A killer fashion OOTD ain’t just for the grown-ups to slay no more.
With increased demand and a greater variety of kidswear clothing styles over the recent years, it’s no wonder why it’s soon becoming one of the most lucrative segments in the apparel industry today, as big-name brands and high street labels jump on an opportunity not to be missed.
From adorable angelic dresses to badass streetwear outfits and even baby versions of popular designer apparel and sneakers, the market has come a long way.
Designing a collection of kidswear in present times is no longer about having the best kidswear fabric to be made into t-shirts or swaddles, but rather, an array of everything—adorable dresses, little tuxedos, garments spotted in men’s, women’s and streetwear made into mini-me versions and more.
While manufacturing your own kidswear clothing is an exciting journey, the fabric selection process may be disconcerting as the available fabric options in the marketplace are endless.
In this guide, we’ve put together a selection of our recommended fabrics to ease you through your kidswear clothing manufacturing journey.
Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, here are some notable points to be aware of, especially if you are designing a collection of baby clothes, which calls for more attention due to the delicate nature of newborns.
Things to note when manufacturing baby clothes:
Warm, Breathable Fabrics
As newborns and babies are less able to regulate their body temperature, it’s important to select soft, comfortable, easy-care and breathable fabrics to keep the little one warm while preventing overheating.
Fabric Dyes
Avoid dyes that contain heavy metals or are carcinogenic, instead, opt for low-impact or reactive dyes to keep little ones safe from any harmful chemicals and prevent any skin reactions or health conditions.
Material Features:
While not absolutely necessary, you may want to look out for certain features when picking out babies and kidswear fabric choices depending on the garment’s intended usage (formal/occasional vs everyday wear, delicate vs durable) such as:
- Stain-resistant materials
- Breathable fabrics
- Anti-wrinkle
- Hypoallergenic fabrics
- Fabrics made from natural fibers
- Moisture-wicking
Table of Contents
Jersey
Also known as single knit, jersey-knit fabrics are one of the most basic forms of weft knitting and are a commonly used, highly diverse popular option for a plethora of clothing styles in the fashion industry.Known for its stretchiness and close knits, the lightweight fabric is highly absorbent and breathable, making it a great choice for activewear, t-shirts, underwear, baby clothing as well as kidswear.
Pros:
- Stretchy
- Versatile
- Wrinkle resistant
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons:
- Prone to piling
- May snag
Recommended for: onesies, rompers, t-shirts, leggings, tanks, dresses, pants, shorts, blouses, shirts
H&M Patterned jersey dress
MUJI Indian cotton jersey printed tee
OLD NAVY Drawstring jersey shorts
MONCLER Pagliaccetto Onesie
Linen
Made from fibers derived from the stems of flax plants, linen is a highly popular fabric choice for summer clothing thanks to its antibacterial, quick-drying and natural heat and moisture-wicking properties. Cool, breezy and absorbent, its structure allows it to dry quickly when it becomes damp.
Distinguishable by its unique appearance from irregularly shaped yarns containing lumps or “slubs”, linen can have a crisp hand for more structured and tailored apparel, or soft-finished for a softer drape. A functional fabric that is available in a variety of types depending on yarn size and weave density, linen is almost three times stronger than cotton. It is also long-lasting and gets softer and stronger with washing. Coupled with its low maintenance, cooling, breathable and durable properties, linen makes for an ideal fabric choice for babies and kidswear as it is comfortable and cool to wear even in humid weather conditions.
Pros:
- Softens with wash
- Highly durable
- Lightweight, cooling, breathable and quick-drying
- Sustainable
- Antibacterial
Cons:
- Tendency to shrink
- Wrinkle-prone
Recommended for: dresses, pants, shorts blouses, shirts
H&M 2-piece linen set
H&M Linen dungaree
Infantium Victoria Linen dress
Zara Linen dress
Cupro
Image via fibrebio.com
A sustainable and eco-friendly fabric, cupro is made from the regenerated cellulose fibers of recycled cotton linter—a waste product of cotton whose fibers are too small to be spun, resulting in them being tossed away.
Extremely soft to the touch with a suede-like texture, cupro is often used as a vegan substitute for silk due to its silky aesthetic and ability to drape beautifully. Apart from its sustainable qualities, cupro is also extremely well-loved due to its hypoallergenic properties, as well as its superior, smooth and luxurious hand feel that is known to rival one of the king of fabrics, silk. This makes for a great, more affordable option for luxurious-looking kidswear apparel that won’t make parents cringe when it gets stained.
Pros:
- Luxurious feel that rivals silk
- Sustainable and eco friendly
- Great vegan alternative for silk
- Hypoallergenic
- Durable
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Prone to piling
Recommended for: dresses, blouses, shirts
H&M Cupro blend blouse
Il Gufo Tiered cupro dress
Stella McCartney Cherry cupro dress
Ponte Di Roma
Image via Vogue Fabrics
Roughly translated to ‘Roman Bridge’ in Italian due to the fabric’s structure resembling classic roman bridges, Ponte Di Roma (also known as Ponte or Ponte Roma) is a soft, sturdy and thicker double-knit fabric with a slight horizontally ribbed appearance.
Made from a combination of rayon, polyester and spandex, the highly versatile Ponte di Roma is comfortable and flattering, and also easy to care for due to its layers of interlocking knit. Found in various weighs, the fabric allows for a two-way stretch, molding to the body shape while it provides a smooth, sleek and streamlined silhouette.
Pros:
- Very resilient and stable
- Almost rigid like a woven fabric
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Reversible
Cons:
- Prone to snags
Recommended for: leggings, dresses, blouses, shirts
Ralph Lauren Ponte dress
Bardot Junior Ponte dress
OshKosh Ponte leggings
Velvet/Velour
A soft, luxurious fabric that is characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut fibers that have a smooth nap, velvet is the epitome of luxury in the fabric world. One of the most extravagant and opulent fabrics, it is typically made from silk, or a blend of silk and rayon produced on a special loom. Soft and plush with a beautiful drape, velvet is commonly used for formal or evening wear due to its high price and splendor, which makes for a great fabric option for dressier kidswear pieces.
For a more affordable option, opt for velour—a visually similar fabric with less softness and sheen due to the different production methods of small loops of fabric being cut off.
Pros:
- Highly luxurious appeal
- Soft and plush to the touch
- Drapes well
Cons:
- Nap can get crushed from prolonged weight and pressure
Recommended for: dresses, pants, shorts
Pureté Du… Bébé Velvet shorts
Gucci Velvet pants
Gucci Velvet dress
Crepe
Image via RYC Fabrics
A weaving or fabric treatment method that results in a thin fabric with a bumpy appearance, crepe is known for its distinctive wrinkled and crinkled look.
Traditionally made from silk, crepe fabrics today can now be made from almost any fiber.
Ranging from thin and lightweight to thick and heavy, crepe fabrics are loved for their beautiful drape and are commonly made into an array of womenswear garments such as dresses, blouses, suits, pants, and skirts, and are also used for home decor.
Pros:
- Creates a beautiful, flowy drape
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resistant to dust and moisture
- Stretchy and sits away from body due to its texture
Cons:
- Prone to fraying and snagging
- Low heat retention
Recommended for: playsuits, jumpsuits, shorts, pants, blazers, jackets, dresses, skirts, blouses
Chloe Crepe blouse
Mer St Barth Embroidered crepe dress
Karl Lagerfeld Pleated crepe skirt
Georgette
Image via fibre2fashion
Often confused with chiffon, georgette has a somewhat rough texture and is very drapey, as opposed to chiffon’s smoother surface and reduced drape.
Soft and smooth in appearance, it is primarily made from silk or synthetic silk-like fibers woven tightly with twisted yarns, creating a crinkle effect. Loved for its flowy structure and drape, the lightweight and breathable fabric is a favored option for women, girls and kidswear as it adds a beautiful feminine flouncy body to garments such as dresses and skirts.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Drapes beautifully
- Interesting signature puckered appearance
Cons:
- Delicate fabric, requires more care
- Prone to snagging
Recommended for: blouses, shirts, dresses
Chloe Silk georgette shirt
Twinset Georgette blouse
D&G Georgette mini dress
Stella McCartney Silk georgette dress
Satin
Renowned as a top choice for evening dresses, satin is a type of weave fabric with a smooth and irradiant-like surface. Constructed with fewer interlaces, it creates a smooth, lustrous and shiny surface that features a glossy top side and duller underside.
The soft fabric drapes beautifully and lends a luxurious look, which makes it a great option for formal, evening-style kidswear garments. Soft and silky on the skin with its signature smooth shine, the fabric lends a luxurious touch to garments, making it a great choice for evening or formal pieces.
Pros:
- Soft, shiny, lustrous and drapes beautifully
- Wrinkle resistant
- Luxurious look and feel
Cons:
- Silkier satins can be prone to snags, pulls and abrasions
- Extra care required for silk satins
Recommended for: blouses, shirts, dresses
H&M Cold shoulder satin blouse
Balmain Satin dress
MSGM Satin dress
Junona Satin blouse
Lace
A symbol of status and luxury in the olden days, lace is an exquisite patterned fabric with unique and romantic characteristics. Hand or machine-made using loops or interlacing threads in a web-like pattern, the lace openwork features a delicate mesh fabric with a range of intricate designs and styles.
Previously only available to the wealthy until machines that could imitate openwork thread designs in lace were invented, most laces in the market are machine-made due to the labor-intensive skill and cost of handmade lace. Hollow and see-through with a jacquard or embroidery pattern, the fabric is lightweight and sheer, which makes it great for layering with other fabrics.
If you find traditional lace too grown-up, age-inappropriate, romantic/sexy or unsuitable in relation to the garment’s design for babies and kidswear, opt for crochet or eyelet lace which has more of a youthful and casual look.
Pros:
- Beautiful and unique pattern
- Adds a luxurious, romantic and feminine touch
- Breathable
- Great for formal or festive wear
Cons:
- More fragile and delicate – requires extra care
- Open hole structure can make it prone to snags, pulls and abrasions
Recommended for: blouses, shirts, dresses
H&M Lace dress
Bardot Lace dress
Joyfolie Lace dress
Zara Embroidered lace dress
Chiffon
Loosely woven to achieve its signature sheer and see-through appearance, chiffon is a weaving process using S and Z-twist crepe yarns that results in small puckers that are a little rough to the touch.
Lightweight, strong, semi-transparent and flowy, the gauze-like fabric makes an ideal choice for layering and creating playful flouncy dresses in kidswear with an interesting texture and delicate feminine appearance.
Pros:
- Drapes well
- Lightweight and breathable
- Ideal for layering
- Strong and stretchy due to yarn twist and weaving pattern
- Better movement than cotton and polyester
Cons:
- Prone to fraying and pulling
- Prone to shrinking and stretching
- Susceptible to stains
Dolce & GabbanaChiffon shirt
H&M Chiffon blouse
H&M Chiffon dress
Dolce & GabbanaChiffon dress
French Terry
Image via seamwork.com
Inconspicuous at first glance with its outer resemblance of ordinary jersey fabric, French terry features a smooth knitted outer side and a loosely woven, thread-looped pile inner, which gives it its alternative name the loopback. Lighter than conventional sweatshirt fabrics, the looped backing provides a touch of warmth without being bulky, which makes for great light and cozy kidswear garments that are suitable for layering.
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight
- Wrinkle resistant
- Easy care
Cons:
- Prone to piling
Recommended for: onesies, rompers, t-shirts, leggings, tanks, pants, shorts
Nike French terry crew sweatshirt
Tea Collection French terry romper
Adidas French terry tracksuit
GAP French terry joggers
Twill
Image via Potterybarn
A plain-weave fabric, the yarns in twill are packed closely together, resulting in its signature thick pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. Twill fabrics generally have a front (technical face) and back (technical back) side, with the front being more visually attractive, durable and pronounced.
Often used for sturdy work clothing, trousers and upholstery, the durable fabric choice is also prevalent and distinguishable in denim, chino, drill, herringbone and gabardine fabrics—which are all a type or variation of the twill.
Pros:
- Durable
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Opaque
- Stain-resistant
Cons:
- Can wrinkle
- Prone to shrinkage if not washed correctly
Recommended for: pants, shorts, dresses
H&M Twill trousers with braces
Toby Tiger Twill shorts
Stella McCartney Twill dress
Corduroy
Distinguished by its distinctive raised cord or wale texture, the timeless corduroy fabric dates all the way back to ancient Egypt in 200BC and is still popularly used today.
A ridged material made up of woven pile-cut yard which is then cut into cords or wales forming vertical ribs, its unique twill weave texture results in a thick and hardy fabric that holds warmth and remains durable. Commonly used in kidswear due to its unique ribbed appearance and durability, the fabric allows little ones to stay cute and cozy.
Pros:
- Durable
- Soft and comfortable
- Interesting texture
- Easy care
Cons:
- Prone to shrinkage – avoid high-temperature washing
- Thick and heavy
Recommended for: pants, shorts
H&M Corduroy shorts
Stella McCartney Cotton-corduroy pants
Chloe Corduroy trousers
Levis Corduroy Pull-On Leggings
Fleece
A man-made synthetic product not to be confused with the coats of sheep, fleece fabrics are created from polyester. Woven into a light fabric that is brushed to aid in increasing fiber volume, it provides plush and cosy insulation.
A popular choice in kidswear fabrics for apparel as well as blankets, fleece is resistant to stains and easy to care for, and its moisture-resistant properties wick away perspiration and allow air to circulate to keep the skin warm, comfortable and dry.
Pros:
- Warm, soft, cosy, plush
- versatile and dynamic
- Wrinkle resistant
- Good insulation
- Resists stains
Cons:
- Can’t be washed, tumble dried or ironed at high temperatures
- Prone to attracting lint and dust due to high static electricity
Recommended for: onesies, rompers, t-shirts, leggings, tanks, jackets
H&M 2-piece fleece set
Stella McCartney Fleece jumpsuit
Uniqlo Fleece leggings
H&M Fleece jacket
Interlock / Double knit
Image via Teslar
A variation of the rib knit, the double knit construction of interlock fabrics results in a thicker fabric that’s soft, insulant, firm, and absorbent. Although it is heavier, thicker and firmer than single jerseys, the interlock fabric remains breathable and feels soft and light, making it an ideal choice for keeping the little ones cute, cool and dry.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Reversible and smooth
- Thicker fabric type
- Naturally stretchy
- Same texture on both sides
- Does not roll and curl at the edges
Cons:
- May have a tendency to snag, fuzz or pile
Recommended for: onesies, rompers, t-shirts, leggings, tanks
Ralph Lauren Interlock shirt
Dolce & Gabbana Cotton interlock leggings
Emporio Armani Interlock romper
Kenzo Interlock romper
Pique
From white-tie events to golfing, pique is a highly versatile fabric that is commonly used in sportswear, polo tees and formal shirting clothing. Characterized by raised parallel cords or fine ribbing which gives the fabric its embossed appearance, the double weave cotton fabric‘s pattern and structure lends for a more formal presentation than jersey fabrics.
Its advantageous texture and weave type conceal and show less sweat, and together with its other properties of breathability, durability, and easy care, pique is a great versatile option for producing a variety of kidswear garment styles ranging from day to night.
Pros:
- Breathable and airy
- Formal look with the weave and knit type
- Durable and long-lasting
- Shows less sweat
Cons:
- Can be prone to wrinkling
Recommended for: onesies, rompers, t-shirts, leggings, tanks
Dolce & Gabbana Pique romper
GAP Pique Polo t-shirt
Lacoste Pique tank top
Ralph Lauren Pique romper
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