100% cotton is the best fabric for children's everyday clothing, because it lets air through and absorbs sweat without irritating the skin. Children with sensitive or reactive skin do best in pure cotton, or cotton blended with a small amount of elastane for stretch. Polyester and synthetic blends have their place in jackets and sportswear, but they are not the best choice for all-day contact with the skin.
The best fabrics for kids' clothing
100% cotton
Best for tops, T-shirts, sets and pyjamas. It absorbs sweat, feels comfortable and survives repeated washing. Its only downsides are shrinkage of 2% to 5% in the first wash and creasing — which is why we recommend a cold or lukewarm wash first time.
Cotton blended with elastane
Cotton plus a small percentage of elastane (2% – 5%). It gives gentle stretch, so the garment follows your child's body and keeps its shape after washing. Ideal for trousers, leggings, active sets and anything worn for play.
Viscose and ribbed cotton
Viscose is very soft with beautiful colour, but it is weaker than cotton and needs gentle washing. Ribbed cotton is stretchy and hugs the body, which makes it ideal for summer tops and light sets.
Polyester and synthetic blends
We use these in jackets, coats and outerwear because they trap warmth and resist wind and damp, and you will also find them blended with cotton in sportswear. They are not suitable for all-day contact with the skin, especially for children with sensitive skin.
How to tell fabrics apart by touch
- Read the label: the fibre percentages are stated (100% cotton, 95% cotton + 5% elastane).
- Fabric that will not spring back: stretch it and let go — if it stays stretched, the elastane content is high or the fabric is weak.
- Cotton: relatively cool and dry to the touch, and not shiny.
- Polyester: shiny, silky, and it clings slightly to the body.
- A thin insulating layer: a sign of synthetic or padded fabric — right for a jacket, wrong for a top.
The right fabric for each season in Egypt
- Summer (May to September): light pure cotton, ribbed cotton, and linen for tops. Light colours reflect the sun.
- Spring and autumn: medium-weight cotton with a light layer on top. Long-sleeve sets work well.
- Winter: layers — cotton against the skin, an insulating mid layer, and a polyester or wool outer layer. Full detail in our winter layering guide.
If your child has sensitive skin
- Choose pure cotton, or cotton blended with a small amount of elastane.
- Wash new clothes before the first wear, using a small amount of gentle, low-fragrance detergent.
- Avoid garments with thick printed graphics on the inside.
- Cut off plastic tags that rub against the neck.
Read next
Shop pure cotton
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for children's clothes?
100% cotton is the best for everyday wear because it lets air through and absorbs sweat. For extra stretch, cotton blended with 2% to 5% elastane is excellent for trousers and play clothing.
Is polyester bad for a child's skin?
Polyester is not ideal for all-day contact with the skin because it traps heat and sweat, but it is valuable in jackets and outerwear. If a garment is polyester and touches the skin, wear a cotton layer underneath.
Do cotton clothes shrink in the wash?
Pure cotton can shrink by 2% to 5% in the first wash, so wash new cotton garments cold or lukewarm the first time. Cotton blended with elastane shrinks less.
What fabric suits an Egyptian summer?
Light pure cotton, ribbed cotton and linen, in light colours. Avoid heavy synthetic layers in summer because they trap heat.
Should new children's clothes be washed before wearing?
Yes. Wash them before the first wear with a gentle, low-fragrance detergent. New fabrics carry residues from manufacturing and storage that can irritate a child's skin.