8 of the Best Organic Socks for Babies & Kids
The day my son found his toes, my husband and I appropriately ooh-ed and ahh-ed and congratulated him… until we realized that in literally putting his foot in his mouth, he was also getting a tongue full of sock. Already sock-averse, my little infant now pulls his socks off with regularity, generally losing at least one per day. I’m sure other parents can relate to the sock drawer dilemma - lots of lone blue ones, a stray red one, and an assortment of animal-themed loners collecting at the bottom like a pastel zoo.
Like every item of clothing with babies, socks are outgrown fast, and the three-to-six-month socks quickly join the newborn socks in the box full of clothes that no longer fit. Buying baby socks in bulk is not the answer to my growing pile problem. The solution is to buy a handful of pairs in various sizes, allowing baby to grow in and out of them without adding a pile of waste to a landfill. (Most charities will not take used socks as a donation, so their life span is generally how long they last on your little one’s feet).
Finding the right fit in the right fabric can be a challenge for anyone, but especially for babies - their skin is delicate and new, and as parents, we want the fabric to be durable, as well as soft. Organic cotton and clothing made without chemicals are best for the porous skin of a newborn. Socks are just as important to find in organic material as onesies, and luckily there are several brands that have created fun, soft socks for babies of all ages.
Here are the best brands for organic socks for babies and kids.
Ten Little
Materials | 84% organic combed cotton / 14% polyamide / 2% elastane
Price | $12 - $14
Ten little carries Everyday Crew Socks and Everyday Ankle Socks in a variety of colors and patterns. If you’re in the market for some socks with a little more flair but still made from organic cotton, Ten Little is your brand. Sized in Small, Medium, and Large, there will be some trial and error with sizing, but TL provides a helpful “Find Your Child’s Fit” Guide to assist you in your shopping. The ethos of the brand is found in this guide - two women aiming to make buying children’s clothing easier by getting the fit right for your child - not “every” child.
PACT
Materials | 85% organic cotton /13% nylon / 2% elastane
Price | $15
use code SustainablyChic20 for 20% off
Pact’s mission is to make organic cotton products from Fair Trade Certified factories, making them both sustainable and ethical. Their soft clothing covers all of the basics from baby to grandparent, including socks for all ages. The kids’ socks come in packs of three in both crew and ankle cut. The sizes start at 18 months to three years and go up from there, so infants will have to wait. Pact also offers carbon offsets for their shipping, and their packaging (which comes from 100% post-consumer materials) can be sent back with clothes you’d like to donate to nonprofits.
hanna Andersson
Materials | 87% terry cotton / 21% nylon / 1% spandex
Price | $14
The Terry cotton used on the inside of Hanna Andersson socks is designed to stay on baby’s feet (my son would love to test this out). Hanna Andersson’s commitment to sustainability starts with organic cotton. They also promote their “hand-me-down quality” for clothes that will last. These socks are durable and are designed to be handed down from kid to kid.
Mori
Materials | 80% organic cotton / 18% polyamide / 2% elastane
Price | $23 - $24.50
Mori’s commitment to sustainability starts with organic and sustainably sourced fabrics and ends with products designed to be passed on from kid to kid. Their signature fabric is a mix of organic cotton and bamboo from viscose and does not use any additional chemicals, making it both sustainable and safe for baby. The socks come in two sets of colors, shades of pink and shades of blue that lean toward neutral. The sizes range from 0-6 months to 4-6 years, making them ideal for kids of all ages.
Monica and Andy
Materials | 95% organic cotton / 5% spandex
Price | $7.99
If you’re looking for some interesting socks for your newborn, Monica and Andy has them. Their tall tube socks are designed to go thigh-high on baby and keep their little legs warm. Made from 95% organic cotton, they are soft and breathable and won’t overheat baby. Products are limited edition, so if you see pair you like, get them while they last!
Burts Bees Baby
Materials | 72% organic cotton / 26% recycled polyester / 2% spandex
Price | $12.95 - $15.95
I own several products from Burts Bees Baby and have never felt let down. The organic cotton is soft and gentle on baby and does not pull or fade in the wash. Like most socks, BBB contains a percentage of polyester, but they have stuck to their sustainable mission and used recycled material. In addition to ankle socks ranging in size from 0-24 months, they also carry baby booties in sizes 0-12 months. Both have eco-friendly grippers on the bottom, so once baby is on the move, these socks will keep them secure.
Oliver and Rain
Materials | 82% cotton / 16% polyester / 1% spandex / 1% rubber (made with organic cotton yarn)
Price | $10 - $18
Oliver and Rain makes sustainable clothing for babies and kids with an eye for being “parent-friendly” - their clothes are practical for parents and comfortable for baby. The socks themselves are made from organic cotton and come in a cute cuffed style for baby as well as tights for girls. The range is mainly neutral colors designed to match whatever onesie baby wears.
Mini Mioche
Materials | 85% Egyptian combed organic cotton / 12% nylon / 3% elastane
Price | $9
Made in Italy with Egyptian combed organic cotton, these neutral socks will take your baby from infant to toddler to child to pre-teen. All of their clothes are gender-neutral, which means they can be passed on from kid to kid regardless of gender. Their packaging is free from plastic, and products are shipped in a compostable mailer.
About the Author
Kelsey Anderson is a new mom attempting a more sustainable life for her family. You can find her at home in Massachusetts where she is trying to grow a garden and learn to cook.
