Using high quality, super soft, and sustainable fabrics has always been one of the most important things to us at Primary. As we welcome new styles into our assortment, we've introduced new fabrics, too! 

As consumers ourselves, we understand that having so many different fabrics that are all soft and durable might have you wondering something like, "What's the difference between cotton slub and cotton jersey?!" So, we put together this guide to help you learn more about each fabric, and decide which styles are best for you based on their make-up and feel. 

All our of styles are pre-washed to minimize shrinkage, machine washable, and wash tested to ensure that colors stay bright and fabrics remain durable through seasons of wash and wear. In addition, we use high quality European dyes and combed cotton, which is a type of cotton that is combed to remove short strands and any extra debris. This process creates longer, straighter strands of cotton, which results in a higher quality fabric that's super soft, super durable, and washes well. 

We've separated this guide into 4 sections: knits, wovens, activewear and swimwear, and outerwear. Sustainable fabrics are noted with a 🌱. 

KNITS

Fabrics generally fall into 2 categories: knits and wovens. Knit fabrics are made from a single set of yarn that's continuously looped, and are known for being naturally stretchy. Examples of styles with knit fabrics include tees, leggings, and sweaters. 

Cotton Jersey 100% cotton that's incredibly soft and breathable. Thanks to how it's knit, there's a natural elasticity to its feel, without using stretch fibers like spandex or elastane.	Cotton Slub Consider this 100% cotton an ode to your favorite, perfectly broken-in tee (everyone’s got one!). It’s crafted with slightly uneven yarns to create a light, airy feel and easy, relaxed fit.	Cotton/Spandex The fabric behind our top-rated classic leggings and under shorts. Designed with 4-way stretch and made with 93% cotton and 7% spandex. Kids love it for the comfort, and their grown-ups for the durability.
Cozy Fleece  🌱 We’re calling it now: this is the softest fleece you’ll ever wear. Made with 55% cotton and 45% recycled polyester, it’s smooth on the outside, fuzzy on the inside, and so comfortable all around. Thicker than our classic French terry, but just as breathable.	French Terry A core fabric in our Primary Basics assortment. This is a naturally soft 100% cotton that’s made with a smooth exterior and softly looped interior that provides comfortable, breathable warmth that stands up to play.	Heathered Cotton  🌱 We use this blend of 60% cotton and 40% recycled polyester for tees, babysuits, and rompers. It’s known for being subtly textured and feathery soft.
Interlock This 100% cotton can be found in our Uniform assortment. It’s soft, breathable, and called “interlock” for the way that it’s double-knitted to make for a slightly thicker and sturdier feel than our other cotton knits.	Organic Cotton Interlock 🌱 100% GOTS certified organic cotton interlock that’s crafted to be naturally stretchy and flexible. Known for its exceptional softness and buttery handfeel that lasts through seasons of wash and wear. Washed twice to ensure it won’t shrink.	Organic Cotton Rib  🌱 Our 100% organic cotton is naturally stretchy and form-fitting, which makes it great for styles that should fit snugly around the body, like PJs and babysuits. This cotton is GOTS certified, making it kind on the skin (and the planet).
Pique  🌱 Made with 55% cotton and 45% recycled polyester, and knitted with an airy weave for a subtly textured feel that’s both breathable and durable. Plus, since most uniform polos can be pretty itchy, we apply a special, clean wash process to make it supremely soft and resist pilling.	Ponte  🌱 This is not the hot and itchy ponte of uniforms past! We make ours with cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex that’s tightly knitted to result in a soft, smooth feel with a hint of stretch that holds its shape.	Stretch French Terry Consider this your everyday go-to sweatshirt fabric, with just the right amount of stretch and comfort. Crafted with 95% cotton and 5% spandex and lightly brushed for added softness.
Sweater Knit This 100% cotton is knitted with heavier yarns for a huggably soft, yet lightweight feel.

WOVENS 

Woven fabrics are made by weaving two sets of yarn together. These fabrics won't stretch much when pulled, and are used for styles such as button down shirts and denim. 

Cambric Consider this finely woven 100% cotton cloth your comfortable go-to for dressed-up occasions. It’s known for its smooth feel, and being soft and lightweight yet durable and easy to wash.	Chambray This 100% cotton is woven with a mix of dyed and white yarns to achieve its signature, denim-like look and soft, airy feel. It’s super breathable and layer-friendly.	Cotton Gauze We make this staple fabric for warmer months with 3 layers of 100% cotton gauze, and weave them together to create a lightweight, breezy texture with extra softness and durability.
Feel Good Denim  🌱 Made to win over kids who swear they don’t like jeans, this  mix of cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex is always soft and stretchy, and never stiff or scratchy.	Oxford 100% cotton with an Oxford weave, aka a type of tight basketweave that  creates a smooth and durable yet soft and lightweight finish. Plus, since most uniform shirts can be pretty itchy, we apply a special, clean wash process to make it supremely soft.	Stretch Chino Crafted with 97% cotton/3% spandex and treated with a clean, secret wash for a super soft, slightly stretchy feel that will win over the toughest of young, "hard pant" critics.

ACTIVEWEAR & SWIMWEAR

FlexKnit  🌱 Our softest fabric in our family of activewear, made from 83%  recycled polyester and 17% spandex for bounce-back stretch. Brushed for extra comfort, with UPF 50+ protection and moisture-wicking properties. Select styles are knitted with space-dyed yarns for a marled, multicolor effect.	StayCool  🌱 A super smooth, ultra breathable blend of recycled polyester and spandex that's engineered to wick sweat and dry fast. Made with UPF 50+ protection for sun-safe, all-day play. (Note: StayCool gym shorts are made without spandex!).	Swim Knit  🌱 A lightweight, smooth, and stretchy blend of recycled nylon and spandex that we use for styles such as rash guards and one-pieces. Made with UPF 50+, the maximum sun protective rating for fabrics (thanks to the strong, recycled fibers that block UV rays).
Swim Weave  🌱 Lightweight, crisp, and durable 100% recycled polyester that we use for swim trunks and board shorts. Made with UPF 50+, the maximum sun protective rating for fabrics (thanks to the strong, recycled fibers that block UV rays).

OUTERWEAR  

Lightweight Puffer  🌱 Made with a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell and filling that's windproof, water-repellent, and machine washable. Provides warmth without bulk, is just-right for cool weather, and makes a great layer for more extreme temps. Very packable—loves being folded up in backpacks, suitcases, stroller baskets, you name it.	Parka Puffer  🌱 Made with a 100% recycled polyester shell that's windproof and water-repellent, and lined with a 100% recycled polyester teddy fleece hood. Provides warmth without bulk, with a Clo value of 1.6 (Clo is a technical way of measuring the warmth of a garment, FYI).	Raincoat  🌱 This is not the stiff, hot raincoat that we had to wear as kids. Ours is smooth, lightweight, and sustainably crafted with 100% recycled polyester and a non-toxic PU coating, aka a protective film that’s applied to the exterior to make it *actually* waterproof (able to withstand 10000mm of water!).
Teddy Fleece  🌱 100% recycled polyester sherpa, which is naturally fluffy, breathable, and double-sided to retain warmth and keep you cozy — without feeling bulky. The closest thing you'll find to a wearable bear hug.	Windbreaker  🌱 100% recycled polyester that’s lightweight and smooth all over. Shell is wind and water-resistant and made with UPF 50+ protection, and the full mesh lining is super breathable. Very packable—comes with a drawstring bag so you can fold it up and toss it wherever.

Have any feedback or questions about our fabrics? We're all ears! Shoot us an email at help@primary.com.