Only Child Clothing Alta Top Review

Have you heard about slow fashion?

I've noticed more and more slow fashion influencers appeared on my feed. Basically, in opposition to fast fashion, slow fashion focuses on sustainability, buying from local independent boutiques, focusing on (not always but mostly) natural fabric, promoting brands that practice ethical work culture and labor policy, including fair wage.

Sustainability is the new buzzword and rightly so. There's a lot of question that surrounds the term, and there's been a lot of YouTube videos that point out how brands tend to "greenwash" their consumers. The question of sustainability, nonetheless, must continue, I hope, as we all navigate this world, hoping we don't destroy the Earth too soon. While I am not necessarily 100% a slow fashion wearer, and rather a novice in the field, there are certain things I want to uphold such as brands and makers that do not involve exploitative child labor and ignorance of racial justice and diversity.

So, enter Only Child Clothing. This small boutique in Oakland, CA, seems to have garnered some followers. I first learned about their clothing through fairlycurated. Now, the sad news is, they're closing their store this month. I'm so sad to hear this. It is truly a difficult time for so many small businesses.

I ordered their most popular item, Alta top, on May 8 and received it today, June 8. So it took exactly a month to receive my made to order item. The wait was something I haven't been used to, but not entirely unbearable. When the item arrived, it was neatly packed. I almost wish they hadn't use this plastic bag, but they probably had a reason for doing so. It felt special to receive something, knowing it was made only for me as if I ordered a tailored suit.

The fabric is lovely. Only Child Clothing will send you free patches of sample fabric when requested and I was able to compare their raw silk with cotton and silk blend, the latter of which is what my top is made of. It's a fairly substantial material that feels cool to the touch. It drapes incredibly nicely and the extra fabric, when tucked in, creates a very nice and interesting volume which looks polished. It's easy top to style, dress up or down. The low high hem seems to add an interesting look to this otherwise simple tee. I love the sleeves, similar to a dolman sleeve, it hits my arm in a very nice place, not too short, not too long.

All in all, I'm incredibly happy with my purchase. The store will be closing soon, but it seems they might have a sample sale towards the end of this month. Go check it out and hopefully I'll get to try out more slow fashion makers in the future. I'll share, if I do so.

(July 20 UPDATE: It seems Only Child Clothing is now officially closed.)