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Cotton clothes for children: why the label is worth reading

Published 28 August 2026

Cotton children's clothing

There are two lines on a label and they decide whether an item survives the season. Here is what the percentages mean and when a blend beats pure cotton.

In children's clothing the fabric matters more than the cut. Skin is sensitive at this age, children move a lot and get warm, and the clothes are washed three times a week. Two lines on the label answer all of that.

Why cotton

Cotton breathes, which means it lets air through and takes up sweat. A child neither overheats nor gets chilled in it. There is another advantage: cotton survives washing at higher temperatures, which is exactly what the nursery years demand.

Synthetic fabric is the opposite. It does not absorb sweat, it stays damp against the skin, and on sensitive skin that causes irritation.

When a blend is better

Pure cotton has one weakness: it stretches and loses its shape. In some items a small addition helps.

  • T shirts, underwear, bedding: 100 percent cotton
  • Joggers and jumpers: cotton with 5 to 15 percent polyester
  • Leggings and jeans: cotton with 2 to 5 percent elastane
  • Winter outerwear: synthetic is fine here, because it never touches the skin

What we offer

Our shop carries European brands and the fabric is stated on every product. Some categories also have a material filter: open kids clothing and you will see the available options on the left.

The items closest to the skin are underwear and socks, so pay particular attention to the cotton content there.

The label is useful after you buy, too

The washing temperature and the drying instructions are on the same label. Thirty degrees and less tumble drying mean the item lasts longer. That is a subject of its own and we cover it in our washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is 100 percent cotton always better?
Next to the skin, yes. T shirts, underwear and bedding are better in pure cotton. In joggers and jumpers a little polyester helps, because it keeps the shape.
What does elastane on a label mean?
It is the fibre that lets a garment stretch. Between two and five percent is useful in leggings and jeans; more than that is unnecessary in children's clothing.
Which part of the label must I read?
The composition and the washing temperature. The first tells you how it will wear, the second whether it will survive your washing machine.

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Cotton clothes for children: why the label is worth reading | LittleMe