Plant-based natural fibres for baby and children's clothing

Natural plant fibres have their origins in nature and are obtained from stems and stalks, as well as from seed appendages, without the use of chemicals. Cotton and linen are probably the best-known plant fibres. But also organic cotton, hemp and latex belong to the category of vegetable fibres. We have compiled a lot of interesting information about the properties of the fibres and their production.

Materials for children's clothing of natural & plant origin

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fibre and is obtained from the seed hair of the cotton plant. A few days after the plant has flowered, the fruit capsule produces cellulose - longer, but also shorter hairs, which are spun into yarn after harvesting. Due to its good wearing properties, such as its robustness and tear resistance, cotton is very popular, especially for children's clothing. 
Properties of cotton:

  • abrasion resistant
  • absorbent
  • skin-friendly
  • heat resistant
  • durable
  • easy-care
  • hard-wearing

Organic-Cotton

Fortunately, organic cotton has recently become more and more popular among manufacturers of children's clothing. Consumers like you and many of our other customers also value sustainability. Your children and we would like to thank you for preferring to buy an item made of organic cotton, even if it may cost a few cents more. Because organic cotton is grown organically or ecologically, better conditions are created for the harvesters and farmers. The main and crucial difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton is that the seeds of conventional cotton are genetically modified and chemically treated. When planting organic cotton, the use of environmentally harmful pesticides and artificial/synthetic fertilisers is prohibited. This means that the environment is sustainably protected, and so is your child. In addition, organic cotton has the same positive properties as cotton.

Hemp

The structure of hemp fibres is comparable to that of cotton fibres. Both consist largely of cellulose and hemicellulose. Hemp, however, refers to plants whose fibres have a certain length and a natural sheen. The long fibres are strong, practically indestructible and immensely tear-resistant.
Compared to cotton fibre, hemp fibre can absorb three times more moisture and still dries three times faster than cotton. Another plus point of hemp fibres is their dirt-repelling property, which means that less energy is used when washing. An important aspect of hemp fabric is that it kills bacteria, making it antibacterial. Hemp is also a fast-growing plant that, unlike cotton, hardly uses any water. With the hemp plant, the use of herbicides, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers or GMO seeds can be dispensed with. One disadvantage is that industrial cultivation of hemp is illegal in many parts of the world, as the plant is still far too associated with marijuana.

Linens

Linen is obtained from the long stalks of the tender flax plant in a lengthy processing procedure. When the flax has reached a height of at least one metre and the seed pod is yellow, the plant is pulled out of the ground with the root. The stalks are then stored in rows in the field for a few more days, after which the fibres are dried and the seed removed. In terms of sustainability, linen is at the forefront and scores not only in cultivation, but also in its longevity and recyclability. 
Linen is a very airy and light fabric, and is also very robust. Another positive property is the natural creasing effect, which is caused by the low stretch of the fibre.

Latex

Latex is a natural and renewable material, it is extracted from the rubber tree. One of the advantages of latex is that it is biodegradable and no plants or animals need to be killed for its production. The trees are not cut down to produce latex, so production is sustainable and carbon-negative. In its raw form, natural rubber is very elastic and soft. Under the influence of light and oxygen, the molecules break down, which leads to the fragility of the material. It is therefore important to vulcanise raw rubber, as this is the only way to make the material durable.

Frequently asked questions about plant materials of natural origin

  • Cotton is very robust
  • It can absorb moisture well
  • is soft and pleasant on the skin
  • Has a high wearing comfort

  • Unfortunately, cotton does not release moisture well, which is why pure cotton is unsuitable for sportswear, as bacteria or germs would quickly feel at home and destroy the garment.
  • If the fibre is washed too often, it will lose its colour and fade.
  • Products with a high cotton content wrinkle quickly

  • since organic cotton is grown organically or ecologically, better conditions are created for the harvesters and farmers
  • No environmentally harmful pesticides or artificial/ synthetic fertilisers are used.
  • The environment is sustainably protected, and so is your child.
  • the other advantages of organic cotton are the same as for "normal" cotton
  • organic cotton is robust
  • it can absorb moisture well
  • is soft and pleasant on the skin
  • has a high wearing comfort

  • Organic cotton also absorbs moisture poorly, so pure organic cotton is not suitable for use in sportswear, as bacteria or germs would quickly take hold and destroy the garment.
  • if the fibre is washed too often, it can lose its vibrant colour and fade
  • Products with a high organic cotton content also wrinkle quickly

First of all, follow the manufacturer's instructions on the laundry label. We recommend washing clothes for babies/newborns separately, as there may be allergenic substances in or on your clothes. We also recommend that you always avoid using fabric softener, as this can irritate your little one's skin and prevent possible allergic reactions. Another recommendation is to use a sensitive fabric softener, especially if the clothes can only be washed at 40°. Hygiene rinse agents remove 99% of the bacteria even at very low temperatures. For children's clothes, use a detergent labelled "Sensitive".