
Your child loves to jump in puddles, roll in the grass, and dig in the dirt. While you’re happy they’re having fun, you don’t enjoy spending hours scrubbing the mud and grass stains out of their clothes once they’re done with their adventures!
If you’re curious if there are any clothes you can buy for your active child that resist tough stains so you can spend less time doing laundry, let’s look at five popular options that you can quickly clean.
Polyester Activewear
Polyester activewear is a must for kids who love getting messy during playtime! Since the fibers are essentially plastic, they’re non-absorbent. Liquids like juice or muddy water tend to sit on the surface rather than soaking deep into the thread. You can often wipe these clean with a damp cloth immediately after a spill. If the mess is substantial, polyester releases dirt easily in the washing machine without requiring heavy pre-treatment.
Dark Wash Denim Jeans
Denim is a staple for a reason, but not all denim handles the playground equally well. The best jeans for kids who play hard are usually ones with a polyester blend and a dark indigo wash. Pure cotton denim can absorb stains deeply, but a poly-blend adds durability and stain release properties. The dark color hides grass stains effectively, so even if you miss a spot when cleaning, it won’t be too noticeable.
Nylon Track Pants
Nylon is another synthetic option that’s incredibly slick. Mud and food tend to slide right off the surface. If a stain does stick, nylon dries extremely fast. You can rinse a muddy pair of nylon track pants in the sink to remove the bulk of the dirt, and they’ll dry quickly. This fabric is tough and resists staining from oils and dyes better than natural fibers.
Treated Stain-Resistant Cotton
Many brands now treat cotton shirts and pants with a coating that prevents liquids from absorbing. The treatment keeps the mess on the exterior of the fiber where water and detergent can easily wash it away. You get the breathability and softness of cotton, but mud rinses out much faster.
Merino Wool Base Layers
Wool contains lanolin, a natural wax that repels water and dirt. While you need to be careful with heat when washing wool, it often requires less scrubbing overall. Dirt dries on the surface, and you can brush it away without needing water at all. It’s naturally odor-resistant as well.
More Play, Less Laundry
These are some types of kids’ clothes that are especially easy to keep clean. Most grime will come off with just a standard wash cycle. With them in your child’s closet, you won’t have to worry about ruined outfits whenever they head outside to play!

Sam Hopes is a 37-year-old mom of two living in Portland, Oregon. She works as a freelance graphic designer and part-time yoga instructor, juggling creative projects with playdates and PTA emails. Known for her warm personality and dry humor, Sam loves hiking in Forest Park, thrifting on Mississippi Avenue, and weekend visits to OMSI with her kids, Ella and Milo. She’s the kind of parent who forgets sunscreen but always remembers snacks—and a good laugh.
