Why Can’t Good Things Last?
Visit the Foxlilie website and the first thing you’ll see is our slogan: “Clothing Kids Live In.” But the truth is, kids are going to “live in” their clothes no matter what! The real question is whether the clothes can keep up with them, or even survive the experience. I know they say “Good things never last,” but with Foxlilie, I’m hoping to prove them wrong.
Once I became a mom, shopping for my son Eli’s clothes was all about practicality. That meant finding clothes for him that were comfortable and fun—but also durable. There are plenty of kids’ clothing brands that are fun, but for the most part the garment industry does not produce durable kid’s clothing. Many companies just crank out popular designs, without considering the quality of the fabric or the construction of the clothing. Of course, none of this is surprising. It’s more expensive to factor durability into the equation. It takes time and money to make a garment from start to finish while meeting higher standards of quality at every step of the process. With cheaper production options overseas and greater access to materials online, businesses can cut overhead and increase profits.
Just like I knew what clothes I wanted for my own kid, I also knew what kind of clothing I wanted to sell when I started Foxlilie. I set out to make “clothing kids live in” not just a slogan, but a practical approach. I start by listening to what parents tell me they are looking for in their kids’ clothing and build from there. At the beginning of creating any new design, I ask these questions: How efficient is this design for everyday wear or rough play? How adaptable? How versatile? I also consider whether the clothes can adapt when the weather shifts. Do the sleeves or pant legs roll up or lengthen easily? Do the styles layer well? I love to make clothing that is reversible too, so if a top gets stained or a child wants to wear the same clothes again as some kids do, parents have options!
“I set out to make “clothing kids live in” not just a slogan, but a practical approach. I start by listening to what parents tell me they are looking for in their kids’ clothing and build from there.”
Most importantly, I wanted play clothes that were durable. My son wears through the knees of his pants quickly, often before it’s warm enough to turn his pants into shorts for the summer season. My friends’ daughters wear through the knees of their leggings. So, all Foxlilie pants and leggings are constructed with reinforced knee patches that kids can fall and tumble and skid on. Making clothing that would last also meant that I could envision clothing that “grows” with a child, like pants that roll up and then roll down to lengthen as kids grow taller. I imagined a tunic design that starts out as a dress and becomes a top.
I also wanted the Foxlilie line to be versatile for all kinds of occasions. It would include staples with styles that would repeat from season to season, but with bespoke printed fabrics adding something playful and unique to the overall look. I wanted styles that were timelessly trendy like overalls or reversible skirts. Lastly, I wanted to make clothing that was age appropriate. Friends who have girls often tell me how hard it is to find clothing for girls 8-12; everything is either too cutesy or else too skimpy—more like something a teenager would wear than a 10-year-old!
I always try to choose fabrics that are not just durable but also flexible, soft, and easy to play in. The way the clothes are constructed, from pattern to stitching, is also important when creating any item. Each style is designed and analyzed in detail at every step with the intention of constructing it for outdoor play. I work closely with my team to ensure that we are considering all the options to meet that "quality design with high function" standard.
All kids have some favorite item of clothing they can’t bear to throw out, even when it doesn't fit anymore. My goal with Foxlilie is to create that kind of kids’ clothing—to make good things that actually do last.
