When shopping for organic and sustainable textiles, you’ll often see labels like GOTS and OEKO-TEX. Both are respected certifications, but understanding their differences helps you make informed, ethical choices. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each certification entails and why they matter.
What is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)?
GOTS is a comprehensive certification governing textiles made with organic fibers — the global benchmark for organic textile processing.
Key Features of GOTS:
- Organic Fiber Content: Minimum 70% certified organic fibers (cotton, wool, hemp, linen); products labeled “organic” must have at least 95% certified organic fibres.
- Chemical Restrictions: Prohibits toxic substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, and carcinogenic dyes in all processing stages.
- Environmental Criteria: Strict management of water pollution, energy use, and waste with promotion of renewable resources.
- Social Responsibility: Enforces fair labor practices, no child labor, safe working conditions, and fair wages across the supply chain.
- Traceability & Transparency: Product certification covers the entire supply chain from fiber harvest to finished garment.
Eco Fact:
GOTS certification integrates both ecological sustainability and social accountability, ensuring the whole textile lifecycle respects people and planet.
What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 primarily focuses on the human and environmental safety of textile products, screening for harmful substances in finished goods.
Key Features of OEKO-TEX:
- Chemical Safety Testing: Products are tested for over 100 harmful chemicals including pesticides, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and banned azo dyes.
- Finished Product Certification: Ensures safety of raw materials as well as dyed, finished textiles ready for consumer use.
- Sensitive Skin Protection: Includes stricter criteria for textiles intended for babies and children.
- Global Recognition: Consistent standard recognized worldwide, with continuous updates aligned to regulatory and scientific developments.
How to Check:
Look for the OEKO-TEX label with a unique certification number that you can verify on the official website to confirm validity.
GOTS vs OEKO-TEX: What Are the Differences?
| Aspect | GOTS | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Entire organic textile supply chain; focus on organic fibers + social criteria | Chemical safety of textiles including accessories and finished products |
| Fiber Requirement | Minimum 70% certified organic fibers | No requirement on fiber content |
| Social & Environmental | Strong social compliance (fair labor) and sustainability requirements | Primarily chemical and consumer safety testing |
| Product Coverage | Raw fibers to finished textiles, garments, home textiles | Raw to finished textiles, accessories |
| Certification Focus | Sustainability & ethical textile production | Safety from hazardous chemicals & toxins |
What to Know:
GOTS certifies the organic integrity and ethical production of textiles, whereas OEKO-TEX ensures the finished textile products are free from harmful substances, prioritizing consumer health.
Why These Certifications Matter to You
Choosing GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified textiles means:
- Safer for Your Skin: Reduced exposure to toxic chemicals, which is especially important for sensitive skin or babies.
- Better for the Environment: Encouragement of organic farming and eco-friendly manufacturing reduces pollution and resource consumption.
- Ethical Labor Practices: GOTS ensures workers’ rights and safety are respected, which contributes to more socially responsible fashion.
- High Quality & Transparency: Both certifications involve independent testing and verification, offering trustworthy assurances.
Takeaway:
If you want organic origin with sustainability and fair labor assurance, look for GOTS-certified products. If your priority is chemical safety in the finished fabric, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is your go-to certification. Either way, selecting certified textiles supports a safer, cleaner, and more ethical fashion industry.
Empower yourself as a conscious consumer by learning and looking for these labels—your choices drive demand for safer, more sustainable apparel and textiles worldwide.
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.
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