After a 2021 that made us stop to reconsider how we are impacting our world and a 2022 of reinitiation, we are starting to make conscious decisions to be part of the positive change. One of the areas where people understand that they can make a difference is on the fashion industry, by choosing responsible consumption. We think that finally in 2023 there is going to be more brands producing ethically in order to fulfil this demand and, with Hazel Plant Dyed Clothing, we are proud to be part of this.
The market for sustainable baby products has started to grow in the last years, after the high demand for cheap and fast fashion that led to ecological damage. Parents are increasingly aware of the environment, which is leading into new consumption patterns such as choosing natural fabrics and looking for sustainable certifications. But most important, what is that concern parents the most? It is the health of their little ones. This is the number one priority when purchasing anything and luckily, there are more and more brands offering chemical-free, hypoallergenic and antibacterial products.
Comfort and practicality come second. These applies not only to adults loungewear outfits but babies as well! Parents are choosing essential easy-to-change pieces, simple designs that allow freedom of movement and comfortable, high quality fabrics. Colours and figures that are inspired by nature are the major elements in the children’s clothing industry this year. The Pantone Color Institute released 'Viva Magenta' as the color for 2023 - "Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit" (extract from https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2023). Color coordinated sets are also still in fashion this year!
Shopping online and from small business is going to continue growing (Nextdoor Editorial shares that consumers spent 76% more in online shopping than in 2019), with people looking into ordering from companies that produce locally and have eco-friendly packaging to ship overseas.
Another trend for this year is "less is more", encouraging parents to buy high quality garments that can be reused many times and later be passed on to siblings or friends. Having in mind that high quality baby clothes need more thorough work, and that natural materials and ethical processes require a bigger expenditure - parents are willing to spend more as an investment on their kids and the future generations.