Why We Built Jackalo to Last (And Why That Matters More Than Ever)

From the Founder

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with the Pitch Lab team at Merrick Creative to talk about something that's been at the heart of Jackalo since day one: building kids' clothing that refuses to quit.

If you've been part of the Jackalo community for a while, you already know our reinforced knees aren't just a design detail—they're a statement. A promise that your family's favorite pieces will keep up with playground adventures, growth spurts, and whatever your kids throw at them (literally).

But this conversation gave me a chance to pull back the curtain on why we make the choices we do, and where we're headed next.

Listen to the full Pitch Lab episode here →

The Problem We're Solving (That You Already Know Too Well)

You've lived it: The pants that rip at the knee after three wears. The seams that unravel mid-week. The drawer full of outgrown clothes that are too worn to pass along but too guilt-inducing to throw away.

My background is in public health, where I spent years working on systems that shape people's lives. When I became a parent, I started seeing the kids' clothing industry as its own kind of broken system—one that treats garments as disposable and families as an endless supply of repeat customers.

What if we designed from a different premise entirely? What if durability wasn't a premium feature, but the baseline? What if clothes were made to be repaired, re-loved, and passed on with pride?

That question became Jackalo.

Durability Isn't Just About Tougher Fabric

On the podcast, we dug into what "built to last" really means for us. It's not just about thicker cotton or reinforced stitching (though those matter). It's about designing every element with longevity in mind:

Fabric Choices That Work Harder

We use organic cotton and responsibly sourced deadstock fabrics that can handle repeated wear and washing without pilling, fading, or losing shape. Our materials are chosen because they improve with age—not fall apart.

Reinforcements Where Kids Need Them Most

Those signature knee patches? They're not decorative. They're engineered for crawling, climbing, kneeling, and all the movements that destroy regular pants. We've reinforced the high-impact zones so you're not constantly replacing basics.

Your family has told us these pieces become the ones your kids reach for first—and that's the metric that matters most to us.

Why Repairability Is Built Into Every Seam

Here's something we talked about on Pitch Lab that I think deserves more attention: A garment that can be easily repaired is worth exponentially more than one that can't.

When a knee finally wears through (because even our reinforcements aren't immortal), a simple patch can add years of life. When a button comes loose or a seam starts to fray, a quick fix keeps that piece in rotation instead of in the donation bin.

We design with repair in mind from the beginning. That means:

• Clean construction that's easy to mend
• Durable hardware that won't snap off
• Timeless styles that won't look dated after one season

You shouldn't need to be a seamstress to extend the life of your kids' clothes. But when you do take the time to patch, darn, or reinforce, we want to make sure the garment is worth that effort.

Our Trade-Up Program: Circularity That Actually Works

This is where durability and sustainability meet in a really tangible way.

Our Trade-Up Program isn't a marketing gimmick—it's the whole point. When your child outgrows a Jackalo piece, you can send it back to us for store credit. We inspect it, repair anything that needs attention, refresh it, and find it a new family.

Here's why this model works:

For You

• Get credit toward your next size up
• Clear out outgrown clothes without the guilt
• Know that your well-loved pieces will be well-loved again

For Us

• Maintain quality control over what re-enters circulation
• Build a community around reuse, not just consumption
• Reduce waste at the source by keeping garments in the loop

For the Next Family

• Access durable, well-made clothing at a more accessible price point
• Join the circular economy without compromising on quality
• Inherit clothes with stories—and plenty of life left

This isn't about being perfect. It's about creating a system where doing the right thing is also the easiest thing.

Growing Without Compromising Our Mission

One of the big topics we covered on Pitch Lab was how to scale a mission-driven brand without losing what makes it special.

Here's the truth: Our mission only matters if people can find us.

That's why we're focused on:

• Telling our story more clearly and consistently
• Expanding our colorways and core collections (without adding unnecessary SKUs)
• Building partnerships that align with our values
• Making sure every touchpoint—from our website to your doorstep—reflects who we are

We're also working toward something bigger: a physical space where families can come for repairs, learn about garment care, explore natural dyeing, and see firsthand how circularity works. A place where community and sustainability aren't abstract concepts—they're things you can touch and participate in.

We're not trying to be the best sustainable kids' brand. We're trying to be the best kids' brand, period. The fact that we're doing it responsibly should be the baseline, not the exception.

Where to Start (Or Re-Start) With Jackalo

If you're already part of the Jackalo family, you know what works for your kids. But if you're new here—or ready to refresh your rotation—here are the staples our community reaches for again and again:

Reinforced-Knee Pants

The backbone of any play-ready wardrobe. Built for movement, designed to last, loved by kids who actually wear them.

Everyday Tees & Long-Sleeves

Soft, sensory-friendly, and constructed to hold their shape and color through endless washes. These are the pieces that become non-negotiables.

Durable Dresses & Skirts

Comfortable, versatile, and made to be worn hard—then passed along when they're outgrown (but never worn out).

An Invitation to Take Action

Here's my challenge to you—whether you're a longtime Jackalo customer or just discovering us:

Take a look through your kid's closet. Is there a Jackalo piece that's ready for the next kid? One that's been outgrown but still has plenty of life left? A favorite that could use a little TLC before it moves to the next kid?

Send it to us. We’ll repair it. Trade it up. Keep it in motion.

That's how we turn "hand-me-down quality" from a nostalgic memory into the norm again—one reinforced knee at a time.

Listen to the Full Conversation

If you want to hear more about how we're building Jackalo, why circularity matters, and what's next for our community, the full Pitch Lab episode is available now:

🎧 Listen on the Pitch Lab website

And if you want to follow along with our day-to-day—behind-the-scenes looks, repair tips, customer stories, and new releases—come hang out with us on Instagram at @hellojackalo.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Thank you for choosing durability. Thank you for keeping clothes in circulation.

Let's keep building something better—together.

– Marianna

Founder, Jackalo