Talk to me about cloth nappies please

[2ducks2ducklings]

I'm seriously thinking of using cloth nappies this time around. I like the idea of being more environmentally friendly (although I'm due in November so the tumble drier will inevitably be drafted into use, I'm aware this negates some of the environmentally friendliness). I also think they could possibly work out to be cheaper in the long run.
So with this in mind, has anyone used them exclusively?
Which are the best brands?
How many would you recommend I buy to start off with?
Are there any major drawbacks?
Any advice/input is welcome.
TIA

If you want to try different styles and don't have a local library, there are some fairly reliable Facebook selling groups for preloved nappies

the-motherload.co.uk/things-ive-learnt-cloth-nappies/

This is quite a good article

I hope I'm not too late to join this chat. My baby is due in November and I am interested in cloth nappies, but I am so confused. Do I have to get liners too?

Can someone explain EVERYTHING to me?

@theotherendofthesockportal best place to start is the go real website and look for your closest nappy library.
Broadly speaking, all nappies work the same way: they contain poo, absorb wee, and protect clothing from both wee and poo. In cloth nappies the containment is done either with elastic or rolling the nappy fabric around the legs. The absorbent part is usually cotton, bamboo, microfibre, or hemp. And the protective outer would usually be either polyurethane laminate (pul), wool, or fleece.

A great resource for clarifying reusable nappy terms is the FAQ section of the WHNAS website, www.worcsnas.org.uk Other useful websites for researching cloth nappies are www.thenappylady.co.uk and www.goreal.org.uk

Thank you @JohnLapsleyParlabane I will start my research at the websites you have suggested