Article: What Is GOTS Organic Cotton? A Plain-English Guide
What Is GOTS Organic Cotton? A Plain-English Guide
"Organic cotton" appears on a lot of labels. On its own, the word tells you very little, because anyone can use it. A certification such as GOTS is what turns it into something you can check. This guide explains what GOTS is, what it covers, and how to read a GOTS label.
What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and from seed that has not been genetically modified. Farmers rely instead on methods such as crop rotation and natural pest control. The fibre itself looks and feels much like conventional cotton; the difference is in how it is grown and, under GOTS, how it is processed afterwards.
What is GOTS?
GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It is one of the most widely recognised certifications for organic textiles. What makes it useful is that it does not stop at the farm. It follows the fibre through spinning, knitting or weaving, dyeing, finishing and making up, so the organic status is tracked all the way to the finished garment.
The standard covers three broad areas:
- Fibre. A minimum share of certified organic fibre in the product.
- Processing. Restrictions on the chemicals, dyes and finishes that can be used, and requirements for wastewater treatment at wet-processing sites.
- Social criteria. Minimum standards for working conditions across the certified supply chain, based on International Labour Organization conventions.
The two GOTS label grades
| Label | Minimum certified organic fibre |
|---|---|
| "Organic" | 95% |
| "Made with X% organic materials" | 70% |
So a garment labelled simply "organic" under GOTS is almost entirely organic fibre, while "made with organic" means at least 70%.
How to check a GOTS claim
- Look for the label and a licence number. A genuine GOTS label shows the logo, the label grade and a reference to the certification body and licence number.
- Check the public database. GOTS keeps a public list of certified suppliers on its website, where you can look up the licence number.
- Read the fibre content. "100% organic cotton" on the care label should match what the product page says.
- Ask. A brand using certified fibre should be able to tell you who certified it.
Since 2025, UK regulators can fine businesses directly for misleading environmental claims, so specific, checkable statements like these matter more than ever. Read more in 8 Fashion Industry Trends for 2026.
Is organic cotton better?
It depends on what you mean by better. Organic cotton avoids synthetic pesticides and genetically modified seed, and GOTS adds controls on processing and working conditions. It is not a guarantee that a garment is well made or will last. For that, look at the fabric weight, the construction and how the piece is finished. The most useful thing any garment can do is be worn often and for years.
Our organic cotton pieces
Our organic cotton pieces are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton in Portugal:
- Organic Cotton Scoop Neck Tank Top, in 100% organic cotton, a ribbed layering vest in white, rosy brown or cream.
- Organic Cotton Ribbed Tank Dress, in 100% organic cotton, in black.
- Striped Crew Neck T-shirt, in organic cotton, in blue or violet stripes.
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