7 Red Flags When Shopping for Kids’ Clothes Online
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Online shopping for kids is convenient — but not always safe.
While buying children’s clothes online can save time and give access to more options, not every product you see on your screen is skin-safe or worth the price. Many online listings look attractive but may hide poor fabric quality, unsafe dyes, or misleading information.
For parents in India, especially those shopping for infants and toddlers, it’s important to look beyond style and focus on fabric safety, comfort, and durability.
Here are seven red flags to watch out for when shopping for kids’ clothes online.
1. Fabric Label Says “Blend” Instead of 100% Cotton
If the product description lists polyester, nylon, rayon, or cotton blend, it’s not pure cotton. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat, cause rashes, and are less breathable — especially harmful for young children in India’s warm climate.
2. Extremely Bright or Neon Colours
Very bright, fluorescent shades in budget clothing often mean chemical dyes, such as azo dyes, which are banned in Europe and the US but still used by many Indian manufacturers.
3. No Mention of Fabric Certifications
If the listing doesn’t mention certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, there’s no guarantee the clothing is free from harmful chemicals.
4. Overly Soft or Wrinkle-Free Claims
Clothing that feels “unnaturally” soft or promises to be wrinkle-resistant may have been treated with harmful chemical finishes like formaldehyde-based resins.
5. Lack of Fabric Weight or GSM Information
High-quality cotton clothing should mention GSM (grams per square metre) or fabric weight. Without it, you can’t judge durability or comfort.
6. No Return or Exchange Policy
If the product cannot be returned or exchanged after trying it on, that’s a red flag. Kids’ clothing should allow for fit checks, especially for sensitive skin.
7. Unclear Washing Instructions
Quality clothing brands specify care instructions. If the product listing lacks details on washing temperature, detergents to avoid, or fabric care, it may indicate low-quality materials.
Safe Shopping Tip: Always choose transparent brands that share detailed fabric information, certifications, and safety measures. For infants and toddlers, opt for certified 100% cotton kidswear to ensure comfort and skin safety.
At TOFU, we design every garment with certified, skin-safe 100% cotton, free from toxic dyes and chemical finishes — because your child’s health comes first.
Browse TOFU’s safe cotton kidswear collection