When shopping for "organic" clothes, the labels can be confusing. The term "organic" on a tag often only refers to how the raw material (like cotton) was grown, but it doesn't always account for the toxic dyes or harsh chemicals used later in the factory.
To truly understand what you're buying, look for these specific industry standards:
1. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
This is the "Gold Standard" of organic clothing. If you only look for one label, make it this one.
- What it covers: The entire supply chain—from the farm to the finished shirt.
- The Requirements: * Organic Content: Must be at least 70% organic (to be labeled "Made with Organic") or 95% organic (to be labeled "Organic").
- Toxin-Free: Prohibits the use of formaldehyde, toxic heavy metals, and chlorine bleach.
- Social Ethics: Factories must meet International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, including fair wages and no child labor.
- Environment: Facilities must have strict wastewater treatment and energy-saving protocols.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS certification guarantees: environmentally friendly production and processing processes, respect and improvement of working conditions, promotion of the use of fibres from organic agriculture, prohibition of hazardous inputs such as toxic heavy metals, aromatic solvents etc.
GOTS Certified Suppliers Database: Search for suppliers of GOTS certified products (GOTS certified entities) along the entire supply chain, their location, fields of operation and GOTS certified products, according to individual parameters.
2. OCS (Organic Content Standard)
Think of OCS as a "tracker" rather than a holistic health standard.
- What it covers: It strictly verifies that the material used (e.g., cotton or wool) is actually organic.
- The Difference: Unlike GOTS, OCS does not have rules about which dyes are used or how workers are treated. It simply confirms the "chain of custody"—proving that the organic fiber from the farm made it into your garment.
- Label Types: * OCS 100: 95–100% organic material.
- OCS Blended: Minimum of 5% organic material blended with conventional fibers.
3. OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Note: This is not an organic certification, but it is often found on organic clothes.
- What it covers: Purely chemical safety for the consumer.
- Why it matters: It tests the final product (including buttons, threads, and linings) for over 100 harmful substances. Even if a shirt isn't "organic," an OEKO-TEX label ensures it is safe to wear against your skin.
