Unless you pay attention to the labels, it is difficult nowadays to distinguish between clothing made from cotton or polyester. Each fabric has its perks and weaknesses, making them suitable for different purposes. This blog post will help you read the labels and understand what is better for your child.
Cotton (Our favorite one 👀):
Composition:
Cotton is a natural fiber from the cotton plant. [To learn more about natural fibers, click here.]
Comfort and Breathability:
If there is one thing cotton does well, it's making breathable and comfortable clothing by allowing air to circulate (perfect for warm weather). Cotton also has the ability to absorb moisture, keeping your kid cool and dry.
Durability:
Because cotton is a natural fiber, the downside is that it might fade and shrink over time. Hence, it needs to be cared for properly. [Click here to learn how.]
Wrinkle Resistance:
Another downside is that cotton wrinkles easily. Our best advice is not to leave it in the dryer for too long.
Environmental Impact:
Cotton fabric is the most environmentally friendly, taking care of our planet by being biodegradable. However, cotton farming often involves the use of pesticides and lots of water.
POLYESTER (Our least favorite… 👀):
Composition:
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from oil-based plastics.
Comfort and Breathability:
Polyester is not as breathable as cotton, and it doesn't absorb moisture well. This means it’s not as comfortable as cotton when the weather is hot and humid.
Durability:
Even if Polyester is not as comfortable or breathable as cotton, it does last over time, and it’s very resistant to wrinkles, fading, and stretching. So you don’t have to worry about overwashing that fabric.
Wrinkle Resistance:
Very resistant to wrinkles, perfect for low-maintenance clothing.
Environmental Impact:
Polyester is not environmentally friendly due to its non-renewable resources.
Conclusion:
The choice really depends on your preferences. Cotton is more environmentally friendly and is more breathable and comfortable, making it more suitable for kids and babies who tend to move a lot. Polyester is bad for the planet, but it is cheaper and offers durability. Whether you opt for either, we hope you now understand better these two fabrics.