Cloth diaper fabric has come a long way since the use of linen, cotton flannel, and stockinet (a stretchy fabric kinda like an ace bandage) in the 1800s and the use of moss, leaves, and rags before that. Modern cloth diapers were first mass produced in 1887 by Maria Allen, and they were made from cotton. 

Over the years, the innovation of cloth diapering has exploded. Now, many different types of fabric have been commandeered for all aspects of cloth diapering.

Here’s a list of the most common types and what you need to know about them:

Absorbent Fabrics

Absorbent fabrics are just as they sound – they absorb moisture. In cloth diapering, these fabrics are used in inserts, prefolds, flats, fitted, and in any part of a cloth diaper that needs to soak up moisture. These fabrics range in cost and capabilities and are either natural or synthetic.

1. Microfiber/Microterry

Microfiber, also called microterry or MF, is a polyester fabric with a terry toweling type texture. You will find these inserts primarily used in pocket diapers or in the middle of charcoal inserts, as they cannot be put directly next to skin. 

It absorbs very quickly and inserts are affordable. However, microfiber tends to be prone to mineral buildup over time, which can make the inserts stinky (hello barnyard!) and they don’t last as long as other fabrics.

2. Charcoal Bamboo 

According to Simplifi Fabric’s website, charcoal bamboo “…is created by heating bamboo at temperatures of 800 degrees and then the charcoal itself is processed and mixed in with fabrics…”. 

Charcoal bamboo inserts are typically made with bamboo on the outside and layers of microfiber on the inside, though some companies use charcoal bamboo in all the layers. These inserts can absorb more than the classic microfiber inserts and can lie next to skin since the microfiber is sandwiched between layers of charcoal bamboo. Still, some people claim charcoal bamboo irritates their skin so test one or two out before investing in more.

5. Cotton

In addition to being one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world, cotton also ranks #1 in the realm of cloth diapers. Not only is it affordable, cotton holds up well in the long run through laundering and is less likely to fall prey to mineral build up and unpleasant smell. It’s absorbency is so-so, but it is less expensive than other, more absorbent fabrics.

With popularity comes demand and cotton farming uses GMO seeds, requires heavy use of water and remains one of the largest users of pesticides in the world. With the bent towards a more ecological mindset, many people are choosing organic cotton due to its gentler impact on the environment. Unfortunately, organic cotton tends to be more fragile than conventional cotton and can start to show wear after 100 washings, according to Grovia’s website. At the end of the day, though, cotton is the most affordable and durable fabric out of the lot.

7. Minky

Fairly recently, minky has started to make its presence known in the world of cloth diapering. Made from polyester, it has a plush, super soft pile – softer than fleece – on one side and a flat, woven texture on the other side. It comes in many colors and patterns.

Many cloth diaper companies primarily use minky on the outside of the diaper, though you can occasionally find it in inserts. Some of these diapers have the laminate on the woven side of the minky so that they have waterproof capabilities, but has the super soft texture on the outside. Other companies sell minky diapers without the laminate. This info is not always apparent, so be sure to read the description and reviews if you are considering a minky diaper.

Inserts made from minky tend to be less bulky than microfiber while absorbing about the same amount. The difference is that minky can be used next to skin while microfiber cannot. Minky is also stain resistant and doesn’t have issues with mineral build up the way microfiber can.

Stay-dry fabrics

These fabrics are used next to skin to wick moisture from skin to absorbent layer, leaving skin feeling dry. Made from polyester, they do not hold liquid. Think of them as a conduit.

8. Suedecloth

Suedecloth is a woven fabric (no stretch) that has a suede-like texture on one side and a smooth texture on the other. Often found on AIO and pocket diapers.

10. Microfleece

Microfleece has a super soft fleecy texture on one side and a smooth knit texture on back. It’s also stretchy. Most common fabric found on pocket diapers, though could be found on AIO. This is also frequently used as a stay dry layer on inserts and reusable liners.

Waterproof Fabrics

In cloth diapering, waterproof fabrics are used on the outermost layer of a diaper, holding the moisture in and protecting clothing from getting wet.

11. PUL

PUL is a polyester laminate fabric made by heat or chemical bonding a polyurethane laminate fabric to the back of a polyester knit. PUL is meant for use on babies, which means the process of creating the fabric is CPSIA certified, meaning no harsh chemicals are used in the process of creation.

PUL is a completely waterproof fabric, according to Wazoodle. Wetness on an oversaturated diaper may migrate from the legs or waist of a diaper across the outside knit surface, making the outside of the fabric feel damp. However, the PUL itself is not leaking.

12. TPU

TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane and is a laminated fabric like PUL. It tends to be a little softer than PUL.

13. Nylon

A completely synthetic, thermoplastic material, nylon is 100% waterproof – even more so than PUL and TPU. It is also 100% air proof, meaning that there will be no air flow to the nether regions, which can raise the risk of diaper rash. Nylon is not held to the same safety standards as PUL and TPU, so baby diaper covers rarely get made from it. Since it is essentially a plastic-like material, drying on high heat can cause the fabric to crack or fuse together.

Since adult clothing items don’t require the same safety standards of baby items, nylon is most often found in adult cloth diapering, though some baby nylon covers exist.

14. Vinyl

Hello plastic pants! Also called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl is a petroleum product. While baby diaper covers used to be made from vinyl, they are not currently manufactured for babies. However, vinyl is a common material for adult cloth diaper covers. Like nylon, vinyl is not breathable, meaning diaper rash and heat buildup can be issues. Vinyl also cannot be machine washed in hot water or dried on high heat, so plan on hand washing and line drying any vinyl covers.

15. Rubber

Like nylon, rubber is a 100% waterproof fabric and doesn’t breathe. However, it is a natural product made from latex. Rubber pants cannot not be dried in the dryer and must be hand washed and hung to dry. While many companies offer adult covers made from rubber, baby items rarely are.

16. Wool

Throughout history, wool has come and gone and come again in the world of cloth diapering. A natural fiber, it can absorb up to ⅓ of its weight in liquid and not feel wet to the touch. It is even more breathable than PUL and is a 100% natural fiber. Wool comes from sheep and contains lanolin, which makes it waterproof. After a while, wool covers need to be lanolized to restore the waterproof properties.