Chilly winds start blowing, and mothers get their priorities straight. The first thing they want is to stock their children’s wardrobe with the warmest but comfortable winter clothes.
Finding the right winter outfit with the right fabrics is what needs special attention. It’s not about piling on layers to keep your kid warm. It’s about choosing the right fabric that is warm and allows movement.
Mothers are well aware that kids are mostly very playful and often sensitive to heavy or scratchy fabric. That’s where the importance of the right fabric for winter clothing comes in.
We have this informative blog prepared for you to guide you through the best winter fabrics for kids and their pros and cons. Mothers, read on, for you will definitely find what you are looking for.
Importance of Choosing the Right Fabric
Many important factors come into consideration when explaining the importance of choosing the right fabric for your kid’s winter outfits. Some of which are listed below:
- Provides the right amount of warmth and in no case causes overheating.
- Wick away sweat so that your kid doesn’t smell.
- Soft to the child’s sensitive skin so that there’s no problem of irritation or allergy on the skin.
- Durability guaranteed, as kids play rough.
- Washable and easy to maintain, as winter wear is usually a bit expensive.
Key Qualities to Look for in Winter Clothes Fabric
Here is a list of what mothers should look for in the best fabric for winter clothing for their kids:
- The fabric should be insulated to keep your child warm in the chilly winter winds.
- Its breathability should be enough to prevent overheating.
- The material should be able to wick sweat and protect your kid from any type of dampness.
- The softness of the fabric is as important as keeping warm.
- It should be able to withstand outdoor play and frequent washes.
Best Fabrics for Kids’ Winter Wear
- Wool
It is one of the oldest fabrics that has been used for winter clothing. Wool is best known for its warming powers and durability.
Pros: It’s a natural insulator and breathable.
Cons: It might feel scratchy if not cared for a long time or if washed improperly.
Used in: Wool is used in sweaters and coats mostly. Scarves and mittens are also popular in this fabric.
- Fleece
Fleece is the coziest material and is very lightweight. Mothers absolutely love it as a winter outfit fabric.
Pros: It has the softest texture and dries quickly. Its lightweight doesn’t make it less warm.
Cons: Fleece might not be as breathable as natural fibers.
Used in: Many jackets and hoodies are made of fleece. Blankets are also fleece-made.
- Cotton
Cotton might not be the warmest fabric, but when it is layered and combined with warmer fabrics, it makes an adequate winter clothing fabric.
Pros: It is very gentle to the skin and is easy to wash.
Cons: Cotton soaks up moisture and, hence, is not ideal to be worn as an outer layer in winter.
Used in: Undershirts and inner leggings made of cotton are very popular winter essentials.
- Flannel
It is actually just cotton or wool, which is perfectly brushed with a soft finish.
Pros: Flannel fabric is soft and warm. It is perfect for layering purposes in winter.
Cons: As it is cotton, it’s not suitable for wet weather.
Used in: Pajamas and shirts are made of these, along with bedsheets.
- Synthetic Insulation
It is mostly used in puffer jackets and snowsuits. The snowy areas require synthetically insulated fabric to stay warm even in the snow.
Pros: As the name suggests, it’s best for insulation purposes and traps heat well.
Cons: It can be bulky sometimes and requires special care for its maintenance.
Used in: Synthetic insulation is used in jackets and vests.
- Thermal Knit
Thermal knits are specifically used for innerwear as they trap the heat close to the body and keep your child warm in winter.
Pros: These are warm and stretchy, which makes them a perfect option for layering.
Cons: It can only be used for layering.
Used in: Thermal knitted undersuits and leggings keep you warm even in the fiercest winter winds.
- Velvet
Velvet is a premium winter outfit fabric and is mostly used in dresses.
Pros: It is plush and gives the coziest feeling.
Cons: Velvet is very delicate to wash and cannot keep out moisture.
Used in: Velvet dresses and holiday outfits are what you would wear on winter holiday occasions.
- Denim
The Genz find denim a very fashionable fabric for winter outfits. It needs to be paired with fleece or flannel, and it makes a very good option for kids.
Pros: Denim is durable and very stylish.
Cons: It gets heavy when it absorbs moisture.
Used in: Mainly jeans and overalls are made of denim.
Layering Winter Outfits Using Different Fabrics
Kids need layers instead of just stuffing them into a heavy outfit. It will not only help them remain more comfortable in warm clothing, but layering can keep them warmer than a single heavy outfit.
Here is a basic three-layer rule for all mothers:
- The base layer should consist of a cotton or thermal knit.
- The middle layer should be made of wool or fleece to trap the heat.
- The outer layer can be anything you want, such as an insulated jacket for snowy areas or a wool sweater for chilly winds.
Fabric Tips for Babies and Older Kids
Babies
Mothers prefer soft fabrics like cotton or fleece for babies, as their skin is the most sensitive. Scratchy wool should be avoided at all costs on their skin. Onesies and cozy sleep sacks should be used for a healthy and comfortable baby’s sleep.
Toddlers & Preschoolers
Going up to durable fleece and denim for the kids aged between 2 and 6 can be a good option, especially for their outdoor play. Mothers should opt for fun prints and vibrant colors to keep the kids satisfied with their dressing.
School-Age Kids
Older kids aged 6 and onwards can be dressed in performance fabrics. Wool sweaters are a favorite among children of such ages, along with cute jackets. Accessories like scarves and mittens can also be used for extra warmth.
Eco-Friendly Winter Fabrics
With the growing global warming across the world, sustainable options are getting popular day by day. Here are some options for eco-friendly winter fabrics:
- Organic cotton is chemical-free and feels gentle on the skin. It makes a very nice and warm winter fabric.
- Made from plastic bottles, recycled fleece is a cozy and eco-friendly winter fabric.
- Clothes made from bamboo blends are a new addition and are extremely sustainable.
Quick Outfit Ideas for Different Winter Activities
| Activity | Suggested Outfits | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Playdate | Cotton base layer, fleece hoodie | Fun socks, soft slippers |
| Outdoor Park Day | Thermal leggings, wool sweater, down jacket | Wool hat, gloves, sneakers |
| Snow Play | Thermal base, fleece mid-layer, snow suit | Waterproof boots, mittens |
| Holiday Party | Velvet dress, sweater with lined leggings | Stylish boots, headband |
| Bedtime | Flannel pajamas, cotton undershirt | Cozy blanket, socks |
Conclusion
Dressing kids in the winter, that too in the best fabric, is what all mothers want for their kids. The best options start from wool, and the list goes on. Making the best combination of all is the key.
Smart layering is important as you, as mothers, need to ensure that your children stay warm and comfortable in everything you dress them in. Always make sure that your child is all prepared for an adventurous winter.
