A parent’s guide to non-toxic, kid-safe clothing

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of kid-sized t-shirts at Sticker Mule!

Now, your little ones can rock custom designs crafted with the same quality and care we’re known for. To dive into this exciting release, we’ve invited Matthew Rhome, our Director of Quality and Efficiency, to share his expertise. With over 45 years in the t-shirt printing industry—including inventing Direct-to-Garment (DTG) technology—Matthew knows a thing or two about creating safe, high-quality apparel. In this post, he’ll explore why safety matters just as much as style when it comes to custom t-shirt printing for kids. Read on to learn what sets our new line apart!

What materials are used in kids’ t-shirts?

The safety of custom shirts comes down to the materials used—fabric, dyes, inks, and finishes. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your little ones stay safe.

Fabric materials

Kids’ t-shirts are typically made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two—versatile fabrics that perform well. However, the best manufacturers go beyond the basics, avoiding harmful substances like formaldehyde or toxic dyes that might linger from the finishing process.

At Sticker Mule, we take this seriously. Our kids’ shirts are manufactured to meet strict Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) standards, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals. We source only from reputable manufacturers who prioritize safety and quality, using non-toxic dyes and child-safe fabric treatments. This means you can rest easy knowing your child’s shirt is crafted responsibly.

Printing and dyeing

Not all printing processes are created equal. While some inks and dyes may contain harmful substances like lead or phthalates, Sticker Mule takes a different approach. After decades of perfecting shirt printing, I’ve found that water-based, non-toxic inks are the ultimate solution.

Our non-toxic inks are Oeko-Tex certified, a global standard ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and pesticides. This certification guarantees that every shirt we print—for kids and adults alike—is not only safe but also sustainable. At Sticker Mule, safety and quality always go hand in hand.

Key safety standards for kids’ t-shirts you should know

Comprehensive regulations exist to protect children from harmful materials in clothing. Here are the key standards that ensure printed kids’ shirts are safe:

Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA)

The CPSA is a U.S. law that helps regulate children’s clothing, focusing on flammability and toxic chemical limits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces these regulations, manages recalls, and ensures compliance to keep kids’ clothing safe. Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), every children's shirt sold in the U.S. must meet strict safety standards and include a tracking label. This label links the shirt to its manufacturer, batch number, and production date—helping ensure traceability and consumer safety.

In this example, the number "125" serves as a unique identifier for the batch of this shirt. In the rare event that the CPSC needs to inspect a specific shirt, this identifier helps us determine exactly when it was produced.

Oeko-Tex certification

The Oeko-Tex certification is a global standard that guarantees inks, dyes, and fabrics are free from harmful chemicals such as pesticides, lead, and formaldehyde. At Sticker Mule, we exclusively use Oeko-Tex-certified inks, and we print all of our shirts in-house, so you can trust that every shirt we produce has been rigorously tested for safety. When you choose our products, you’re choosing peace of mind.

Not all t-shirt printers are created equal

Not every printer prioritizes safety, especially for kids. Some cut corners on quality or skip certifications to save costs. Others outsource their printing to the cheapest contractor and have no control over the production process or what type of ink is used.

It’s essential to choose a trusted company like Sticker Mule for custom kids' t-shirts, where safety is the cornerstone of everything we do. We’ve produced thousands of shirts with safety and quality in mind, ensuring every product meets the highest standards.

Before choosing a printer, ask the tough questions:

What inks do they use?

• Are their materials certified?
• What safety measures do they follow?
• Are their shirts truly non-toxic?

Reliable printers will have the answers, and your child’s safety is worth the extra care.

At Sticker Mule, we proudly print every t-shirt in-house at our own facilities in the USA and Italy, ensuring unparalleled quality in every order. Our dedicated team carefully oversees each step of the process, maintaining the strictest standards.

We’re committed to crafting t-shirts that are not only stylish but also safe—because when it comes to kids, compromise is never an option.