If you've ever shopped for eco-friendly or safe textiles, you might have noticed the OEKO-TEX® label on clothing or fabric products. But what exactly is OEKO-TEX®, and why does it matter for sustainable fashion? Here’s an expert breakdown.

What Does OEKO-TEX® Mean?

OEKO-TEX® is a globally recognized certification system for textiles and leather products that guarantees they have been tested for harmful substances and meet strict safety and environmental criteria.

• Founded in 1992 by a group of European textile research institutes
• Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology
• Focuses on consumer safety, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility

The Core OEKO-TEX® Standards You Should Know

OEKO-TEX® offers various standards tailored to different aspects of textile and leather production:

1. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

• Tests textiles for over 1,000 harmful substances including chemicals restricted by strict international regulations like the EU REACH directive
• Covers every component of a product — yarn, fabric, buttons, accessories
• Differentiates four product classes based on skin contact intensity:
  • Class I: Baby products
  • Class II: Textiles with direct skin contact (most clothing)
  • Class III: Textiles without or little skin contact
  • Class IV: Furnishing materials

2. MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®

• Builds on STANDARD 100 certification
• Also certifies sustainable and socially responsible production conditions on environmental and workplace safety
• Features traceable QR codes so consumers can track the product’s manufacturing journey

3. ORGANIC COTTON by OEKO-TEX®

• Certifies textiles made from organic cotton grown without GMOs and pesticides
• Includes testing for genetically modified organisms to ensure authenticity

4. Other Noteworthy Certifications

• LEATHER STANDARD: For leather and leather products tested for harmful substances
• STeP: For production facilities demonstrating sustainable textile and leather production processes
• ECO PASSPORT: Certifies chemicals and chemical products used in textile processing as safe and environmentally friendly

Why OEKO-TEX® Certification Matters for You

Health & Safety

• Ensures your clothing contains no dangerous chemicals or allergens
• Especially critical for sensitive groups like babies and those with allergies

Sustainability & Ethics

• Encourages environmentally sound production practices and chemical management
• Supports worker health and fair labor conditions through site certifications

Transparency & Trust

• The Label Check tool allows consumers to verify the authenticity and validity of OEKO-TEX® certificates by entering label numbers online
• QR codes on labels provide direct insight into production details, fostering transparency

Eco Fact:

OEKO-TEX® updates its limits on harmful substances annually based on the latest scientific findings and legal regulations, ensuring continual improvement in textile safety.

How to Check for OEKO-TEX® Certification

• Look for the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or MADE IN GREEN label on the product
• Scan the QR code or enter the certificate number on the official OEKO-TEX® Label Check website
• Verify that certification is current and trustworthy

Takeaway: Making Responsible Fashion Choices with OEKO-TEX®

Understanding OEKO-TEX® certification empowers you to select textile products that are safe for your health and better for the planet. By choosing OEKO-TEX® certified apparel, you support initiatives that reduce harmful chemicals, protect ecosystems, and promote ethical labor practices throughout the textile supply chain. Next time you shop, let OEKO-TEX® be your guide to sustainable and safe fashion.

At Design Delight Studio, we believe clothing should be as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. Our apparel is certified by leading global standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and PETA-Approved Vegan — designed with transparency, comfort, and sustainability in every stitch.