The Best Fall Fabrics for Babies & Toddlers

Cooler weather means it’s time for soft baby clothes and toddler clothes with a cozy feel. But what fabric is best for a baby or toddler in fall and winter? Choosing the right outfit and material, and layering strategically, are key to keeping your little one comfortable. And to help ensure your little one is comfy all season long, our designers choose fabrics that will ensure your baby or toddler is cozy, cared for, and happy all season long.

Waffle Knit Baby Clothes

sample of waffle knit baby clothes

Waffle knit fabric (hold the maple syrup!) is characterized by its unique, textured pattern that resembles the grid-like surface of a waffle. The texture is slightly raised, giving it a gentle, massaging sensation that adds to its comfort. This fabric is lightweight yet warm, making it ideal for layering or wearing alone. The knit style is breathable, ensuring that these pieces can be worn comfortably in various temperatures, helping to keep little ones warm without overheating.

Waffle knit's natural stretch allows for ease of movement, which is perfect for active babies and toddlers. Additionally, its durability and ability to retain its shape after multiple washes make it an excellent choice for baby and toddler outfits, providing both comfort and longevity. You’ll find variations of this style called waffle weave and waffle sweater knit available in Onesies® brand bodysuits, outfit sets, jogger pants and pajamas.

Baby Boy Long Sleeve Blue and Ivory Onesies® Bodysuits

Baby Boy & Toddler Boy Charcoal Hoodie Jogger

Baby & Toddler Girl Snug Fit Floral Pajamas

Baby Girl Pink Jogger Set

Exceptionally Soft Hacci

sample of baby clothes fabric

Hacci fabric feels like a dream, so it’s only fitting that we’ve made incredibly comfy pajamas out of it! With a similar feel to cashmere, its lightweight, slightly stretchy texture feels incredibly soft and drapes beautifully, making it easy to wear all day or night. Hacci wears well, maintaining its softness and shape even after many washes, which is ideal for active babies and toddlers who need durable yet comfy clothing. Its breathability ensures comfort in various temperatures, while the natural stretch allows for plenty of movement during playtime or bedtime.

Hacci outfits are a popular choice for fall, as they are cozy but not too warm. On cooler days, consider layering with a jacket or sweater for a warmer feel. With pajamas, this breathable feel ensures your little one can enjoy the soft feel without getting too warm. Hacci baby and toddler pajamas or outfits give your little one a soft feel they’ll love.

Baby & Toddler Neutral Buffalo Plaid Pajamas

Toddler Girl Blue Floral Jumpsuit

Microfleece Fabric

sample of microfleece baby clothes fabric

With a very soft, plush texture, baby fleece fabric feels like a warm, fuzzy hug, making it perfect for snuggling and an ideal choice for cooler weather. Popular with outdoor enthusiasts, microfleece is lightweight yet incredibly warm, and is ideal for keeping little ones toasty without weighing them down. This low-maintenance fabric is machine washable, making it easy to keep clean and ready for wear. Our fleece baby pajamas and toddler pajamas wrap your little one in warmth and softness, making them perfect for chilly days and cozy nights.

Baby Neutral Gray Fleece Pants

Baby & Toddler Boy Dog and Fairisle Fleece Pajamas

Baby & Toddler Girl Deer and Pink Fleece Pajamas

Sherpa/Microplush

sample of sherpa baby clothes

Microplush, also known as sherpa, features a luxuriously plush and velvety texture that’s incredibly comforting and warm. An incredibly popular material for blankets, you’re likely familiar with the cozy texture. Excellent at retaining warmth, this material is perfect for chilly days, providing a comfy embrace that keeps babies and toddlers toasty even on colder days.

Microplush wears beautifully, maintaining its softness and fluffiness even after multiple washes, and it's also quick-drying and durable. This makes it an excellent choice for baby and toddler clothes, especially outerwear and playwear, ensuring they stay comfortable and happy no matter the weather. With microplush, you’ll have a durable fabric that delivers exceptional warmth, comfort, and longevity, making it perfect for your little one’s everyday adventures!

Baby Neutral Ivory Fleece Romper

Toddler Boy Blue Jacket

100% Cotton Baby Clothes

sample images of 100% cotton baby clothes

100% cotton fabric feels wonderfully soft and natural against the skin, with a smooth, breathable texture that gets even softer with each wash. It's durable and gentle, making it perfect for soft newborn clothes and toddler clothes that need to withstand lots of wear and tear while remaining comfy. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of irritation on sensitive skin. While a familiar material, there are still common questions regarding cotton:

What is cotton jersey fabric?

A knitted material, cotton jersey is designed for a slight stretch, giving it extra flexibility. At Gerber Childrenswear, you’ll often see this material used for dresses and rompers to provide easy all-day play.

What is French terry cotton?

Crafted for a smooth, soft feel, French terry cotton is perfect for a comfy feel. We often choose this material for jogger sets, hoodies, and rompers, all made for a cozy feel on cool fall days.

Is cotton breathable for babies?

Cotton is a naturally breathable material. Because air can flow freely, it’s especially popular in summer; however, its hypoallergenic nature makes it great any time of year. When wearing all cotton baby clothes in fall or winter, keep a blanket or jacket handy for layering in case your baby or toddler gets cold.

Another term you may have heard of is cotton interlock. This is a type of knit fabric that feels thick and smooth, providing a bit of natural stretch while maintaining its shape. Durable and comfortable, it’s useful as cotton Onesies® bodysuit for babies. Cotton rib, also popular for soft baby clothes, has a slightly textured, ribbed pattern that adds extra stretch and flexibility, making it perfect for baby bodysuits leggings. Choosing 100% cotton means opting for breathable, soft, and resilient clothes that keep little ones comfortable all day long!

Baby Boy Long Sleeve Onesies® Bodysuit

Newborn Neutral Woodland Outfit Set

Baby Neutral Interlock Solid Black Onesies® Bodysuit

Baby Girl Rib Ballerina Onesies® Bodysuits

Baby Girl & Toddler Girl Green Pears Romper

Cotton Blends

sample image of cotton blend fabrics

Cotton blend clothes are a fantastic option for babies and toddlers, combining the best of both worlds for ultimate comfort and durability! By blending cotton with other materials like spandex, these clothes gain extra softness and flexibility, making them absolutely perfect for play. This blend creates a fabric that’s not only cozy and breathable, but also incredibly long-lasting and easy to care for. With cotton blends you get an extra-durable material and a comfortable fit that keeps little ones happy and free to move, play, and explore all day long!

Baby Girl Tossed Flowers Romper

Baby & Toddler Boy Space Jogger Set

Baby & Toddler Boy Blue Sweatshirt & Pant Set

Have Fun Shopping

sample of baby clothes fabrics

Gerber Childrenswear is proud to provide clothes for every taste, preference and budget. Our baby clothes and toddler clothes are proudly OekoTex® certified free of harmful substances, so you can have peace of mind about what you buy. Have any more questions? Our customer service team would be happy to help!

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