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I was curious about how Alva Baby cloth diapers compared to other diapers that are also made in China and appear identical, but cost much more.
So, I bought one, posted photos of it, and have been washing it constantly for the past 5 months. Even if it hadn’t been used, I threw it in with every load of diapers I washed, and I also dried it in the dryer every time, while I typically hang my diapers to dry. Despite the instructions not to exceed 95 degrees F, I haven’t had any damage or delamination of the PUL.
However, I only bought/tested one diaper. Had I done this with two dozen, 23 may have been damaged, I really don’t know.
The disappointing thing was how quickly the design washed away. The Mickey design was embossed in the minky and colored red, which disappeared in just a few washes.
No judgement or commentary on what diapers anyone chooses to purchase, I just wanted to share my findings. 
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a few Alva diapers that I bought through a co-op. They have been used in constant rotation and washed every 2-3 days for 5 months also. I have not had the fading issue and mine are still in near perfect condition (minus interior staining). I would nor say they are my favorite diaper but they are definitely a great economical option and I would buy them again.
I should also mention that I do not typically dry mine in the dryer (except to fluff up a bit sometimes after hanging dry). I think the major thing with buying diapers that are this inexpensive is consistency in quality. While one family may have a great experience with these, another may have a totally horrible one. To my knowledge, there is no quality guarantee with these and if you have a problem, customer service may be an issue.
I have three alvas. One I won in a giveaway, two I bought because I couldn’t resist the prints. I almost never reach for them. If the inner was fleece instead of suedecloth I might grab them more often, but it’s not super soft inside. They seem to fit well, but I do tend to get a little wicking around the rise snaps. If you’re really needing to spend very little they’d be a good option, but I wouldn’t personally make up my whole stash of them. =)
I had a stash of about a 18 Alvas for daytime use to share between my two boys, because personally, I could not afford to spend $20 per diaper for 2 children. I used 2 inserts each and never had problems. I did not use them at night because my guys wet so much during the night.
I also had about 35 diapers total to share between them, so my Alvas got quite a bit of washing. Not a single one suffered from delamination or fell apart, didn’t wick, and are still being used today after a couple years of use. I do not have any of the embossed ones though, so I could not confirm the fading issues.
I have a lot of alvas in my stash since they were my best financial option to test out and see if i even liked cding at the time. Ive been using them regularly for the past 9 months, washing every 2-3 days, with approx 20 in my stash of 40 dipes now. I havent had one delam on me either and i machine dry mine on low. The few minky alvas I have have all faded like this diaper and I notice wicking to the legs almost all the time with them. Their reg pul diapers I havent had any issues with and love them. They hold up over night well and the suedecloth still doesnt have any stains either.
To be fair, embossed fabric usually wears over time, not just on diapers, but embossed fabrics in general. I made my son a blanket with embossed dog paws, and the sales lady at the fabric store informed me that over time embossing will fade.
I don’t personally own any alvas (I make my own diapers) but I have no problem with “cheep” diapers. I have friends who have bought cheep ebay diapers and have had no problems with them at all, no they are not as well constructed as my diapers, yes, doing any maintenance on them is much harder (ie replacing elastic) but when it comes to doing diapers for cheep, sometimes you just have to take what you can get, especially if you are unable to make your own and don’t participate in co-ops to lessen the prices.
I have a few Alvas and I have to say they have held up just as well (or in some cases better) than some of my more expensive diapers. I have had them for 2 years now, and I have had to replace elastic on a few of them (and I think almost everyone has been sewn in a different way, some easier than others
) but I have also had to replace elastics on other “expensive” diapers I have had for the same amount (or less) time, so it’s just something that isn’t going to last forever. I also use the dryer more often than not, especially in the winter, and my water is probably a bit hotter than recommended, so I “abuse” the poor things and they still perform! 
Thanks for the update. I have not {yet} purchased an Alva, but would be open to purchasing a few.
I have several Alvas. Some I bought in a co-op and others I won in giveaways. The ones I won were mainly re-branded Alvas. I think I have about 16 total. They are holding up pretty well. My absolute favorite Alvas are the bamboo. They’re so trim and cute. The ones I like the least are the color snap. They’re really bulky and difficult to find the right snaps to use because of the funky fit. Plus one of the snap-in soakers’ snaps broke. :/ I want to mention that with my co-op order I also ordered two wet bags. One of the zippers broke immediately. Thankfully it was for the extra pocket that I don’t use anyway. I’ve had a few leaks with them but I threw them in the dryer for 20 minutes and the leaks sealed right up no problem. Normally I hang them on the line to dry. The basic Alvas are my husbands absolute favorite. Overall they do perform well. I’ve had more trouble with my few GroVias than my Alvas. I’m really disappointed that I finally got to splurge on expensive diapers and I reach for the Alvas more often. Oh well, at least I saved money overall and many of the Alva prints are very cute. I think if I had to do it again I wouldn’t do the co-op. I’d buy the Alvas directly from a WAHM that sells for a good price. I won a couple of Lovely Pocket Diapers and they’re nice. The Raves are re-labeled Alvas and they’re designed like the color snap but with a much better fit. I think like any other diaper it’s hit and miss. I don’t think I have any brand of diaper that doesn’t have one flaw or other. IMO Alvas are fine. They perform just as well as everything but my itti bittis. Nothing comes close to itti bittis.lol. Alvas are a good way to stretch your dollar especially for those of us who have to watch every penny.