes!)

Here are our favourite fashion-forward labels crafting spring looks for the wee ones in your life…

 

1. Paper Plain

A kids’ streetwear brand based in Vancouver, Paper Plain creates urban looks that reference and pay tribute to hip-hop and urban culture. From shirts featuring Lego versions of hip-hop legends to mashups with high-end staple logos and colourful graphic tees (from $30), this company proves you’re never too young to love fashion.

 

2. Smash and Tess

With a cult-like following for its super comfy and stylish rompers that easily transition from the bedroom to brunch, it’s no surprise that Smash and Tess’s tot-sized rompers get rave reviews, too. Its Mini Friday and Mini Sunday unisex rompers (from $48) are perfect for playtime and delightfully stylish, and they wash like a dream, to boot. The brand also has an online collaboration with Jillian Harris that’s made up of adorable Jilly Bean Mini jumpers in Pasutto Peach and Annie Almond.

 

3. Herschel Supply Co.

Arguably the coolest brand out there when it comes to backpacks (and now luggage), Vancouver-based Herschel makes mini versions of some of its most popular products for the wee ones in your life. Standout spring favourites include the Survey backpack in multi-floral or star dreamer (shooting stars), and Glendale caps in a paisley bandana design. Have a baby? The label’s Strand totes, with change pad, come in fresh new prints like jungle and painted floral.

 

4. Peakaboo Beans

Peakaboo Beans makes comfy, easy-to-wear and even-easier-to-wash clothes perfect for all kinds of play. And, thanks to spring designs that include a cheery sunflower stripe for jackets, rompers and sweaters (from $42), everyday will feel like the sun is shining. The brand’s Free to Be harem pants ($48) are a must-have for busy kiddos.

 

5. Native Shoes

Need a pair of shoes that will keep up with your high-octane kids throughout the year, from building sand castles on the beach to hiking in the forest to enjoying dinner on the boardwalk? Try Native Shoes. Available in a rainbow of colors, the kicks are flexible, easy to get onto the wiggliest of feet and made of super “lite” EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)—a comfy, waterproof and rubber-like material. 

In other words, even kids with the most discerning of tastes will be able to find a style and colour combo that they can’t wait to slip on. The best news? They’re available in adult sizes, too! The Jefferson ($55) is the perfect spring shoe for your wee one. 

 

6. Ole Originals

Employing patterns inspired by travel, wildlife and Canadiana culture, Ole Originals has embraces retro-cool designs encouraging people to love where they’re from. The label’s kids’ line, Lil’ Ole, mini versions of its most popular styles, letting tots show off their Canadian pride with one-of-a-kind and vintage-y onesies and tees (from $25).

 

7. Minimoc

These made-in-Canada cuties are really just shrunk down versions of the shoes we’ll be rocking this spring. New for the season are leather-fringe moccasins in blush pink, and breathable Voyageur woven slip-on sneakers in standout shades like bubble gum and cotton-candy blue that will be sure to make a splash on the playground. Minimoc founder Amanda Penner says the easy-to-slide-on sneakers have been such a hit that parents have been asking for them in adult sizes, too.

8. Petits Vilains

Offering an elevated and modern take on timeless silhouettes in kids’ sizes, Petits Vilains crafts pieces that are so adorbs you’ll want to wear them yourself. In fact, the brand’s colour palette is chosen specifically to appeal to kids and their parents because “the two aren’t mutually exclusive.” (It’s no surprise that founder Jennifer Christie was a senior womenswear designer at Aritzia for many years.)

Petits’ spring break collection includes button-up boxy shell tops, neutral culottes and knits (from $32), plus ’90s-style scrunchies in muted yet standout florals. A standout fave is the short overalls: a unisex option for warm weather.

 

9. Young Lux

Forget the $1.99 neon bowls at Ikea—Young Lux manufactures high-quality, durable and attractive tableware for kids that actually look good in your dining room. Modern, minimal and durable, the Scandinavian sets (from $14)—made up of bamboo-fibre bowls, dishes and cups—will look great in the chicest of homes, even when they end up on the floor. Bonus: all items are non-toxic, biodegradable and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates.

 

10. Hatley 

Even if the spring brings a ton of rain to the West Coast, rest easy in knowing that your kiddos can weather it in style with this colour-changing raincoat ($58) from Hatley. PVC-free and machine washable, the garment boasts a print that changes colours when it gets wet. You just know it’ll be a huge hit with the Baby Shark fan in your life.

 

11. Fjällräven

Fjällräven is all about getting outside and having adventures where the land meets the sea, which basically describes kids in Vancity. The Swedish apparel company makes tough-wearing, long-lasting and stylish outdoor clothes for kids, including the Keb jacket ($199) which has a detachable storm hood for rainy days and reflective bands that keep the wearer visible in low-light conditions.

 

12. Whistle and Flute 

Adorned with whimsical prints like cartoon suns, clouds, rainbows, sushi, pizza, macaroni and more, Whistle and Flute‘s clothing spark creativity and joy. Plus, twinning is winning: the company makes hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts (from $23) in adult sizes, too, so you can match with your little one and create some killer photo ops.

 

13. Tofino Towel Co.

Perfect for excursions to the beach, these Instagram-worthy Pebble ponchos ($49) from Tofino Towel Co. are lightweight and fast-drying. Plus, they get softer with every wash. The label creates clothing that fit kids from 12 months to six years old, and one percent of all profits benefit B.C. organizations that work to protect West Coast beaches.

 

14. Pineapple Weekend 

Got a mini rockstar in your house? Pineapple Weekend has you covered with raglan baseball tees (from $33) that reference vintage tunes—and bands—of all genres. Think Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Beastie Boys and Metallica. Sizes fit little ones as young as three months, so there’s something for everyone.

 

15. Small Lot 

Nothing says warm weather quite like a straw hat. This double-woven Palm number ($32) from Small Lot features a Liberty of London floral cotton cord and an adjustable wood bead to keep it secure atop even the busiest of tiny adventurers. The brand makes sizes from that fit everyone from babies to bigger kiddos.

 

16. Faire Child

Rain, rain do not go away, if it means we get to break out these rain pants ($88) from Faire Child. As stylish as they are practical, they’re inspired by French “under trousers” and are 100 percent waterproof. Adjustable suspenders and 10 centimetres of modifiable cuffing means they’ll grow as your kiddo does.