January 29, 2024 | 0 min read
This makes sense since kids grow so quickly, but cost accessibility shouldn’t be the only thing we value as parents. We should also be putting an emphasis on searching for natural fiber clothing and working toward welcoming less synthetic clothes into our kids’ wardrobes.
Often, we forget what synthetic actually means, since marketing has told us it equates to innovative fabrics or textiles that offer moisture-wicking technologies. The reality is synthetic fibers are derived from fossil fuels. Considering that our skin is our largest organ and the most absorptive, we suggest choosing natural fibers first, whenever possible. Natural fibers are also generally healthier for the planet, considering that they can more easily biodegrade and go back to the earth at the end of their life.
In reality, finding alternatives to synthetics can sometimes prove challenging since over 60% of global fiber production today is synthetic materials. At the same time, there are great cotton and natural fiber options in the market.
Here’s some tips to keep in mind when searching for clothes that are not synthetic:
We recommend making one swap at a time to help shift your kids’ wardrobe from synthetic options to more natural fiber styles. Here’s some of our top swaps to get you started –
Swap Cotton Underwear In For Nylon Or Polyester Options Instead of polyester underwear, choose 100% cotton or 100% organic cotton underwear. The pros of cotton underwear vs nylon are extensive, and they are always a better bet for kids with skin sensitivities. From boxer briefs to boy shorts to briefs to organic options, our underwear lineup is extensive and made with soft baby rib cotton that’s knit and dyed locally in Los Angeles, California.
Reach For Cotton Leggings Instead Of Synthetic Versions The majority of leggings in the market are made with synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. Even if leggings are made with cotton, they usually have at least 5% spandex in their composition. Synthetic vs cotton leggings? We always reach for cotton leggings that still offer a good amount of stretch and are better for skin sensitivities.
Choose Cotton Athletic Wear Over Nylon Or Poly Styles When our bodies sweat, our pores are open, making our skin even more absorptive than it already is. This fact alone leads us to choose natural fibers over synthetic for athletic wear. While your kids might have to wear the polyester or nylon team uniforms that are provided, we recommend considering cotton styles for practices and play. For example – instead of synthetic athletic shorts, search for 100% cotton shorts that are soft, comfortable and breathable. Added bonus? They don’t stink when they get wet and some cotton options actually have UPF 50+ sun protection.
Select 100% Cotton Fleece Over Synthetic Fleece Most fleece out there today is made with synthetic materials or synthetic blends. Our fleece has everything you love about fleece – the softness, the plushness, the coziness – while being made with 100% cotton that’s knit, dyed, cut and sewn in Los Angeles.
Go For Cotton Or Organic Cotton PJs Rather Than Polyester One style our kids wear for a big percentage of the day are pajamas. They spend 10 or more hours a day in them – so, when deciding between synthetic vs cotton, we always choose cotton. Our snug fit PJs come in either 100% cotton or 100% organic cotton and we offer sizes for the whole family.
Achieving a closet full of no synthetic fibers clothes is definitely a feat in today’s world. Take it one garment at a time, and gradually find the best swaps for your kids to slowly shift their wardrobes toward a more natural fiber centered future.
Written by: City Threads Cofounders Shayna Samuels & Joe Willis, and Kestrel Jenkins, responsibility consultant & host of the Conscious Chatter podcast.
