Review: The Frugi SS20 Ikigai Collection

*Please note that these products were gifted to me for the purpose of this review post. This post also contains affiliate links which, if clicked on and a purchase made, will provide me with a small commission – which goes towards supporting my family. Thank you*

When I was pregnant with Rex, I discovered Frugi. Their clothing was perfect for me and lasted. Not just because of the quality of their products, but because it doubled up and became useful for when I was breastfeeding.

When they recently wrote to me to introduce me to their new collection and explain the concept behind it, I was very excited. Even more so when they offered me some pieces for Rex to model and keep!

A Reason for Being

The Frugi SS20 Lifestyle Collection is sharing the Japanese concept of Ikigai, meaning ‘a reason for being’. The talented design team at Frugi embarked on a tour of Japan to uncover the secrets of its plentiful islands and iconic wildlife to inspire them with their latest line of clothing.

“Japan is made up of 6,800 islands. That’s a lot of inspiration for a collection so we narrowed it down to focus on the concept of Ikigai. The island of Okinawa boasts more than 400 people over the age 100, which they attribute to living in the moment, staying healthy and active, and being part of a wider community. This spoke volumes to us and mirrors our values at Frugi,” she says.

Head of Design, Jeni Bolton

You’ll find skateboarding cats, unicorns and sunflowers, windsurfing and cherry blossom. Also, parasols, Koi Carp, Sika Deer, Mount Fuji and their very own Frugizilla! (Perfect for Rex and his love of all things dinosaurs!).

But what did we choose? Well, read on!

Favourite Cuffed Leggings

Leggings have been a staple of Rex’s wardrobe since he was born so when I saw that Frugi had a plethora of colours, I was very pleased.

Not only do they have solid colours such as Koi Red, Sunflower and Pacific Aqua, but they also have ALL the colours in this beautiful rainbow-inspired pair called Steely Blue Multi Stripe.

It is easy to see that they are comfortable with plenty of bend and stretch. They are versatile and great for layering. Plus, there won’t be any stuffing of trousers into Wellies with these coming in handy!

Made from 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton Rib, they are available in size 0 to 4 years and priced £16.00.

Reese Jacket

Rex currently has a jacket similar in style to the Reese model but is about to out-grow it. We have found it comes in useful if it is a little chilly indoors or useful for the cooler summer evenings if we are out and about.

This jacket Grey Marl body with beautiful bright Koi Red sleeves and plenty of colour with the rainbow striped trims, meaning it will match plenty of items in the rest of Rex’s wardrobe.

Made from GOTS certified Organic Cotton Brushback Fleece with a fuzzy peached finish, it is available in size 2 – 3 years all the way up to 9 – 10 years and costs £32.00.

Discovery Applique Top

The first thing I was impressed with when I removed each item from the packaging (beautifully wrapped by the way!) was the feel of their clothing. Rex has already worn this top to nursery and you can see how comfortable he is in it.

Included in the Ikigai colourful Japanese range and inspired by construction vehicles, this long-sleeved top has a Dumper Truck applique on the front which Rex absolutely loves.

Made from GOTS certified Organic Cotton Interlock the top comes in a lush Ribbit Green Stripe design. For added comfort, there is a touch of stretchy Elastane in the rib neckline plus poppers to the side of the neck. Available from size 2 – 3 years up to 8 – 9 years and costs £21.00.

Scout Applique Top

This top has two available designs: Steely Blue/Truck and Sunflower/Dinosaur and as soon as I saw the latter, I knew this one was the one for us!

Matching the cuffed leggings perfectly, Frugizilla has hold of his favourite car and is sliding down a colourful Rainbow applique that stretches from the front of the top all the way around to the back.

Made from 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton Interlock and extremely soft, it is available with a one-button fastening for aged 0 – 6 months and a double button for 6 months up to 4 years. Priced £17.

Rory Reversible Dungaree

I have always been a little bit apprehensive about dungarees. The ones I have experienced for children have been a bit rough and haven’t felt comfortable in the slightest.

That is why I was very relieved to receive this pair. Not only is the material soft and comfortable but they are also reversible too! I really have to take my hat off to Frugi for this one. It has really added value to this particular item.

On one side the classic blue stripewith a yellow car applique on the chest pocket. Turn them inside out to find the City Stomp all over print – still with a chest pocket on the other side.

Perfect for layering over our coordinating Rowan Raglan Body and Wilfred Knitted Jumper for a dinosaur lovers outfit.

The Seersucker Stripe is made from 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton Seersucker.

The City Stomp pattern is made from 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton Poplin.

Not only are there handy pockets on both the front and back, there are comfy shoulder straps with adjustable popper fastenings and an elasticated back for a great fit. Available from 0-3 months up to 3 – 4 years, priced £32.00.

Our Thoughts

It is obvious to us that every single item of Frugi clothing is thoughtfully designed and put together. Not just for our little ones but for the environment too. This is something that has become more important to me as the years have gone by. Here are a few reasons the materials they use are great:

• they are pure, gentle, soft and snuggly
• Organic cotton feels super-soft because the fibres are left intact and not broken down by the chemicals used in the farming and processing of conventional cotton
• It’s much kinder to babies and young children’s delicate skin. No harmful chemicals or dangerous dyes are used so organic cotton is less likely to trigger allergies
• Organic cotton is more durable and lasts so much longer enabling you to hand it down for generations!

Frugi are also helping to reduce waste with plastic bottles. It takes 36 recycled plastic drinking bottles to make just one of their winter jackets.

Once Rex has finished with his clothing, I feel confident that it will still be in brilliant condition and able to be passed on down through the generations in our family.

Rex has asked to wear his ‘dumper truck top’ for 4 days in a row now. That alone is great sign to me!

As for me, I think that the new collection is colourful, bright, bold and fun and am looking forward to seeing Rex in all his Frugi clothing throughout the year to come.

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