Best Fabric for Kidswear: Top Choices Compared

The best fabrics for kidswear are cotton, poplin and voile. The right choice depends on the look you want, the season and how much care you can give it. This guide explains the options and what to watch for.

Top fabrics for kidswear

Cotton: Breathable, comfortable and easy to wash. Keep in mind: can shrink and crease, so pre-wash before cutting. See our cotton or the cotton guide.
Poplin: Crisp, smooth and breathable, easy to stitch and press. Keep in mind: creases without a blend, and has little drape. See our poplin or the poplin guide.
Voile: Light, breathable and soft, a favourite for hot weather. Keep in mind: semi-sheer, so it may need a lining. See our voile or the voile guide.
Knit and jersey: Stretchy and comfortable, so it moves with the body. Keep in mind: needs a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch. See our knit and jersey or the knit and jersey guide.
Rayon (viscose): Soft, cool and drapes beautifully at a friendly price. Keep in mind: can shrink and weakens when wet. See our rayon (viscose) or the rayon (viscose) guide.
Organza: Crisp and sheer, holds volume without weight. Keep in mind: wrinkles and frays, and can feel stiff against skin. See our organza or the organza guide.

How to choose fabric for kidswear

Softness and easy care matter most for children. Cotton and soft knits are safest, while organza and net suit party frocks.

What to avoid

Scratchy embellishment and stiff fabrics can irritate skin.

Which fabric for which season?

Cotton and voile are best for summer. For hot weather, the best picks for kidswear are cotton, poplin, voile. For cold weather, try cotton, knit and jersey, poplin.

Find kidswear fabric in stock

Use our fabric finder to filter by season, look and budget and see what we have in stock. You can also match a shade with the colour finder, or work out quantity with the fabric calculator.