Understanding the Difference Between Class A and Class B Clothing for Children

          When you see clothing labels for children with designations like “Class A” or “Class B” (sometimes “Type A” / “Type B”), these refer to safety classifications under Chinese national textile standards. Knowing the difference is important, especially for children’s wear, because children’s skin and bodies are more sensitive and need stronger protection. This article will explain what Class A and Class B mean, how they differ, when each should apply, and how you as a consumer can use this information to buy more safely.

What are Class A and Class B?

          In China the standard GB 31701‑2015 (Safety technical code for textile products for infants and children) divides textile products into three safety categories: Class A, Class B and Class C, based on how the item is used and how much it contacts the skin. yutaitextiles.com+3blog.qima.com+3中国日报+3

• Class A applies to products for infants (typically 0-36 months old) that will be in direct contact with their delicate skin (e.g., baby onesies, sleeping bags, bedding). blog.qima.com+2中国日报+2
• Class B applies to products that are intended to come into direct contact with the skin, but for older children rather than infants (e.g., children’s innerwear, T-shirts, pants). yutaitextiles.com+1
• Class C refers to items that do not have direct, prolonged skin contact (e.g., outerwear, coats, non-skin-touching textiles). cssunlandfabric.com+1

         Because our focus is Class A vs. Class B, here are the key distinctions.

Key Differences

1. Age and usage: Class A is for infants up to about 36 months old and items that will touch their skin directly. blog.qima.com Class B is for children’s items (older than you’d expect for infant-only items) that still come into skin contact.
2. Chemical safety limits: Under GB 31701 the formaldehyde content allowed is far stricter for Class A: no more than 20 mg/kg. For Class B it is up to 75 mg/kg. blog.qima.com+2cssunlandfabric.com+2 The pH value range is narrower for Class A (4.0–7.5) than for Class B (4.0–8.5) — meaning Class A fabrics are required to be closer to neutral so as to avoid skin irritation. blog.qima.com Both classes ban certain harmful dyes (carcinogenic aromatic amine dyes), heavy metals and so on, but the stricter controls apply for Class A. yutaitextiles.com+1
3. Fabric characteristics and process: Class A items are expected to use the gentlest possible materials and processes: natural, soft fibres, minimal chemical finishing, great colour-fastness, very low risk of reaction on sensitive infant skin. cssunlandfabric.com+1 Class B allows more lenient tolerance because children older than infants are less vulnerable; nevertheless the fabric still must be safe for direct skin contact, comfortable, breathable. Colour-fastness is required but the thresholds are slightly lower than for Class A. blog.qima.com+1
4. Labeling and usage guidance: Products must indicate the safety category. For Class A “textile products for infants” must be clearly labelled. blog.qima.com+1 For Class B, the item should clearly say it meets the requirements for direct skin-contact children’s clothing.

Why these differences matter

         Infants have immature skin barriers, less developed immune systems, and are more vulnerable to chemical exposure, overheating, choking hazards from attachments, and so on. Because of this, clothing that touches an infant’s skin needs to be held to a higher standard (Class A) in terms of chemical residues, sharp attachments, drawstrings, and materials. For older children, the risks are lower but still significant, so Class B still mandates good safety for skin contact.

        If clothing fails these standards, there can be increased risks of skin irritation, allergies, respiratory effects (from chemical off-gassing), dye transfer, or even heavy metal exposure (in worse cases). As the media pointed out, prior to the enforcement of GB 31701 many children’s textile items failed to meet formaldehyde or other chemical limits.

Practical Tips for Parents and Shoppers

• Always check the label for the safety category: look for “Class A” or “Class B” (or equivalent wording: “A类” / “B类” if in Chinese).
• For infants (0-36 months), aim for Class A clothing especially for garments that touch the skin directly (onesies, pajamas, underwear).
• For older children’s clothing that touches the skin (innerwear, shirts, leggings) select at least Class B.
• Pay attention to feel and workmanship: Does the fabric feel soft? Are seams gentle? Are there no rough tags, tight elastic, sharp attachments or long drawstrings (which are also regulated under the standard)?
• Consider washing new clothing before first wear to remove any finishing residues, and pay attention to how the fabric handles (does it irritate skin, does it fade, does it shrink unusually?).
• If you see a lower safety class (for example Class C) used for direct-skin-contact items, avoid it—those items are intended for outerwear or non-skin-touch uses and may not meet the safe thresholds for direct skin contact.
• In climates or contexts where children might sweat or be in contact with fabric for long periods (e.g., summer, active play), the difference between Class A and B in terms of chemical safety and comfort becomes more relevant.

Conclusion

         While both Class A and Class B represent safety categories under China’s textile-product code, the difference lies in how strictly regulated the product is: Class A is the highest standard, designed for infants, with the most stringent limits on chemicals, pH, attachments, and materials. Class B is a step down but still strong—intended for garments in direct contact with children’s skin. As a purchaser, especially for children's clothing, it is wise to know these categories and select accordingly: choose Class A for the youngest and most vulnerable, and at least Class B for older children’s skin-contact wear. This helps ensure comfort, safety and peace of mind for the child and caregiver alike.