Polyester vs. Cotton: What Every Parent in India Should Know

The fabric you choose for your child is more than a style choice — it’s a health decision.

When shopping for kids’ clothes in India, it’s easy to be drawn to colours, prints, and prices. But behind the fabric label lies a detail that directly impacts your child’s comfort, skin safety, and even long-term health.

The two most common fabrics in children’s wear are cotton and polyester. While they may look similar in product images, the way they affect your child’s skin and body is very different.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — the same type of plastic used in bottles and packaging. It’s cheap, wrinkle-resistant, and long-lasting, which is why many brands use it. But what works for cost efficiency doesn’t necessarily work for children’s health.

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a natural fibre made from the cotton plant. When untreated and certified, it is breathable, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals — making it one of the safest fabrics for children’s delicate skin.

The Health and Comfort Issues with Polyester
1. Traps Heat and Moisture
Polyester is not breathable. It traps sweat and heat against the skin — a problem in India’s hot, humid climate. This increases the risk of heat rashes, prickly heat, and skin irritation.

2. Higher Risk of Skin Irritation
A 2019 Indian Journal of Dermatology study found that synthetic fabrics increase the likelihood of dermatitis in children due to heat retention and chemical finishes.

3. Hormonal Disruption from Chemicals in Polyester
Polyester is made from plastic, and in its manufacturing process, chemicals like phthalates (used in prints and coatings) and antimony trioxide (used as a catalyst) are often present.

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors — they can interfere with natural hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones. In children, endocrine disruption has been linked to early puberty, growth issues, and reproductive development problems later in life. Heat and sweat can increase the migration of these chemicals from fabric to skin, leading to slow, low-level absorption over time.

4. Chemical Residues from Dyes and Finishes
Polyester clothing is often treated with azo dyes, flame retardants, and formaldehyde-based resins, many of which are banned in Europe but still used in India. These can cause allergic reactions, breathing issues, and in long-term exposure, more serious health concerns.

5. Microplastic Pollution and Skin Contact
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that 35% of global microplastics in oceans come from synthetic textiles like polyester. When washed, polyester sheds tiny plastic fibres — and some remain on the clothing, in direct contact with your child’s skin.

Why 100% Cotton is a Safer Choice

• Breathable: Keeps air flowing and prevents overheating.
• Hypoallergenic: Gentle on sensitive skin.
• Chemical-Free Options: Certified organic cotton ensures no harmful residues.
• Absorbent: Wicks away sweat naturally.
• Biodegradable: Eco-friendly and safe for the planet.

At TOFU, every garment is made from skin-safe 100% cotton, free from toxic dyes, polyester blends, and harmful chemical finishes — because we believe clothing should protect, not harm, your child’s skin.

Explore TOFU’s cotton kidswear.