Written by Gyg & Grow - India’s first dermatologist and pediatrician-reviewed kidswear brand. All our collections are GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified.
Choosing clothes for your child should be simple. But between marketing buzzwords and chemical-heavy fabrics, it’s easy to get misled. Here’s what those fabric labels really mean (and don’t).
“Cotton-Rich” - The Marketing Illusion
What it says: “Cotton-rich” means the fabric has more than 50% cotton - the rest is often cheap synthetics like polyester or viscose.
What it actually means: These blends trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for rashes and irritation. “Cotton-rich” isn’t “safe”; it’s just “mostly cotton.”
“100% Cotton” - Not Always Pure
What it says: 100% cotton sounds clean and natural. What it actually means: Unless tested, it may still carry formaldehyde (for wrinkle resistance), chlorine bleach, or residual dyes from processing. Natural fiber? Yes. Naturally safe? Not necessarily.
“GOTS Certified Cotton” - The Real Clean Cotton
What it says: GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. What it actually means: It’s cotton that’s been tested for harmful residues, free from Azo dyes, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, and processed under safe, organic standards. In short - clean cotton that cares for your child’s skin. According to the Global Organic Textile Standard, certified cotton must be free of toxic residues (Source: https://global-standard.org).
“Bamboo” or “Organically Grown Bamboo” - The Misleading Green Tag
What it says: Bamboo is eco-friendly and gentle. What it actually means: Unless certified, most bamboo fabric goes through chemical retting with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, leaving behind residues that can irritate sensitive skin. Soft? Yes. But not always safe.
“GOTS or OEKO-TEX Certified Bamboo” - Safe and Truly Sustainable
What it says: Certified bamboo equals safe bamboo. What it actually means: Certification ensures the fiber is processed and dyed without toxic chemicals, tested for pH balance, dyes, and residues, and proven gentle on skin. It’s the only bamboo worth trusting. (Source: https://www.oeko-tex.com).
“Polyester” - The Hidden Heat Trap
What it says: Durable, wrinkle-free, and easy to wash. What it actually means: Polyester is plastic-based. It traps sweat, holds heat, and often contains disperse dyes that can trigger itching or dermatitis. Over time, it sheds microfibers that can irritate skin and even affect breathing.
“Rayon / Viscose” - Semi-Natural, Chemically Made
What it says: Made from natural cellulose or plant fiber. What it actually means: The fiber goes through heavy chemical processing (bleaching, sulfide baths) that leaves residue behind. It feels silky but can irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
The biggest risk in kidswear isn’t fashion but the fabric chemistry. A few simple steps can help you make the right choice and go a long way in caring for the gentle skin of your child:
• Look for GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified fabrics.
• Avoid “wrinkle-free” and “bright white” claims - they often mean chemical finishes.
• Wash all new clothes before first wear.
• Choose breathable natural fabrics that are tested, not just marketed.
• If possible, choose from brands that are lab certified for no-nasty chemicals in your child’s clothing.
Shop our certified kidswear collection here: https://gyglandgrow.com/collections/all-products
Learn more about our story: https://gyglandgrow.com/pages/about
Have questions or need help? Contact us: https://gyglandgrow.com/pages/contact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the safest fabric for children’s skin?
Certified organic cotton is one of the safest fabrics for kids. Look for GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified cotton, as these ensure the material is tested for harmful chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals.
2. Is “cotton-rich” fabric safe for babies?
Not always. “Cotton-rich” means the fabric has over 50% cotton but can still include polyester or viscose, which may trap heat and cause irritation on delicate skin.
3. What does GOTS certified mean?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification guarantees that the entire fabric production process - from farming to dyeing - follows organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly practices. Learn more at Global Standard.
4. What is OEKO-TEX certification?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 ensures fabrics are tested for over 300 harmful substances, including formaldehyde, azo dyes, and heavy metals. It’s a trusted global standard for skin-safe textiles. Learn more at OEKO-TEX.com.
5. Are bamboo fabrics safe for kids?
Only when they’re certified. Most bamboo fabrics undergo chemical-heavy processing, so choose GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified bamboo to ensure safety for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
6. How can I tell if a baby clothing brand is safe?
Check the product labels and website for verified fabric certifications, dermatological testing claims, and transparency in sourcing. Avoid vague terms like “eco-friendly” or “natural” without proof.
7. Should I wash new baby clothes before use?
Absolutely. Even certified fabrics can pick up dust or mild residues during packaging or shipping. A gentle wash before first wear helps remove any surface irritants.
8. What are the best organic clothing brands for kids in India?
Look for brands that combine certification and comfort. For example, Gyg & Grow is India’s first dermatologist and pediatrician-reviewed kidswear brand, offering GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified clothing made for sensitive skin.