Guide to materials
Merino, bamboo
or cotton?
So children are neither too warm nor too cold, do not end up damp, and can enjoy playing to the full. A clear comparison of three natural fibres — and above all, when to reach for which.
Merino wool
Warms and cools
It insulates and regulates temperature beautifully — warm in the cold without overheating. It moves moisture away and still warms when damp. The fineness of the fibre is what matters: good merino does not itch.
Bamboo
Gentlest on the skin
Exceptionally soft and kind even to sensitive skin. It absorbs more than cotton, so a child stays dry. It asks for a gentler wash, and rewards you with softness even years later.
Cotton
Easy and affordable
Generally well tolerated, easy to care for, happy at high temperatures. Over time it loses its shape and handles sweat less well. Organic cotton has a lower growing footprint — it may just fade sooner.
Comparison
Properties side by side
| Property | Merino wool | Cotton | Bamboo (viscose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature regulation | Warms in winter, releases heat in summer. | Weak temperature regulation. | Good temperature regulation, though a step behind merino. |
| Moisture handling | Excellent — does not feel cold even when damp. | Weak; can stay damp. | Excellent, though a step behind merino. |
| Comfort on the skin | Exceptionally soft. Does not itch. | Pleasant and absorbent, but clings to the skin when damp. | Very soft, ideal for sensitive skin. |
| Allergies and sensitive skin | Very low risk of irritation. | Generally well tolerated. | Very soft to the touch, suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Stretch | Very elastic. | Without a blend it has little stretch and creases. | Little stretch, creases more than merino. |
| Durability over time | Holds its shape. May pill. | Pills the least. | Less durable when wet. |
| Care and washing | Wool detergent, 30 °C, no fabric softener. Never tumble dry. | Easiest — normal cycle, tumble dryer is fine. | Short cycle up to 30 °C, no fabric softener. Never tumble dry. |
| Environmental impact | A renewable and biodegradable raw material. | A natural fibre; conventional growing is demanding on water and pesticides, organic cotton has a lower impact. | A fast-growing, undemanding plant, but viscose production is chemically intensive. The impact depends on the process used. |
| Price | The most expensive. | The cheapest. | More affordable than merino. |
Short and clear
Which is better, wool or cotton?
It is like asking which is better — a screwdriver or a hammer. Sometimes one wins, sometimes the other.
- Which is warmer?
- Wool. It is among the best natural insulators.
- Which is cooler?
- Lightweight cotton. But merino moves sweat away, so it is excellent in the heat too.
- Which is better when wet?
- Wool. It insulates even damp — wet cotton is heavy and clings.
- Which costs more?
- Wool, usually by a wide margin.
- Which is kinder to nature?
- A draw. These are natural fibres and each carries a slightly different cost.
What suits what
What to pick for nursery and what for winter?
| Situation | Merino wool | Cotton | Bamboo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playing at home | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleeping | ✓ | ✕ if the child sweats a lot | ✓ |
| Nursery | ✕ merino pieces pick up paint and glue | ✓ | ✕ a shame to risk pricier pieces on stubborn stains |
| Summer | ✓ | ✕ if the child sweats a lot | ✓ |
| Winter | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Carrier and sling | ✓ | ✕ if the child sweats a lot | ✓ note: in winter it will not warm like merino |
| Car journeys | ✓ | ✕ if the child sweats a lot | ✓ |
| In the pram | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
What parents ask
Is cotton or wool better for summer?
Merino and bamboo are both light, breathable fabrics that move moisture away from the skin. Cotton is soft and breathable too, and pleasant in real heat. One thing decides it: whether the child sweats a lot. Then cotton soaks it up, starts to feel cold and clings — and merino or bamboo is the better choice.
Can we wear cotton in winter?
Yes, in the right circumstances. Cotton soaks up moisture like a sponge and once damp it stops insulating. On genuinely cold days a merino base layer is worth it.
Will a child sweat in merino?
They will — that is how the body cools itself. But merino moves the sweat away from the skin, so the child stays dry and comfortable.
How many layers does a baby need?
It may come as a surprise, but overheating happens far more often than getting cold — and you spot it by prickly heat. Less is more: for a raw autumn day a merino bodysuit and leggings plus a waterproof jacket is plenty. In winter, add a jumper or an all-in-one.
How do I care for merino and bamboo?
Wash both on a short cycle up to 30 °C, without fabric softener or bleach. Neither belongs in a tumble dryer. Merino will also appreciate a detergent made for wool. The reward is clothing that lasts for years.
Merino and bamboo by ONYU
We work with only the two fibres we know suit children.