Diaper Cover Fabrics

These notes are neither endorsements nor recommendations, simply an informal consensus of what we hear from customers and our authorized retailers. Your results with any particular diaper/cover/fabric may vary based on your baby's shape and size, diaper or cover changes, etc.

PUL Diaper Covers

Polyurethane laminate (PUL)

Generally very durable and easy-care
Often non-breathable and waterproof, although construction determines whether bindings or notions will wick moisture
Polyurethane laminated to another fabric (e.g., poly, cotton, or blend)
Smooth laminate side may be left exposed inside cover, which makes cover easy to wipe off and continue using (e.g., LiteWrap, Mother-Ease AirFlow)
Or the laminate may be sandwiched between two layers of fabric for a sturdier feel, softer touch against baby, and extra "grip" to hold unpinned diapers in place better (e.g., Bummis Super series, Polar Babies covers)
May retain odor over time

Wool Diaper Covers

Wool

Very breathable
Requires somewhat special care in terms of occasional re-lanolizing, gentle washing and drying
Often more expensive than other cover fabrics
Can be woven or knit or crocheted, thick or thin, single or multiple layers, pull-on or wrap style
Urine will evaporate leaving no odor for long periods between washes

Nylon, Cotton or Other Fabric
Diaper Covers

Coated nylon, cotton or other fabrics

Depending on coating and design, may be somewhat breathable
Generally very thin and flexible
Nylon sometimes has a slightly crinkly sound
Line drying recommended

Poly or Polar Fleece
Diaper Covers

Poly or polar fleece

Polyester
Durable, washable, soft
Water resistant rather than waterproof (except Malden Mills Windboc®-type fleeces)
Water-resistance is dependant upon having a nicely absorbent diaper underneath.
Can get humid feel to cover/clothing if diaper is very wet
Tends to retain odor, so you may wash more often
Breathable to varying degrees

Vinyl

Mostly a cover fabric long-since gone, replaced in great part by coated nylon and PUL
Non-breathable
Likely to harden, crack, and become discolored over time

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home > all about diaper covers > diaper cover fabrics Diaper Cover Fabrics These notes are neither endorsements nor recommendations, simply an informal consensus of what we hear from customers and our authorized retailers. Your results with any particular diaper/cover/fabric may vary based on your baby's shape and size, diaper or cover changes, etc. PUL Diaper Covers Polyurethane laminate (PUL) Generally very durable and easy-care Often non-breathable and waterproof, although construction determines whether bindings or notions will wick moisture Polyurethane laminated to another fabric (e.g., poly, cotton, or blend) Smooth laminate side may be left exposed inside cover, which makes cover easy to wipe off and continue using (e.g., LiteWrap, Mother-Ease AirFlow) Or the laminate may be sandwiched between two layers of fabric for a sturdier feel, softer touch against baby, and extra "grip" to hold unpinned diapers in place better (e.g., Bummis Super series, Polar Babies covers) May retain odor over time Wool Diaper Covers Wool Very breathable Requires somewhat special care in terms of occasional re-lanolizing, gentle washing and drying Often more expensive than other cover fabrics Can be woven or knit or crocheted, thick or thin, single or multiple layers, pull-on or wrap style Urine will evaporate leaving no odor for long periods between washes Nylon, Cotton or Other Fabric Diaper Covers Coated nylon, cotton or other fabrics Depending on coating and design, may be somewhat breathable Generally very thin and flexible Nylon sometimes has a slightly crinkly sound Line drying recommended Poly or Polar Fleece Diaper Covers Poly or polar fleece Polyester Durable, washable, soft Water resistant rather than waterproof (except Malden Mills Windboc®-type fleeces) Water-resistance is dependant upon having a nicely absorbent diaper underneath. Can get humid feel to cover/clothing if diaper is very wet Tends to retain odor, so you may wash more often Breathable to varying degrees Vinyl Mostly a cover fabric long-since gone, replaced in great part by coated nylon and PUL Non-breathable Likely to harden, crack, and become discolored over time See also: Diaper Covers \| Diaper Cover Styles \| Fit Matrix \| "Under Cover" Photos