Adapting a Capsule Wardrobe in Changing Seasons

If you’re like most busy moms living a sustainable lifestyle, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of having a capsule wardrobe for your child. Not only does it save you money, time, and clutter, but having one helps save the planet too.

But what do you do when the seasons start to change?

The key to transitioning seasons without breaking the bank or overbuying and creating clutter, is to be intentional about your child’s wardrobe - crafting the perfect capsule pieces from the start, that take you through changing seasons.

Creating the perfect kid's capsule wardrobe

Before adding anything, you want to lay the ground rules for what qualifies for the perfect capsule wardrobe piece. These sustainable standards apply to all seasons, and can work for your own capsule wardrobe too.

With a few simple guidelines in place, like an artist with a blank canvas, you can get creative and be flexible as you go.

Sustainable

Sustainability as a conscious parent goes without saying, and it’s not only important for the environment but also for your own wallet. While it’s tempting to want to buy cheap basics at Target, knowing it is likely to fall apart after a few washes, is like throwing money down the drain.

You want your child’s clothes to hold up to the vigorous wear and tear it will go through during its lifespan with you, and because it’s in good enough condition, it can then be passed on to other families to use.

And then there is the 750,000 microplastics shed into the ocean with every load of synthetics - polluting the ocean, killing sea life, and ending up in our food system - and you’ll see why sustainability is at the top of our list.

Choose carefully, buy well

In short, buy from sustainable brands you trust. 

Nui Organics was one of the first sustainable children’s brands on the market in 2004. Back then, only a select few had heard of sustainable fashion and were actively seeking it out. Jump forward to today, and the rise in popularity of eco-conscious clothing, while good news for the planet, is filled with half conscious brands.

Enter the world of greenwashing, and you’ll get a glimpse of why you need to be cautious when shopping.

Greenwashing is a term used for brands that overstate their sustainable claims. Things to watch for include:

• When a brand produces just a tiny range of its product line sustainably but promotes itself as conscious.
• If a brand claims to be sustainable, but is releasing massive collections multiple times a season, they are greenwashing.
• If a brand overstates its ethical or environmental efforts, launching a collection of recycled polyester but not caring about the garment workers or pollution involved in the production, they are greenwashing.

Having a curated list of brands you trust that make high quality, natural fiber clothing will eliminate the worry of false claims and always give you a premium quality garment.

Comfort is king

This goes without saying, but at the rate kids grow, it’s tempting to want to size up, leaving you with pants that are falling down, and tops that look more like dresses.

Comfortable means clothing that is conducive to play and everyday wear, soft against their delicate skin, and that fits well. This is why at Nui, we design with growth in mind. Because comfort is king and a garment that fits and continues to fit as they grow into it, is sustainability made simple.

Intelligently designed

A wardrobe that works in the winter and as the seasons change, that fits your child as they grow, and that keeps them warm while allowing them to breathe while also being sustainable - is intelligence in action.

There are so many things mothers have to worry about, don’t make buying clothes one of them. Intelligently designed clothing can be layered, mixed and matched, and worn during changing seasons. It is made of organic, GOTS certified materials, so it’s pesticide free and safe for your child.

Dressing for the changing seasons

The transition from winter to spring is the perfect opportunity to freshen your child’s wardrobe, without worry or waste.

Instead, it’s just the opposite.

While most people think and plan for 4 seasons, those who value sustainability and minimalistic living, focus on TWO seasons - Winter and Summer. Because when investing in high quality, organic and natural fiber clothing, you can build a timeless capsule wardrobe that flows easily from season to season.

Winter to summer transitional pieces

The first step to selecting your transitional pieces, is to look at what you already have so you know what to add. This isn’t about just buying more, after all, it’s about getting more wear out of what you already have.

With a good winter capsule wardrobe, you probably have the winter essentials: a few chunky organic merino wool knits, some merino wool layering pieces, and comfortable leggings that go with everything.

Once you know what you have, you can then decide what you need that will go with your existing wardrobe, create good layering pieces for the warmer weather, and feel prepared for the unpredictable spring weather with a wardrobe that makes you feel good about your closet AND yourself.

Cotton - The fabric of your spring life

When you think of summer clothes, you probably think about cotton. Breathable, versatile, and a fabric that just gets softer with every wear.

Cotton also makes the perfect transitional fabric to transition your winter wardrobe into summer. The problem with most cotton garments is that they are doused in chemicals, in addition to being made of a thin weave which is too cold for the winter months. At Nui, we tackled those goosebump raising issues head on.

Enter the transitional organic cotton waffle collection, made just for the cooler to warmer months.

Crafted using only 100% organic cotton that is GOTS certified, pesticide and toxin free, our soft and the transitional cotton collection is made with a waffle design. The textured waffle knit traps heat for extra warmth without weighing your child down. The soft breathable material wicks moisture away from your child’s skin and dries fast too.

Here are our best picks of this spring cotton collection!

Organic cotton waffle leggings

These super comfortable leggings are made from our organic cotton waffle. We gave them extra long ankle cuffs to ensure plenty of wear. Along with the gentle elasticated waist plus a functional drawstring organic cotton tie, these leggings can be paired with our waffle Crew, Singlet or Henley, and also with any of our thermal tops and knits. 

• 100% organic cotton
• Elasticated waistband
• Functional cotton tape tie
• Rib cuffs for extended wear
• GOTS certified
• Organic cotton care and brand labels

Organic cotton waffle crew

The organic cotton waffle crew keeps your child warm by trapping heat in the waffle textured fabric, and since it’s organic cotton - a breathable natural fiber - it let’s them breathe.

• 100% organic cotton waffle
• Rib trim
• GOTS certified
• Organic cotton care and brand labels

The organic cotton waffle henley

Variety is the spice of life and of your child’s capsule wardrobe. The soft organic cotton waffle henley is a great way to add variety to your child’s capsule wardrobe. We’re simply nuts about these coconut buttons that are not only all natural but  allow local craftsmen and women to make a sustainable living, while having a meaningful reason to protect their natural resources..

• 100% organic cotton waffle
• Rib trim
• GOTS certified
• Coconut buttons

Organic cotton waffle skivvy

The organic cotton waffle skivvy is perfect for the colder to warmer months. It’s like a sweater with a turtleneck, but the breathable soft cotton fabric keeps your little one warm without the thickness of a heavier knit.

• 100% organic cotton waffle
• Rib trim
• GOTS certified
• Organic cotton care and brand labels

Organic cotton waffle singlet

The secret to any seasonal transition is finding the right layers. A perfect piece is the organic cotton singlet, which can be worn alone on the warmer days, or under a sweater when the weather is cold.

• 100% organic cotton waffle
• Rib trim
• GOTS certified

Quality over quantity

Putting together the perfect capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be hard. With your sustainable standards at hand, you become a conscious curator rather than a consumer. 

With a little intention and inspiration, your child will have a beautiful and comfortable wardrobe that works, and you’ll have saved a lot of time, money, and hassle that you can then spend playing with your child rather than shopping for them.

Feel good about what you buy, and know that you are doing good for your family and the planet too.