Cotton vs Polyester : Which Is Better For Kids Clothes?

AMaterials of the clothes we wear have an impact on our health as well as the environment.

When it comes to kids, we want the best and healthiest for them. The clothes we wear cover a significant portion of our bodies. Materials and chemical residues remaining on the clothing can have an impact on us.

So, which is better cotton vs. polyester? Let's get into details and learn about the differences between cotton and polyester. Why it matters?

What Is Cotton?

First thing first, cotton fabric is made from the cotton plant. Therefore it is all-natural and doesn't contain synthetic fibers.

We prepared an infographic that shows the journey cotton plant takes to become fabric.

Good qualities of cotton:

Very breathable
High moisture-wicking ability
Light
Durable
Biodegradable

Is %100 Cotton Good?

Yes. Not all cotton fabrics are %100 cotton. For this reason, it is essential to read the label. Mix material fabrics are quite common.

The breathable nature of the cotton fabric creates a comfortable feeling even in the hot and humid weather. Therefore, recommended for people with sensitive skin. Who has sensitive skin? Babies and kids.

Kids are important to us. That is why we use %100 cotton. Shop our %100 cotton collection here.

Cotton fabric is used in many places; for example, clothing, bath linens, medical supplies, etc. As a result, tons and tons of cotton got produced each year. It has an impact on the environment. We can help make the effect smaller by choosing to buy garments made from certified cotton.

Cotton Certifications and What They Mean?

European Union Organic Standards Organization - organic cotton
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - organic cotton
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) - organic cotton
OEKO TEK - no harmful chemicals, environmentally friendly and socially responsible production
Better Cotton Initiative - sustainable cotton

At Luvi Kids, we make sure that the fabrics we use are at least OEKO TEK certified. You can shop our %100 cotton dresses from here. For more check out the %100 collection.

What Is Polyester Fabric?

Polyester is a petroleum-based fiber AKA, plastic. Given that, the chemicals used in polyester fabric production can cause skin irritations and allergies.

Good qualities of polyester:

Water resistant
More durable than cotton
Less likely to wrinkle

The biggest issue with polyester is; it doesn't breathe. Breathability is an important quality when it comes to children's clothing. It is important to realize that polyester fabrics have less moisture absorption capacity compared to cotton fabrics. Therefore, it gives an uncomfortable feeling, especially in hot and humid weather.

%100 polyester fabrics are highly flammable. It is dangerous to stand next to an open fire with wearing clothes made from polyester. However, most polyester children's clothes are treated with chemicals to make them fire-resistant. If you are against chemicals, we don't recommend buying polyester clothing for your kids.

Last, as we mentioned at the beginning, polyester fabrics are essentially plastic. As a result, they are not biodegradable and harmful to the environment. When washed, many synthetic fibers shed microfibres that account for up to 35% of plastic pollution in the oceans. Luvi Kids clothes are all made of natural fibers. We never use polyester.

Check out our collection made from entirely natural fibers here. Follow our socials for the newest models and stories behind the scenes.

Verdict: What is better, polyester or cotton?

To summarize, cotton is the better option when it comes to kid's clothing. When in doubt, always opt for the natural alternative.

The benefits of buying 100% cotton clothing:

Durability: You can wash cotton clothes again and again before passing it on to the little ones
Comfort: It is healthier and gentle on the skin
Environmental impact: Natural fibers have a less negative impact on the world.