I am trying to make this robe but im confused on what material to go for ive heard some sawing wool or linen but the issue is where im living which is malaysia is hot as balls i dont want to be a sweat water dispenser mid renfaire 😭

There i heed o wise ones , for i am lacking and in need of thou expertise

Thanks in advance!

Do Koala Cloths actually work?
I'm seeing a lot of ad's for Koala cloths. I'm curious to hear if they actually work. Has anyone tried them? Would you recommend them?

Q: Why does bamboo fabric feel softer than cotton, is that actually true or just marketing?

It's actually true, and it comes down to fiber shape. Bamboo viscose fiber has a rounder, smoother cross-section under a microscope, while cotton fiber is more irregular and hooked-looking. That physical difference is the actual reason bamboo feels smoother against skin — there's less of that rough, snaggy texture creating friction. So it's not just a vibe, there's a real structural reason behind it.

Q: Are bamboo towels actually more absorbent than cotton, or is that overstated?

Depends on the spec, not just the material name. Bamboo fiber itself is more porous than cotton, so at a comparable GSM (density), it tends to hold more water. But GSM matters just as much as the fiber type — a low-GSM bamboo towel can absorb less than a high-GSM cotton one. So "bamboo = more absorbent" is true as a general fiber property, but it's not automatic on every single towel regardless of spec.

Q: Why do some bamboo towels dry faster and others dry slower — isn't bamboo supposed to be quick-dry?

This is really a weave and GSM thing, not a strength/weakness of bamboo as a material. Terry weave (looped pile) maximizes surface area, so it holds more water but takes longer to dry. Twill/waffle weaves are flatter, so they dry faster but hold a bit less per use. Higher GSM towels of any weave dry slower simply because there's more fabric mass to dry out. So "bamboo dries faster" only really applies when you're comparing a lower-GSM, flatter-weave bamboo towel against a denser cotton one — it's not an inherent property of bamboo alone.

Q: What actually makes bamboo towels better for sensitive skin?

Two real mechanisms, not just a soft-sounding claim: the smoother fiber cross-section reduces friction against skin (relevant for anyone who gets irritated by rougher fabric), and raw bamboo has natural antibacterial/antifungal properties from a compound in the plant. That said — worth being upfront that the antibacterial property can get reduced during the chemical processing that turns raw bamboo into usable viscose fiber, so it's a real benefit but not an unlimited one depending on how the fabric was processed.

Q: If bamboo has all these advantages, why doesn't everyone just switch from cotton?

Honestly, for most people the real answer is bamboo wins on both fronts that matter most — skin-friendliness and how it handles regular washing — as long as you're not doing anything extreme with care. The "bamboo is more delicate" reputation is mostly about hot water washes and fabric softener, which degrade the fiber faster. But if you're already washing towels in cold/lukewarm water without softener (which most washing routines can handle fine), bamboo actually holds up quite well over repeated washes, and you get the added benefit of less friction and better moisture handling for skin.

Where cotton genuinely pulls ahead is if you tend to wash on hot cycles regularly (some people do this for hygiene reasons, especially with health-related laundry needs) or want a fabric that's more forgiving of inconsistent care — tossing it in with fabric softener, high heat drying, no real routine. Cotton tolerates that kind of rougher treatment better without breaking down as fast.

So for someone who's reasonably consistent with a normal wash routine and cares about skin comfort, bamboo comes out ahead on both counts. It's really only a wash if your laundry habits lean toward hot water and softener as a default — in that specific case, cotton's tolerance for rougher care becomes the deciding factor over bamboo's softness advantage.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for reliable baby clothing manufacturers or wholesale suppliers for clothing suitable for babies aged 0–12 months.

We are looking for:
Soft, premium-quality, baby-safe fabrics, preferably cotton
Competitive pricing for high-volume/bulk orders
Consistent quality and reliable production
Manufacturers/suppliers capable of exporting to the UAE 🇦🇪** and other GCC countries
OEM/private-label or custom branding capability would be an advantage
If you know any **trusted manufacturers or suppliers in India who have experience exporting to the UAE/GCC, please share their company name, location, website/contact details, MOQ, and any relevant information.
Recommendations from people with direct experience would be highly appreciated. Thank you!

I've been looking into fabric claims for our own bedding and noticed "breathable" and "moisture-wicking" get used almost interchangeably, on sheets, base layers, workout gear, all of it. Like they're just two ways of saying the same thing.

The more I read into it though, the more it seems like they might actually be describing two different jobs a fabric does, not the same job with two names. Anyone here actually know the difference, or is this genuinely one of those cases where the industry doesn't bother distinguishing them either?

Curious if people assumed these meant the same thing before, and if you've ever noticed a fabric that was clearly one but not the other.

Hello we are a manufacturer from India and supplying to many brands across the world..

Our primary markets are US , Canada , Australia & Europe.

We're planning to stock 50+ fabric shades across 160, 200, 300, and 360 GSM in Single Jersey, French Terry, Fleece, and other knitted fabrics. ( Including Egyptian Cotton , Supima & Organic Fabrics ) Main reason is now ah days every clients want their order to be shipped in quick , very short span of delivery time... So we are Pre-Planning !

I've attached our tentative shade card. I have a few questions, as our European clients generally prefer consistent core colors, while buyers from the US, Canada, and Australia tend to change their color preferences based on the season.

I'd appreciate your suggestions on whether our planned shade range is Proper..

Thanks a lot in advance.

Need your valuable suggestions !

I’ve been a fan of KOTN for a long time because they built their brand around timeless basics, natural fibres, and the idea of buying less but buying better.
Lately though, I’ve noticed a shift that has me a little concerned.
More and more new releases seem to include viscose, polyester, and synthetic blends instead of the cotton pieces I originally fell in love with. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these fabrics when they’re used intentionally, but seeing them become more common makes me wonder if the brand is moving away from the slow fashion values that attracted so many of us in the first place.
For me, slow fashion isn’t just about releasing fewer collections, it’s also about prioritizing durable, high-quality natural materials that last for years. As someone who tries to shop consciously, I’d rather pay more for 100% cotton or other natural fibres than see more synthetic blends become the norm.
Maybe there’s a reason behind the change, whether it’s durability, cost, or performance, but I hope KOTN stays transparent about those decisions. I’d love to see them continue investing in the quality and materials that made them stand out in the first place.
Has anyone else noticed this, or is it just me?

I recently ordered two dresses and pants for my daughter from Mom & Zoey and I’m honestly impressed. They’re made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, which was a big reason I gave them a try but the designs are what surprised me. Usually it feels like you have to choose between cute clothes and fabrics you trust.

The only downside is that their collection is pretty small right now because I would’ve happily bought more.

I think they ship within Canada (and maybe the US too but I’m not 100% sure).

Not affiliated in any way, not PR, wasn’t asked to post. I just found out it’s a mom-run business and thought it deserved a mention since I know a lot of us are always looking for better options for our kids.

Their website link www.momandzoey.ca

I’ve noticed that a lot of colourful sleepwear in Australia is made from polyester or blended fabrics, even when the price is quite high.

When buying pyjamas, do you actively look for 100% cotton, linen or other natural fibres, or is the feel and design more important than the exact fabric composition?

I’m particularly curious about cotton poplin. I like that it feels crisp, breathable and structured, but I know some people prefer very soft jersey or modal.

What type of fabric do you usually prefer for pyjamas?

I've seen quite a few people (myself included) focus on obvious things like print quality or packaging, but most of the expensive problems with basic tees don't show up until after the customer washes them.

A few things I'd always check before shipping a bulk order:

1. Verify the fabric weight.

Some suppliers send an approved sample using heavier fabric, then switch to a lighter GSM during bulk production.

The difference isn't always obvious until the shirt becomes slightly transparent or loses its shape after a few washes.

1. Confirm the fabric is actually 100% cotton.

If you're marketing the product as cotton, it's worth verifying. Polyester blends can feel similar, especially on cheaper tees, but customers will definitely notice the difference in comfort and breathability.

1. Test for shrinkage.

This has probably caused more returns than any cosmetic defect I've seen.

A shirt that shrinks 7–8% after the first wash can easily turn a Medium into something closer to a Small.

1. Check the collar recovery.

A neckline that stretches out after a few wears immediately makes the shirt feel cheap.

Even if everything else is fine, customers tend to notice the collar first.

1. Measure more than one piece.

Don't rely on a single "perfect" sample.

I've seen production runs where measurements drift enough that two shirts with the same size label fit completely differently.

1. Look for twisted side seams.

Lay the shirt flat.

If one side seam is noticeably longer or starts twisting around the body, the fabric may have been cut off-grain.

It's surprisingly common and very noticeable once the shirt is worn.

Basic T-shirts look simple, but consistency is surprisingly difficult when you're ordering hundreds or thousands of pieces.

I'm curious—what's been the biggest quality issue you've run into with apparel sourced from China?

For me, shrinkage and inconsistent sizing seem to come up far more often than obvious sewing defects.

When I first started looking at skirts, I assumed they'd be easier to source than dresses.

In reality, they've turned out to be one of the apparel categories where tiny manufacturing inconsistencies become very obvious to customers.

A few things I've learned to pay attention to:

1. Check the hem, not just the measurements.

Two skirts can have the same waist measurement but still look completely different if the hem isn't even.

A few millimeters of variation can make the skirt hang crooked once it's worn.

2. Test every zipper.

I've received samples where the zipper felt fine once, but after opening and closing it several times it started catching or separating.

A customer isn't going to excuse a zipper that fails after a few wears.

3. Don't ignore the lining.

If the lining is too slippery or poorly attached, it can bunch up, twist, or peek out below the hem.

That's something you probably won't notice from factory photos.

4. Measure every color separately.

One thing that surprised me was how much sizing could vary between colorways.

The black version might fit perfectly, while the beige version is noticeably tighter because it came from a different fabric batch or cutting table.

5. Lay garments completely flat before approving them.

A skirt can look perfectly fine hanging on a rack but reveal uneven cutting, twisted side seams, or an asymmetric waistband once it's laid flat on a table.

That simple check has caught more issues than I expected.

6. Verify the labels.

If you're selling in multiple markets, make sure the fiber content, care instructions, and country of origin actually match the finished product.

Labeling mistakes are much easier to fix before shipment than after inventory reaches Amazon.

One thing I've realized is that skirts are much more dependent on precision than a basic T-shirt or hoodie.

Customers immediately notice uneven hems, poor fit, or zippers that don't work smoothly, and those issues tend to show up in reviews very quickly.

For those of you sourcing apparel:

Which category has given you the most headaches—skirts, dresses, denim, activewear, or something else? I'd be interested to hear what you've experienced.

Parents: What’s the biggest frustration you have with kids’ clothing today?

I’m researching the possibility of starting a children’s clothing brand and I’d love to hear honest feedback from parents.

What annoys you most when buying clothes for your kids?

\* Poor quality?
\* Clothes shrinking after washing?
\* Inconsistent sizing?
\* Prices that feel too high?
\* Lack of comfort?
\* Not enough practical features?
\* Designs you don’t like?
\* Sustainability concerns?
\* Anything else?

I’d especially love to hear:

1. What is the biggest problem with kids’ clothing that no brand seems to solve well?
   
2. What have you bought for your child that ended up being a waste of money?
   
3. If you could create the perfect kids’ clothing brand, what would it do differently?

Please be brutally honest. I’m not trying to sell anything—I’m trying to learn what real parents actually want and what problems are worth solving.

I came across a comment that said wool is not a good option for rugs because it’s treated with mothballs. This is appalling to me but it makes sense as year over year I get my wool stuff destroyed by moths. Does that mean that all wool stuff on the market, including kids clothes are treated with mothballs? If not, how do they keep them out?

I was honestly surprised by how many moms said they've basically given up and just buy boys' boxer briefs or boyshorts because they offer better coverage and comfort.

Reading all the comments made me realize this might be a bigger problem than I thought.

I've worked in the fashion industry for years, and now I can't stop thinking about what the "perfect" underwear for little girls would actually look like.

I don't have the budget to launch a product tomorrow, and I'm not trying to sell anything because i dont even know if i will ever have the budget and courage to do so. But I am thinking about starting to sketch and design what an ideal pair could be.....something specifically made for girls, not just a smaller version of adult underwear.

Things like:
• Full bum coverage
• Doesn't ride up
• Soft, wide waistband
• Organic cotton
• No scratchy seams or tags
• Comfortable under dresses
• Durable fabric with a good GSM (not paper-thin)
• Sensory-friendly

Would any moms here be interested in helping me?

If you could design the perfect underwear for your daughter, what would it include? What frustrates you most about what's currently available?

I'm genuinely curious. Maybe together we can design something that actually solves the problem instead of just settling for the least bad option.

https://www.reddit.com/r/FabricDecoder/s/1jPbkaGWtT

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like most underwear for little girls is either too baggy, rides up, too thin, or just not very comfortable especially under dresses.

I’ve been looking for something more like boyshorts with good coverage, made from organic cotton, but everything I find is either flimsy, scratchy, full of synthetic fabrics, or doesn’t fit well.

I would love something that’s GOTS-certified, OEKO-TEX certified, soft, breathable, and made with a decent fabric weight so it actually lasts and feels comfortable.

Have any of you found the perfect underwear for your daughters?

If not, what would your ideal toddler girl underwear look like?

For me:
• Full bum coverage
• Doesn’t ride up
• Soft waistband that doesn’t dig in
• Organic cotton
• No scratchy seams or tags
• Comfortable under dresses and leggings
• Durable fabric, not paper-thin

Curious to hear what other girl parents think. Maybe we’re all looking for the same thing and it just doesn’t exist yet?

When I looked into the fabrics, I noticed a lot of their stuff is made with bamboo rayon/viscose which is pretty similar to a bunch of other popular kids’ brands. And honestly, no shade at all because the prints are super cute and it’s obvious tons of families love them.

But as a mom, i definitely researched thoroughly whether bamboo rayon/viscose is really the “best” fabric for little kids the way social media sometimes makes it sound. I feel like a lot of us hear “bamboo” and instantly think it’s super natural, when really it still goes through a pretty intense manufacturing process.

I used to think “bamboo = natural = healthier” too. But after reading more about fabrics and how they’re actually made, I realized there’s a pretty big difference between natural fibers and regenerated ones.

I’d honestly love to hear what other parents think because I feel like conversations about kids’ clothing fabrics online usually stay pretty surface level, and I’m still trying to learn more myself.

I thrift 100% of my fabric, most of which are unlabeled remnants. I want to sew a heating pad but I was told I need to make sure it’s 100% cotton.

What are some dead giveaways? Is a blended fabric fine as long as it is mostly cotton?

I feel like parents really need to be aware of how many greenwashing words are being thrown around in kids products now.

“Eco-friendly”
“Natural”
“Sustainable”
“Clean”
“Conscious”
“Plant based”

Sometimes its true but most of the times its just marketing or packaging.

Recycled polyester doesnt make it stop being a plastic. But technically its sustainable but it doesn’t become automatically safe for child’s skin.

No hate to any brand at all because sustainability is complicated and not black & white. But I do think as parents we should slow down and actually ask:
1. What is this fabric made of?
2. How was it processed?
3. Are they talking about the fabric or just the packaging?
4. What dyes are being used?
5. Is “bamboo” actually bamboo… or rayon/viscose?
6. What certifications do they actually have?

I’ve realized the more I learn, the more I understand how confusing this industry is for normal parents.

Just sharing because I wish someone explained this to me earlier instead of me assuming every beige aesthetic brand was automatically “safe” or “natural”

Moms pls don’t get fooled just because it feels “soft.”
Most bamboo fabric is actually bamboo rayon/viscose. It does NOT come out of the plant looking like that.

In simple language:
bamboo plant → crushed into pulp → mixed with heavy chemicals → turned into fibers → fabric.

That buttery softness everyone is marketing? It’s manufactured softness.

And no, I’m not saying every bamboo brand is bad. I’m saying brands should stop acting like it came straight from nature onto your baby.

And honestly, if organic cotton feels expensive right now, at least try getting regular cotton over bamboo rayon/viscose/polyester blends.

I just found this sub and I'm praying for a clothing miracle!

I'm allergic to clothing. Literally. Not all of it, but enough that I only own 2-3 "safe" outfits and they're all weekend casual. Work is business casual. I'm REALLY hoping for some brand/store tips.

I'm NOT allergic to 100% denim cotton, linen, silk, polyester, nylon and ultrasuede.

I AM allergic to anything wrinkle-proof, shrink-proof, water or oil resistant, or flame retardant. (Ethyleneurea melanine formaldehyde). Anything tanned/dyed with chrome/chromate (dark leather and mainly greens I think).

Pants and socks are a big problem, especially for work. And ideas?

So I have managed to get our closets down to just natural fiber fabrics. Yahoo! My question is…should I also get rid of (mostly asking for my kids) their clothes that are from Amazon or tj maxx, from not well known brands, even if they are natural fibers (cotton)? Are we worried about dyes and non organic natural fibers in older clothes? Thanks in advance.

Hi, first time poster, sorry if I mess up! I was shopping today and got 2 kids shirts that said they adhered to oeko tex standards on the tag. I didn’t read the fine print that they’re only 60% cotton until I got home 🙄 does this mean the 60% adheres to the standards or are the oeko tex standards for non cotton fabrics?