Cotton vs Bamboo vs TENCEL™: Which Fabric Is Best for Sensitive Skin?
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As parents, we naturally seek the best for our children—especially when it comes to what they wear against their skin. Natural fabrics are gentler, more breathable, and far safer than synthetic alternatives. But among organic cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™, which is best?
1. Organic Cotton
- Feel: Soft, airy, and soothing to the touch
- Benefits: Chemical-free, hypoallergenic, highly breathable, moisture-absorbent, temperature-regulating, biodegradable, and naturally resistant to dust mites and mildew
- Ideal for: Everyday wear, basics, swaddles, bedding, and children with eczema or sensitive skin
- Care: Easy to wash, durable, and resistant to frequent laundering
- More to love: Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, protecting the environment and keeping harmful toxins away from your child’s skin. It supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and typically uses less water than conventional cotton. Naturally soft without chemical softeners, it becomes even gentler with every wash. Its durability means pieces can be worn, washed, and passed down with ease. Handpicked fibers preserve purity for a smoother, softer finish—perfect for delicate skin—while also supporting healthier working conditions and a more ethical supply chain.
2. Bamboo Viscose
- Feel: Silky, cool to the touch, and luxuriously soft
- Benefits: Naturally antibacterial, thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, breathable, and hypoallergenic
- Ideal for: Sleepwear, loungewear, hot climates, and children with sensitive or sweaty skin
- Care: Slightly more delicate; wash in cold water and line dry to preserve its softness and structure
- More to love: Bamboo grows rapidly and requires little water, making it a sustainable raw material. However, the process to convert bamboo into viscose does involve chemical treatment, so it's important to source from responsible producers. Bamboo viscose is particularly beloved for its silky feel and its ability to keep children dry and comfortable even in humid weather.
3. TENCEL™ (Lyocell)
- Feel: Ultra-smooth, breathable, and feather-light
- Benefits: Derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp (typically eucalyptus), TENCEL™ is exceptionally breathable, moisture-wicking, biodegradable, and gentle on the skin. It's also naturally resistant to bacterial growth.
- Ideal for: Babies with eczema or heat rashes, warmer weather, premium basics, or special occasion wear
- Care: Gentle machine wash with mild detergent; low heat or air dry recommended
- More to love: TENCEL™ is produced in a closed-loop system, which means over 99% of water and solvents are recycled during manufacturing—making it one of the most environmentally responsible fabrics available. It drapes beautifully and retains color well, making it a luxurious yet sustainable choice for children's garments.
Our Philosophy: We use GOTS-certified organic cotton as our primary fabric due to its balance of softness, safety, and durability. Beyond its benefits for sensitive skin, we believe organic cotton is the most well-rounded choice for children's clothing: it’s gentle yet strong, natural yet luxurious, and crafted with both people and planet in mind. By choosing organic cotton, we're committing to a fabric that aligns with our values of purity, sustainability, and care. It's not just about what children wear today—it’s about shaping a better, more mindful world for their tomorrow. Nevertheless, we are exploring thoughtful applications for bamboo and TENCEL™ in select collections, where their unique properties enhance comfort.
Choosing the right fabric is about more than feel—it’s about ensuring your child is wrapped in safety, sustainability, and love.