Microfiber – this is a synthetic, meaning it’s derived from petrochemicals. There’s a whole process there that turns petroleum into a string (it’s more than a string, what’s unique about the microfibre thread is that it’s fairly multi dimensional and gives it an increased surface area) that is then weaved into a textile. From my readings, different weaves and coatings are applied to create different types of fabrics.
In cloth diapering, we typically see white microfibre inserts like the ones shown above sold with pocket cloth diapers. These are characterzied by these little loops of material. It looks like a loopy field, and it’s white, and it might even feel drying or itchy on the skin.
There are different qualities of microfibre – for example, some of my OG inserts from Blueberry, and some inserts I’ve bought direct with Cheapies, are two entirely different products. The weave, the weight, and the performance varies kinda like from okay to good.
There are also different presentations of microfibre – we often see it as these white 2-4 layer inserts and everyting exposed. But some brands wrap their microfibre in fleece. This fleece gives a stay dry experience and allows you to put insert direct to baby’s skin. I’ve also see microfibre sandwiched in cotton or bamboo inserts. Read the description of the product to learn what is all involved.
Because some 4 layer inserts are 2 layers of microfibre and 2 layers of fleece.
We might talk about coloured – coffee or charcoal – later, my two cents right now is that it’s mostly used as a colour agent, and I would be skeptical of any health claims or increased absorbency.
— environmentally, I give microfibre a 0 out of 10 because it’s a synthetic, it sheds (microplastic pollution), it breaks down quickly, and can be very difficult for parents to clean without hot water and synthetic detergent (depsite claims from manufacturers to wash in cold)
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