By Agnes-Senga | Mwana Essentials
If you are shopping for either cloth diapers or All-In-One diapers with mwana, you have probably noticed two inner lining options — AWJ and suede cloth. Both sit against your baby’s skin and serve the same purpose: keeping your baby feeling dry by pulling moisture through to the insert underneath. Think of it like the inside layer of a sports shirt that pulls sweat away from your skin — same idea, designed for your baby.
But they feel and perform differently, and knowing which suits your baby can make a real difference to their comfort.
Here is what you need to know.
What is AWJ?
AWJ stands for Athletic Wicking Jersey — and yes, it sounds technical, but the idea is simple. It is a lightweight, fine-mesh fabric that pulls moisture away from your baby’s skin and lets air flow through at the same time. Your baby feels dry even after wetting, and their skin gets to breathe.
It has a little stretch to it — about 50% — which means it moves with your baby comfortably and makes stuffing your pocket diaper easier too.
AWJ is a good fit for:
- Babies prone to heat rash or nappy rash
- Babies who were used to the dry feeling of disposables and fuss in cloth
- Parents who want maximum breathability
- Warmer climates — like our Dar Es Salaam
What is Suede Cloth?
Despite the name, suede cloth has nothing to do with actual suede leather. It is a soft, smooth synthetic fabric that feels a little like the inside of a cosy jacket against your baby’s skin. It wicks moisture away effectively — just like AWJ — but it feels warmer and more cushioned rather than cool and breezy.
Suede cloth is a good fit for:
- Babies who like a warmer, softer feel
- Cooler conditions or nights
- Parents who prefer a smooth, cushioned texture
- Babies without any sensitivity to synthetic fabrics
AWJ vs Suede Cloth — Quick Comparison
| AWJ | Suede Cloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Stretchy, light mesh | Smooth, soft, cosy |
| Breathability | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Warmer climates, heat rash | Cooler conditions, cosy feel |
| Moisture wicking | Excellent | Very good |
| Stain resistance | Moderate | Good |
Which One Should You Choose?
Neither is better than the other — they simply suit different babies and different climates. The lining itself does not affect how much your diaper absorbs — that is the insert’s job. The lining is purely about how it feels against your baby’s skin.
For parents in Tanzania, where heat and humidity are part of daily life, AWJ’s breathability makes it a very practical choice. That said, suede cloth’s warmth works well for cooler evenings or nights.
At Mwana Essentials, our pocket and AIO diapers are available in both AWJ and suede cloth inner linings — so you can choose what works best for your baby, your routine, and your climate.
Not sure which to start with? Our Starter Kit and Essential Bundle give you the chance to try both and decide for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the inner lining touch my baby’s skin? Yes — the inner lining is the layer that sits directly against your baby’s skin. The insert sits inside the pocket underneath and never touches the skin directly.
Can I wash both AWJ and suede cloth the same way? Yes. Both are easy to care for — machine wash on a gentle cycle with a plain, fragrance-free liquid detergent. Avoid bar soap, fabric softener, and perfumed powder detergents.
Which lining lasts longer? Both are built to last through hundreds of washes when cared for properly. How long they last depends more on how you wash them than the material itself.