# Children's Functional Clothing: Design Challenges and Opportunities
## 5 Analysis of Functional Children's Clothing Brands
With an origami structure that offers freedom of movement and resistant material, this design allows the same piece to accommodate various sizes. Furthermore, a consistent theme within the identified brands is the commitment to avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, exemplified by brands such as Frugi, Sustain by kat, Eczema Clothing, Happy Skin, Petit Pli and Eclipse. Although not classified as a functionality, this commitment holds significant importance for wellbeing and reflects a sustainable brand position [52]. The avoidance of toxic substances aligns with health-conscious practices and has the potential to prevent or alleviate symptoms of certain pathologies, particularly those related to dermatological concerns. * Waterproof  
The primary functionality highlighted includes waterproof protection, followed by UV protection, thermoregulation capacity, reflective or colour-change materials and antimicrobial/anti-odour properties. Frugi, Petit Pli, Waterproof World, Muddy Puddles and Kidunk showcase waterproof properties in their clothes. All these brands specify a hydrostatic pressure value of 10,000 mm water column on their websites, except Petit Pli, where this information was not found, and Kidunk, which indicates a value of 3000 mm water column. According to [PERSON] et al. [47], the value presented by the Kidunk brand does not meet the minimum requirement for a fabric to be considered waterproof, which is 5000 mm of water column. On the other hand, The good day lab brand offers clothes with liquid-repellent properties, although they are not waterproof. There is a distinction between waterproof textiles and water-repellent textiles. The lack of clear information regarding this difference can be confusing for consumers. Waterproof materials are impervious to fluids, preventing penetration. On the other hand, water-repellent materials, when exposed to water, form droplets that can be effortlessly removed from the fabric's surface. However, with prolonged contact or a significant pressure difference, water-repellent materials may absorb water [47]. * UV protection Regarding the UV protection property, all brands that present it report UPF 50+ protection, except for Smartwool, which only states that merino wool, a fibre used in greater quantity in its products, helps protect against UV radiation. While brands may mention specific functionalities, the way these functionalities are integrated or applied to clothing is often poorly explained by most brands. The absence of clear information about the durability of the functionality over time, the methods used for testing and validating the functionalities, and the specific technologies, materials, and products used to achieve functionalities presents a challenge for consumers who are looking for details about the functional attributes of children's clothing and their potential effects on children's wellbeing. * Thermoregulation  
As an example, the brand Sustain by kat claims that the selection of plant-dyed clothing was \"made with certified organic materials and ayurvedic processes (that) promote wellbeing\". According to [PERSON] et al. [53], ayurveda corresponds to a therapeutic process in which the treatments prescribed are resources from various natural sources. In this case, the brand refers to the use of plant dyes that have medicinal properties. However, the specific details about properties and how these ayurvedic processes are incorporated into the clothing remain unclear on the brand's website. Another example of lack of information corresponds to two of the brands that present thermoregulation properties, but they do not specify their technologies. Smartwool attributes this property, along with breathability, odour resistance, UV protection and fire resistance, to the qualities of merino wool fibre. On the other hand, Eclipse does not provide any explanation. In contrast, DreamSkin Health is a brand that presents the functionality and technology used to obtain it, as well as scientific studies that prove it.