100% cotton school uniform dress free of chemicals

[Zara75]

I am desperately looking for 100% cotton school pinafore dress for my daughter, who starts reception this year. Our school supplier has got only polyester mixed ones and this non-iron, teflon coated and chemically treated fabrics. M&S and JL sell also only chemically treated uniforms. I am not sure why this is actually allowed to use for children wear still - knowing how bad this is for children.

I was able to get at least the shirts and cardigan in cotton but struggle with the pinafore dress. So far I've found only one supplier but they have sold out the size I'd need. Anymore suggestions would be very much welcome. :-) thank you.

In the interests of factual accuracy...

PFOA is used in the process of making Teflon. It should not be present in the finished product. A study by the US Environment Protection Agency in 2009 found levels in non-stick cookware ranging from undetectable (i.e. less than 1.5 parts per billion) to 4.3 parts per billion.

PFOA has been linked to kidney cancer and testicular cancer and scientists think there may be a link but it is not currently regarded as a carcinogen. Further research is needed. It is not currently thought to be linked to birth defects.

DuPont's fine was about the risks to workers and those living near the factories where Teflon is produced, not any alleged risk to consumers.

It is true that some organisations of pet bird owners recommend minimising birds exposure to fumes from cooking with non-stick cookware. Birds are more sensitive to fumes as their respiratory system does not protect them from toxins that are excluded by human lungs. Fumes can be fatal to parrots and some other birds but this is at very much higher temperatures than used in cooking. As I understand it no fumes are released below 300C.

Next do school trousers which have a really high cotton content. My Dd3 loves them, dont think they have teflon either. Althiugh she will be exposed to all sorts of chemicals just getting outnof bed and going to school tbf

Oh, yes they do have teflon. Hey ho.

Cambridge baby sell the checked summer type dresses. In 100% organic cotton. 2-6 years

Actually Cambridge baby also sell merino wool school cardigans/ woollen grey school skirts. Etc etc but aren't cheap so depends on budget

Please can somebody link to the risks posed by chemicals in clothing? Thank you.

I am sure I have read that cotton is the most-sprayed crop in the world, and that's before you even start on teh chemical processes needed to make it usable for textiles

People do realise that "chemicals" are not necessarily bad things, don't they?

Yes, and we're all made of 'chemicals'

I think once she starts school and gets covered in paint / food stains / general school mess etc you might see the benefit of the various coatings when it comes to washing the uniform! (Says the mum to a 10 year old dd).

Honestly with all the chemicals they come into contact with this is the least of your worries!

The risk of Teflon (if any) would be in non-stick cookware, through heating and breathing in fumes or eating contaminated food.

Presume your DD won't be burning or eating her uniform

I don't want to make my life difficult or do more ironing or even spend more money. But if my son, who has eczema,does not wear cotton clothes he spends his days hot, itching and in discomfort. If he wears teflon treated trousers it;s just as bad. I don't have the science, just the experience of my child. I know he's not alone and would love it if more cotton uniform was available.

Thread resurrection....

Does anyone know of any school trousers without Teflon? Any updates on the health risks?

DS has bad eczema. I've got cotton trousers from Eco outfitters, they are about a foot too long, cost £20 a pair and have creased before he's even worn them.

Any updates on the health risks?

there aren't any

M+s used to do 100% non coated trousers on line not sure if they still do. They were all my dd could wear when her eczema was bad.