Share
There's much more to selecting the fabric for your child's clothing than how cute it is! Children have sensitive skin, and their clothing needs to be comfortable, safe, and durable. Choosing the right fabric will significantly influence how your child feels while playing, learning, and sleeping.
Focus On Comfort First
When selecting fabrics for children's clothing, the number one factor is comfort! Soft, breathable materials help keep children free from irritation and allow them to move in comfort. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo are very gentle on the skin. Cotton is lightweight, breathable, and highly absorbent - which makes it a perfect fabric for warm weather.
Avoid fabrics that are rough, stiff, or scratchy, as these will irritate your child's skin and can cause rashes and pain. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon may seem durable, but they are not breathable and can trap heat and moisture against the skin, making children feel clammy or sweaty. If you do choose a synthetic blend, make sure it is designed to be soft and breathable.
Make Skin Safety Your Top Priority
Children's skin is more sensitive to allergies and irritants than adults' skin. Some fabrics contain chemicals and/or dyes that can cause an allergic response in children. When shopping for children's clothes, always look for labels that say "hypoallergenic" or "organic." Hypoallergenic and organic fabrics will be free of harmful chemicals, making them safer for kids' delicate skin.
You might also want to think about how the fabric interacts with the detergents used to wash it. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are typically easier to wash without requiring harsh chemicals which will reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
Think About the Weather and Season Change
Each season has its own specific types of fabric. In the height of summer, lightweight and breathable fabrics (like cotton, linen, or bamboo) will keep your children cool and comfortable. For winter, you would typically find thicker fabrics (like wool blends or fleece) to keep your children warm; however, do not restrict them from being able to move freely. Layering children's clothes may help you adjust to the sudden temperature change while fitting them accordingly.
Durability and Practicality
Children are very active and will play hard; therefore, their clothing should be able to withstand a great deal of activity in all forms of play and be durable enough to last through many washings without losing its shape or softness. For children's clothing, it is typically a good idea to select either a cotton blend fabric or a synthetic fabric made specifically for children's wear that has an excellent combination of comfort and durability.
Look for fabrics that are either stain-resistant or can be easily cleaned, as most children's clothing will need to be laundered frequently. For kids who are active, buying clothing made from fabrics that have some stretch (like cotton with a little spandex) will allow them to move easily and not tear their clothes during playtime.
Consider Design and Style
In addition to comfort and functionality, it is important to select clothing that kids will like. Choosing fabrics that can hold colour well and do not fade quickly will encourage kids to want to wear their clothing. Fabrics that are soft, vibrant, and bright colours are the most enjoyable for the kids. On special occasions, you can use silks and satins, but for "everyday" children's clothes, you should look for comfortable and durable fabrics.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
In today's world, many parents are making environmentally conscious purchasing decisions and are looking for organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics to provide their children with a more eco-friendly alternative that is also safe for their skin. Making an effort to purchase eco-friendly fabrics gives children an early awareness of the impact their actions have on the world.
Tips for Parents
Here are some helpful hints for parents when purchasing clothing for their kids:
- Always touch the fabric prior to purchasing (make sure it is smooth and soft to the touch).
- Look at the label to see what type of fabric you are purchasing, as well as care instructions, before you purchase.
- Look for hypoallergenic materials if your child has sensitive skin and avoid clothing made with harsh chemicals.
- Balance style with practicality; kids need clothing that is attractive but also functional.
- When selecting what type of fabric to use for children's clothing, you should keep in mind the activity level of the child. If they are very active, then you may want to choose fabrics that are flexible with good wearability, and/or strong enough to withstand constant use.
There is a great deal of consideration when choosing a particular type of fabric for your child's clothing. In addition to comfort, safety, and durability, you must also consider season and activity (outdoor vs. indoor). All children will benefit from wearing quality-made fabrics that promote a sense of comfort while protecting from the elements. Parents looking for a supplier of quality children's fabrics should check out Rollover. We carry a vast selection of quality children's fabrics, all at an economical price.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct types of fabrics for children is a very important part of ensuring that they are comfortable, safe, and happy with their overall experience. Using soft, breathable, and durable materials will help ensure your child's comfort levels will remain high while he/she is engaged in daily physical activity. Paying attention to the season, whether your child has sensitive skin, and the practicality of your choices will help simplify your daily clothing selections. Selecting appropriate fabric types will ultimately enhance your child's comfort levels and increase the likelihood of his/her ability to continue using them for many years to come while promoting environmentally friendly practices. With the proper support and careful selections made by the parent, he/she can confidently place their child in clothing that is both safe and stylish.
