The Most Sustainable Fabrics for Children’s Clothes (And Why We Use Them)

As parents, we want our children's clothes to withstand playground adventures, endless wash cycles, and growth spurts, all while being safe for sensitive skin.

The good news? By choosing sustainable fabrics, you don't need to compromise on any of these needs.

At Firebird Kids, we've spent years researching and testing materials to find fabrics that truly work. Our all-cotton kids' clothing collection reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability.

In this guide, we share the most sustainable fabric options for kids, why we prioritize GOTS-certified organic cotton, and why these fabrics are better for the planet.

Ready? Let's go!

9 Types of Sustainable Fabrics for Kids' Clothes

Not all eco-friendly fabrics are created equal, especially when it comes to children's clothing. Here are nine sustainable fabrics worth considering:

1. GOTS-certified organic cotton

• Source: Cotton fibers grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers that meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

• Producing countries: USA, India, Turkey, and parts of Africa.

GOTS-certified organic cotton sets the gold standard in organic textiles. Unlike conventional cotton farming, GOTS cotton is completely free from toxic pesticides. It also has a low impact on the environment, using 62% less energy and 88% less water.

The certification covers the entire supply chain, from seed to finished garments, ensuring ethical labor practices, safety standards, and superior durability for children's wear.

At Firebird Kids, we proudly use GOTS-certified organic cotton across our entire range. It's our way of guaranteeing the softest, most comfortable clothes that last countless washes and endless adventures.

2. Cashmere-cotton blends

• Source: Cashmere from the undercoat of cashmere goats; cotton from seed fibers.

• Producing countries: Cashmere from Mongolia, China, and Nepal; cotton from the USA, Egypt, Italy, and India.

Cashmere-cotton is a luxurious fabric blend that combines the softness and warmth of cashmere with cotton's breathability. It's a lightweight yet cozy material that feels great on the skin, regulates body temperature, and holds up better than pure cashmere.

Our signature cotton-cashmere blend is made of 85% Egyptian Giza cotton and 15% high-quality cashmere from the finest Italian yarn mills. It's also PFAS-free, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin.

This isn't just about luxury; it's about longevity. Designed to withstand multiple washes and be passed down through the generations, our cotton-cashmere knits show that sustainability and practicality go hand in hand.

3. Hemp fabric

• Source: Hemp plant stalks.

• Producing countries: China, North Africa, Canada, the USA, and Europe.

Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile fibers, used in everything from clothing to food, biofuel, and cosmetics.

This powerhouse fiber grows quickly without pesticides, uses 96% less water than cotton, and even improves soil health all in one go. Not to mention organic hemp removes more CO₂ from the atmosphere than your average plant!

The result? A fiber that's stronger than cotton, softens with every wash, and is naturally UV-resistant, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial - perfect for kids' clothing!

4. Bamboo fiber

• Source: Bamboo plants are processed similarly to linen.

• Producing countries: China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, capable of regenerating from the same root system after harvesting. It flourishes with very little water and grows naturally without the use of pesticides or harsh chemicals.

When mechanically processed (rather than chemically processed), bamboo fibers retain their natural antibacterial properties, silky softness, and breathable texture, making them ideal for children's clothing and sensitive skin.

5. Linen

• Source: Fibers from the flax plant.

• Producing countries: Europe (Belgium, France, Ireland), the Baltic countries, and China.

Linen textiles are one of the oldest textiles in the world. The flax plants use minimal water and energy consumption, grow in poor soil without fertilizers, and produce zero textile waste since every part of the plant is used.

The result is a fabric that's naturally cooling, incredibly durable, and fully biodegradable. Organic linen is a timeless favorite that only gets better with age!

6. Alpaca wool

• Source: Wool from Alpaca animal fleece.

• Producing countries: Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.

Alpaca is considered to be one of the most ethical wools. Native to South America's Andes Mountains, alpacas are sheared once a year, and their fleece requires little to no harsh chemicals to process. Compared to sheep's wool, alpaca is much softer, more durable, and 100% biodegradable.

It's also highly breathable with moisture-wicking and heat-retaining properties and has a remarkably low carbon footprint. Perfect for kids' clothes, that's for sure.

7. TENCEL™ Lyocell

• Source: Regenerated cellulose fiber made from sustainably harvested wood pulp.

• Producing countries: Mainly Austria.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a newer type of sustainable fabric made from the wool pulp of ethically sourced trees like eucalyptus, oak, and/or birch. The fabric production process uses a highly eco-friendly "closed loop" process.

Compared to traditional rayon production, the closed-loop method reuses 99.5% of the water and dissolving agents and doesn’t require pesticides. The result? A soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric suitable for sensitive skin and sustainable kidswear.

Other variations of wood pulp sustainable fabrics include:

• Modal

• Rayon

• Bamboo lyocell

• ECOVERO™

8. Piñatex

• Source: Pineapple leaf fibers (a natural byproduct of pineapple farming).

• Producing countries: The Philippines and Spain.

Piñatex is an innovative, sustainable leather alternative made primarily from pineapple leaf fibers, raw material that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of burning the discarded leaves, farmers collect and process them without using water or harmful chemicals.

The result is a vegan, cruelty-free material that's around 80% biodegradable and considered far more sustainable and ethical than traditional leather and other synthetic fiber alternatives.

9. Woocoa

• Source: Cocoa bean husks (a natural byproduct of the chocolate industry).

• Producing countries: Chocolate-producing countries (e.g., Ghana, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Ecuador)

Woocoa is a next-generation, vegan alternative to wool. It's made from a blend of natural plant fibers (specifically cocoa, hemp, and coconut), which are natural byproducts of the farming trade. These "recycled materials" are then treated with enzymes derived from oyster mushrooms, making them soft, elastic, breathable, and moisture-wicking.

Woocoa feels as soft and cozy as traditional wool but without the environmental or ethical drawbacks. For families who care about animals and the planet, this sustainable material makes an excellent choice.

Other eco-friendly fabrics

• Recycled polyester: A synthetic fiber made from melting and re-spinning plastic waste.

• Recycled cotton: Reclaimed cotton from pre- or post-consumer waste fabric.

• Cork: Renewable fabric ethically harvested from the bark of cork oak trees.

• Jute: A biodegradable natural fiber derived from jute plants, known for its durability.

• Apple leather: A vegan, biodegradable, and low-impact leather alternative using apple waste.

• QMilk: Sustainable fabrics made from casein protein extracted from milk waste.

• S.Cafe: A sustainable fabric blending recycled coffee grounds with polyester fibers.

Why Sustainable Fabrics Matter

The fabrics we choose have an impact that goes far beyond a single item of clothing. In children's wear, where clothes are outgrown quickly and washed often, those choices matter even more.

Every material decision influences how much water is used, which chemicals touch our kids' skin, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the air, and the well-being of farmers and factory workers behind each garment.

Choosing sustainable fabrics is a small step that makes a BIG difference for our children and the planet they'll inherit.

3 benefits of sustainable fabrics

1. Kinder to the planet: Sustainable fabrics are made using eco-friendly processes that reduce water and energy consumption, limit chemical use, and lower carbon emissions. Many sustainable fabrics are also biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally at the end of their life, leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

2. Great for sensitive skin: Sustainable fabrics avoid the harsh “forever chemicals” often used in conventional textile processing. With fewer toxins and irritants, they’re gentler on the skin and help reduce allergies, irritation, and eczema, perfect for babies, kids, and anyone with sensitive skin.

3. Upholding ethical practices: Sustainable textile production supports fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for the people who grow and make our clothes. It also promotes better animal welfare and more transparent supply chains. By choosing sustainable fabrics, consumers help create a fashion industry that values people, animals, and the environment equally.

FAQs

What are eco-friendly fabrics?

Eco-friendly or sustainable fabrics are made with minimal environmental impact. They use less water, energy, and chemicals compared to conventional materials. Sustainable fabrics are also often made from renewable, organic, and/or recycled materials, making them kinder to humans and the planet.

Who stocks sustainable kidswear in the USA?

At Firebird Kids, every piece in our collection is crafted from buttery-soft, sustainable GOTS-certified organic cotton. You’ll never find “forever chemicals,” harsh synthetics, or flame retardants in our children’s clothing; just breathable, sustainable fabrics designed for comfort, durability, and peace of mind.

Which fabrics are 100% natural?

Organic cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, and jute are some of the fabrics made from 100% natural fibers.

Final Thoughts

Every fabric choice we make today shapes the world our children will grow up in. From GOTS-certified organic cotton to innovative materials like Woocoa and Piñatex, sustainable fabrics prove that we don't have to choose between what's good for our kids and what's good for the planet.

At Firebird Kids, we've considered everything from playground adventures to sensitive skin needs, which is why GOTS-certified cotton is our number one choice, always.