When selecting clothing for your child, it’s easy to focus on appearance and cost. However, the fabric choices we make can have a big impact on our children’s comfort, health, and even the environment. Many common fabrics may not be the ideal option for kids’ clothing. Here’s why some materials require a closer look before adding them to your child’s wardrobe.
1. Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric commonly used in children’s clothing due to its affordability and durability.
Things to keep in mind:
- Limited Breathability: While durable, polyester is less breathable than natural fabrics. It can trap heat and moisture, which may lead to discomfort for active kids.
- Chemical Treatments: Polyester often undergoes treatments for stain resistance or flame retardance, which can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
- Environmental Impact: Being a petroleum-based material, polyester is not biodegradable and contributes to long-lasting environmental waste.
2. Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric found in kids’ outerwear, sportswear, and swimwear. It’s lightweight and quick-drying, but it may not be the best option for everyday wear.
Things to keep in mind:
- Heat Trapping: While strong and durable, nylon can trap heat, which can cause discomfort.
- Chemical Production: Nylon requires significant chemical processing, and some of those chemicals can remain in the fabric, which might cause irritation for children with sensitive skin.
- Sustainability Considerations: Like many synthetics, nylon is not biodegradable, contributing to long-term waste and environmental concerns.
3. Rayon (Viscose)
Rayon, or viscose, is a semi-synthetic fabric often used for its softness and draping qualities.
Things to keep in mind:
- Chemical Processing: Even though rayon is made from wood pulp, it goes through extensive chemical treatment, which may cause irritation for kids with sensitive skin.
- Durability: Rayon can lose its strength after multiple washes, making it less durable and leading to faster wear and tear on clothes.
- Prone to Shrinking: Rayon is susceptible to shrinking or stretching, which can be challenging when trying to maintain the fit and comfort of your child’s clothing.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo, more specifically bamboo viscose is often marketed as an eco-friendly alternative, but the production process can be misleading. While bamboo itself is a sustainable resource, turning it into fabric involves heavy chemical processing.
Things to keep in mind:
- Eco-friendly Claims: Although bamboo is renewable, the process of converting it into soft fabric requires chemical treatments, which can reduce the fabric's environmental benefits.
- Skin Sensitivity: Like rayon, bamboo may still carry chemical residues from processing, which could be a factor for kids with sensitive skin.
- Durability Challenges: Bamboo isn’t as long-lasting as other fabrics like cotton or TENCEL™, meaning it may not hold up as well to repeated washing and wear.
The Better Alternative: Opt for Natural and Thoughtfully-Sourced Fabrics
For children’s clothing, choosing fabrics that balance comfort, breathability, and sustainability is essential. Natural fibres that are produced under strict regulations, such as organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell, offer a healthier, more comfortable experience for kids. These fabrics are breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and produced with eco-friendly methods, making them ideal for sensitive skin and growing bodies.
At Mama Pyjama, we believe in selecting the best materials for your children. Our premium TENCEL™ kidswear is designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. We carefully select fabrics that promote health and well-being, ensuring that your little one’s skin feels comfortable, while you feel confident in your choice.