Fabric Guide

Get to know the fabrics behind your favorite handmade cloth diapers. I am a big believer that the fabrics that go on your skin matter! From buttery-soft bamboo blends to absorbent bamboo hemp French terry, each fabric has its own unique feel and purpose. Here’s a little guide to the materials I use and what makes each one special.

Our Fabric Bases

Bamboo French Terry
* Fiber content: 67% rayon from bamboo viscose, 28% cotton, 5% spandex
* Feel: Soft, squishy, and flexible.
* Used for: Preflats, contours, boosters, and other absorbent pieces.
* Why I love it: A soft, comfortable knit that works beautifully as an absorbent layer in our handmade diapers.

Bamboo Hemp French Terry
* Fiber content: 65% bamboo viscose, 30% hemp, 5% spandex
* Feel: Soft with a slightly denser, more substantial feel.
* Used for: Hidden absorbency layers and select diaper styles.
* Why I love it: Hemp adds another absorbent fiber to our bamboo blend, making it a great choice for additional absorbency.

Bamboo Cotton Spandex
* Fiber content: 66% bamboo, 28% cotton, 6% spandex
* Feel: Buttery soft with plenty of stretch and recovery.
* Used for: Stretchy diaper fabrics and select handmade pieces.
* Why I love it: The combination of bamboo, cotton, and spandex creates a soft, flexible fabric that moves comfortably. 

Cotton Spandex
* Fiber content: 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex
* Feel: Soft but firm, stretchy, and breathable.
* Used for: Select covers and other handmade pieces, depending on the fabric.
* Why we love it: Cotton provides a familiar, natural feel, while spandex adds stretch and flexibility.

Understanding GSM + Diaper Absorbency
GSM stands for grams per square meter and measures fabric weight and density. While a higher GSM often means a heavier or denser fabric, it doesn’t automatically mean greater absorbency. Fiber content, the number of layers, fabric construction, and total material all play a role in how much liquid a diaper can hold. Here is a breakdown of the GSM for L.A. Cloth & Co. products!

Preflats & Trifolds
* 2-layer: Approximately 1,500 GSM when folded. 
* 3-layer: Approximately 2,460 GSM when folded. 

Boosters
* Approximately 820 GSM 

Contours
* 2-layer: Approximately 500 GSM
* 3-layer: Approximately 820 GSM

Handmade With Care
Every L.A. Cloth & Co. piece is made with care, with comfort, practicality, and thoughtful material choices in mind. Thank you for supporting small-batch handmade goods and choosing a more reusable option for your family!