For everyday cold-weather wear, merino wool is the best all-rounder for children: warm, breathable and durable. Cashmere is softer and lighter and suits babies and special pieces. Cotton is fine in mild weather but poor when wet. Synthetic fleece is cheap and quick-drying but does not breathe as well and sheds plastic fibres in the wash.
Parents ask us this every autumn, so here is the honest comparison, including where our own fabrics are not the right choice.
The comparison
|
|
Merino wool |
Cashmere |
Cotton |
Synthetic fleece |
|
Warmth for its weight |
High |
Very high |
Low |
Medium to high |
|
Breathability |
High |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
Feel when damp |
Stays comfortable |
Stays comfortable |
Cold and clammy |
Dries fast |
|
Softness |
Very soft |
Softest |
Soft |
Soft, can feel synthetic |
|
Odour resistance |
High |
High |
Low |
Low |
|
Durability |
High |
Medium, delicate |
Medium |
Medium |
|
Care |
Gentle wash, lay flat |
Gentle wash, lay flat |
Easy |
Easy |
|
Made from |
Animal fibre |
Animal fibre |
Plant fibre |
Petroleum-based plastic |
Merino wool: the all-rounder
Merino fibres are fine, so they feel soft rather than scratchy, and they trap warm air while letting moisture out. That is why a merino jacket works for a child who runs, stops and runs again. It also resists odour, so it needs washing less often. Our merino fleece jackets and overalls are 100% GOTS-certified merino wool.
Best for: daily outerwear, base layers, vests, jackets, babies from birth.
Cashmere: the softest, and the most delicate
Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats. It is lighter and softer than merino and very warm, but the fibres are more fragile, so it pills sooner and needs more careful washing. All of our range is made by Drugi Splot from reclaimed, upcycled cashmere, which gives new life to material that already exists.
Best for: hats and balaclavas, baby sets, blankets, gifts.
Cotton: good, in the right weather
Cotton is soft, easy to wash and ideal for mild weather and next to the skin in summer. Its weakness is moisture: damp cotton feels cold and stays damp. For a long day outside in winter, it is a poor base layer. Organic cotton is the better cotton choice, and we use it for our everyday tops and bodysuits.
Best for: spring and summer, indoor wear, pyjamas.
Synthetic fleece: cheap and warm, with trade-offs
Polyester fleece is inexpensive and dries quickly, which is useful for rain-soaked play. The trade-offs are poor breathability, odour that lingers, and microplastic fibres released in the wash. If you own some already, wash it in a laundry bag that catches fibres.
Best for: rough, muddy play where you do not mind wear and tear.
So which should you choose?
- One piece for the whole winter: a merino fleece jacket or vest
- A newborn gift: upcycled cashmere set or blanket
- A warm hat that stays on: merino or cashmere balaclava
- A budget layer for mud: synthetic fleece, bought used if possible.
FAQ
Is merino itchy for babies? Fine merino is generally soft on the skin, but sensitivity varies. For very sensitive skin, choose a merino and silk blend and test a small area first.
Is cashmere worth the price? For items worn close to the face or given as a gift, yes. For hard-wearing outerwear, merino is better value.
Is wool sustainable? It is a renewable fibre and lasts for many years. Look for certified wool such as GOTS, and see what the labels mean.
