Love or Hate: The Great Waffle Thermal Debate
Haven Kids
We can’t seem to resist the call of the waffle-knit. It’s that time of year, when all the gorgeous waffle thermals come out and you can’t help but buy a set even though some of last year’s barely made it through the season.
Full disclosure, we love a waffle thermal and we’re not alone. But like many of you, some of our waffles haven’t worn very well. We created a poll to ask for your favorite waffles and received seriously mixed reviews. Basically for every vote I got for best waffle, I got another sharing problems with the same brand. One thing is for sure, you guys are passionate about your waffles!
You mostly reported issues with bottoms, specifically knees wearing through easily with some brands. The verdict: even though this cozy material is risky (waffle mending tips at the bottom⇩) and needs to be given a little TLC, you’ll keep buying them and trying them because you love a good waffle.
The delicate nature of the fabric is also what makes it so great for transitioning and layering throughout the colder months. The honeycomb weave makes it more breathable, wicking moisture and trapping heat to create a warm insulating base-layer. The fit has to be snug to benefit from the thermal properties, otherwise you’re buying just for the look. Which we wouldn’t blame you for either.
Here’s our edit of the waffle thermals on the wishlist this year. Happy waffling!
LITTLE URBAN APPAREL
A fan favorite in our poll, receiving top marks for wear. Their cotton thermals are lightweight with an easy fit and raw hem. This season they’re avail in 4 neutral shades of avocado, maple, butter and milk. You’ll find a drop crotch button romper (up to sizes 2/3) and a 2 piece set with crewneck top and legging, which tend to run long. 0m-9y Launching November 8
NOBLE
An often mentioned fav, these are hard to beat for design, color and eco friendliness. They also received the most mixed reviews on wear, but those that love them, really love them. Think nature inspired shades like dusty rose, moss, tumeric and blue moon in GOTS certified organic pima cotton. There’s a 2 piece set, snap romper and zipped footie romper plus matching for Mama. 3m-7y
FIN & VINCE
Another mentioned fav, they go up to the biggest size on this list with 12y and have noted improved durability this season. You can choose solid or prints with ivory banded cuffs or contrasting stitching in organic cotton or 100% cotton. There’s even a vintage inspired striped trim in red/ivory and ivory/green. All-over prints are bright and whimsical featuring alligators, cars, stars, flowers and musical notes. There’s button rompers, a 2 piece henley set, turtlenecks, a sweatshirt, onesies, kimono tops and matching for Mama. 0m-12y
THE SIMPLE FOLK
This classic set is avail in a slim henley and legging with banded cuffs in the brands beloved earthy shades of camel, olive, lead grey and natural. There’s also a long John romper with a front pouch and snaps. They only use 100% GOTS organic cotton and items are garment dyed for a unique vintage charm. nb-10y
NUI ORGANICS
Besides the goodness of these beauties being ethically made with GOTS certified organic cotton in neutral colors, they can also do double duty as everyday wear. You can mix and match your set with different top and bottom styles or go with a snap romper or zipped footie for the littlest babes. There’s even one for women. 0m-10y
L’OVED BABY
A go-to for matching family holiday pajamas, they have an option from newborns to women and men, even Fido can get it on it. There’s a choice of 4 toned down primaries in GOTS organic cotton. There’s a snap footie, 2 piece and matching cap for the littlest and two options for adults. The bigger kids set is more lounge than for layering with a looser fit and drawstring. nb-10y
MISHA & PUFF
Fans were pleasantly surprised this season with two prints in bright shades of blues and reds with contrast overlock stitching. The abstract all-over print could easily be mistaken as a small floral from a distance. Made with 100% organic pima cotton, there’s a legging, crew top, turtleneck and one piece snap romper. 0m-10y
HAVEN KIDS
Milled and manufactured in Canada, these thermals are avail in 3 wintery shades of brick, pine and blue. Soft and cozy made with a blend of supima cotton and micromodal. For babes up to 5y there’s a snap front romper and 1y-12y there’s a set with legging and raglan top. 0m-11y Launching November 16
EADAIE
From our friends at Murray & Finn, their in-house brand produces small collections in limited quantities. Their cotton waffle sets come in a layering snug legging and slim top and a lounger set with a drawstring pant and raglan top. Color avail varies but are always in soft earthy neutrals. 0m-7y
PETITS VILAINS
Inspired by vintage long johns, these organic cotton waffles come in a classic crew top and slouchy pant with ribbed cuffs. Made in Vancouver in 4 colors that mix and match with the rest of this season’s collection in charcoal, mulberry, ivory and dusty blue. 2y-11y
SPEARMINT LOVE
If you’re looking for baby waffle thermals, look no further friends because that is this brands niche. There’s a footie with and without a ruffle, a 2 piece kimono/footie set, a sleep gown, a onesie, a bloomer and beanies, bow and turban headbands. Whew. Did I mention they come in 9 sweet candy colors and are made with organic cotton? For ages up to 4y you’ll find a 2 piece set with traditional legging and lap neck top. nb-4y
Tips for Waffle Care
Wash cold inside out and hang dry or tumble dry on low
If pinholes appear mend right away so they don’t become bigger. You won’t even notice the mending.
For bigger holes that are more visible, use embroidery thread to create a unique design or use a patch! Check out this mending tutorial from Noble.
If your kiddos are particularly rough on their knees or elbows, the 2 most common areas to wear on waffles, consider a preventative patch on the interior or exterior when you first get them. Here’s a useful patching guide, (even for non-sewers) and a DYI needle felting patch idea we love.
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