Fabrics
When it comes to designing a new collection, our amazing product team carefully consider every single detail, from the fabrics we select through to the trims that we choose.
Read our blog to learn a little bit about this season's selections and discover more about our special little details.
Double layer muslin
This woven cotton fabric is believed to have originated in Dacca (now Dhaka), Bangladesh - where the hot, humid climate made it easier to weave the cotton fibres.
Once muslin was introduced to Europe in the 1600s, it became popular as it was lightweight, versatile, and easily washed. Our double muslin fabric is the perfect material for both classic baby muslins as well as lovely clothes such as our Langton dress for women and our wavy daisy jumpsuit for girls.
Drapey, super soft and made from pesticide-free organic cotton, it's one of our favourite fabrics here at Kite.
Ticking
Our durable ticking styles are sure to stand the test of time. Ticking fabric is a heavier, tightly woven cotton or linen usually made in a striped design. It was originally used to cover mattresses and pillows to prevent feather filling from poking through.
We have developed a modern day ticking for our childrenswear that is durable yet soft and supple. Made in the season's beautiful yarn dyed stripe design, it offers a tough but comfortable fabric for adventures aplenty!
Lightweight denim
Lightweight denim is a strong yet beautifully drapey fabric that we use to create comfy and timeless wardrobe staples. This season sees a fabulous skort as well as some great trousers and skirts, not to mention a gorgeous dress for women which is proving very popular.
To give our denim a soft and lived in look we have washed it in natural enzymes that come from apples.
Single jersey
Single jersey was popularised by Coco Chanel in the early 1900s. It is versatile and easy to care for with slight elasticity due to the natural knitted nature of the fabric.
Made from organic cotton, our single jersey styles are cool, breathable and comfortable. Some options also come with a little bit of stretch in the form of 5% elastane to offer a closer fit.
Chambray
Chambray may look like a light blue denim but it is much softer in texture and lighter in weight.
Made from 100% organic cotton, chambray will keep you cool in heat and humidity and the high thread count means a finer weave which is more breathable. We have summer styles for everyone in this gorgeous fabric.
Poplin
Poplin is a popular, all-purpose fabric due to its lightweight and smooth feel. It is comfortable to wear, drapes beautifully and washes well. We love it here at Kite!
Did you know? During World War II, poplin was used for British and US military personnel uniforms. It kept them cool all day long and could withstand the tough conditions.
Recycled polyester
Using recycled fabrics where possible is really important to us. Our puddlepack suits and jackets are made from 100% recycled polyester which means they are made from recycled plastics like used water bottles!
Recycled polyester not only diverts waste from landfill sites, but also consumes less energy and causes less pollution than the production of virgin polyester, making it a more sustainable alternative.
Seersucker
This fine woven cotton fabric is commonly striped and has a unique texture created by what is called ‘slack-tension weave’. This means that when the weaving looms are set up, the warp yarns are set at two different tensions so that the different coloured stripes create a smooth and crinkled effect.
Drawing on ancient fabric weaving methods in India (the word seersucker originates from Sanskrit and Persian words meaning 'milk and sugar'), we think it is perfect for all sorts of lightweight, warm weather garments.
Finishing touches
We make sure that our styles are finished with that extra special Kite touch. Read on to find out a little bit about some of them.
Coconut buttons
Our natural and sustainable buttons are made from the shell of a coconut. This means no plastic and they look just lovely too.
Each one is slightly different, making them totally unique.
Zips
All of our zips are made by either YKK or Opti zips, the ‘gold standard’ of zips worldwide. They are both known for their reliability and quality which is why we’ll use no other brands.
And when you need a really sturdy puller that makes dressing easy for you and your child, you’ll find our very own Kite embossed version. You can be confident that your zip will last no matter how many times it is zipped up and down!
Poppers
The popper openings on our younger styles allow for safe and simple fastening and unfastening, making changing that little bit easier. We use only Prym or YKK poppers from authorised suppliers to ensure consistently high standards of performance across all of our garments.
Did you know that our y-shaped baby sleepsuits also have a copper coloured popper for each matching? (As we know first-hand how frustrating it can be matching up all those poppers!).
We hope this blog has helped you understand more about the details that we consider when making clothes for you and your little one.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with us on social @kiteclothing or by email at info@kite-clothing.co.uk.
