Diaper Materials - Pros and Cons

found this info here.

this is for my future reference :)

Diaper Materials - Pros and Cons

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So I'm currently fascinated by different materials and the way they work for diapers. I even compiled a list from what I've heard on threads and read in forums. Do you mamas agreed with this? Please help add/suggest things!

Soaker Materials (aka Absorbent, Liquid Holding Inner Fabrics)

• Microfiber
  PROS: Super Absorbent, Quick Absorption, Cheap
  CONS: Should Not Touch Skin, Synthetic materials may be more susceptible to detergent buildup, skin sensitivities and smells. Can have compression leaking.
• Hemp
  PROS: Super Absorbent, Trim, Natural material
  CONS: Can hold smells/harder to clean, Gets crunchy overtime, can have slower drying time
  TYPES: Fleece, French Terry, Velour (HTF)
• Bamboo
  PROS: Super Absorbent, Quick Absorption, Trim, Natural material, Stays soft
  CONS: Can have slower drying time, can be expensive, less durable than cotton
  TYPES: Fleece (used smooth side out else it pills), French Terry, Velour, Loop Terry
  
• Heavy Weight Cottons (Sherpa, Burley Knit Terry, ??)
  PROS: Good Absorbency, Natural materials, easy to clean/maintain, durable
  CONS: Bulkier
  
• Regular Cottons (Birdseye, Flannel, Terrycloth, ??)
  PROS: Absorbent, Trim, Natural material, easy to clean/maintain, Stays soft, durable
  CONS: Many layers needed, pilling (flannel)

Stay-Dry Materials (aka Non-Absorbent, Pass-thru Inner Fabrics)

• Suedecloth
  PROS: Soft, Like new with wear, Easy to clean solids from
  CONS: Synthetic materials may be more susceptible to detergent buildup, skin sensitivities and smells. No stretch, edges may fray
• Microfleece
  PROS:Soft, Cheap
  CONS: Synthetic materials may be more susceptible to detergent buildup, skin sensitivities and smells. Pills over time, Wears thin.
• Athletic Wicking Material
  PROS:Soft, Cheap
  CONS: Synthetic materials may be more susceptible to detergent buildup, skin sensitivities and smells. Pills over time, Wears thin,
  TYPES: Some brandnames are PowerDry, Under Armour, CoolPlus, DrySkin, etc.
• Velours (Cotton, Bamboo or Hemp)
  PROS: Soft, Natural material
  CONS: Not a true stay-dry, gets crunchy overtime
• Raw Silk
  PROS: Natural properties promote healthy skin
  CONS: Not a true stay-dry, gets crunchy overtime, Relatively rough, wears thin,not often used

Water Proof/Resistant Materials (aka Moisture-Blocking Outer Fabrics)

• PUL (Polyurethane Laminate)
  PROS: Very waterproof, Relatively inexpensive, Many Colors/Prints
  CONS: Not breathable, if made with cotton fabric it may wick
• Waterproof Nylon
  PROS: Very waterproof
  CONS: Relatively expensive, not breathable, should not be dried in the dryer
• Vinyl
  PROS: Cheap, easy to find, very waterproof
  CONS: Not breathable, should not be dried in dryer
• Polyester Fleece
  PROS: Breathable, Comes in many weights (higher = denser), wide price range
  CONS: Synthetic materials may be more susceptible to detergent buildup, skin sensitivities and smells. May look worn down quickly
• Wool
  PROS: Most Breathable, Self-Cleaning (if lanolized), Infrequent washing needed, Doubles as clothing.
  CONS: Expensive, Requires special care/cleaning routine, should not be dried in the dryer
  TYPES: Merino, Alpaca, Angora, Mohair, Llama | Knit, Woven, Interlock, Crocheted