Organic Cotton Explained

In brief: Organic cotton is cotton cultivated without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers or GMOs, following certified organic farming standards. It represents around 1 percent of global cotton production. Under GOTS, an 'organic' label requires a minimum of 95 percent certified organic fibres, while 'made with organic' requires at least 70 percent. The benefits are mainly environmental and social rather than an inherent improvement in fibre quality.

What is organic cotton?

Organic cotton is cotton grown without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers or genetically modified seed, following certified organic farming standards. It is still a small part of the market, representing approximately 1 percent of global cotton production. The defining feature is the farming method: the focus is on how the crop is grown and processed, governed by independent certification rather than by claims alone.

How certification works

The leading standard is GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard. A product labelled 'organic' must contain a minimum of 95 percent certified organic fibres, while 'made with organic' requires at least 70 percent. GOTS also sets environmental criteria, including biodegradable dyes, functional wastewater treatment and chemical residue limits, plus social criteria based on International Labour Organisation conventions. A public GOTS database lets shoppers check the authenticity of a claim.

Is organic cotton better quality?

This is a common misunderstanding. Organic refers to how the cotton is grown, not to the quality of the fibre itself, so organic cotton can be any grade from standard to premium. The benefits are environmental and social, such as no toxic pesticide exposure for farmers and no chemical runoff, rather than an automatic quality upgrade. Premium organic cotton from a good source delivers the same softness and durability as conventional premium cotton.

Organic Cotton at OD's Designer Clothing

Organic and responsibly sourced cotton features in T-shirts and casualwear from BOSS, HUGO and other brands committed to sustainable sourcing. For shoppers who want lower-impact materials without compromising on feel, certified organic cotton is a dependable choice. Browse our casual ranges to find pieces made this way.