As sustainable fashion continues to grow in popularity, more brands are trying to position themselves as eco-friendly and ethical. One way they do this is by using certifications like OEKO-TEX®, which you’ve likely come across while shopping for non-toxic clothing or looking for safe fabrics.
But as helpful as these labels can be, they’re also often used as a marketing tool. Many brands highlight certifications without making meaningful changes elsewhere, which can make it difficult to tell what’s actually a better choice and what’s simply greenwashing.
Thankfully, some third-party certifications do offer real value. When used properly, they can help us identify clothing that has been tested for harmful substances and is safer for everyday wear.
One of the most recognized is the OEKO-TEX® label, which appears on a growing number of OEKO-TEX clothing brands. And while it’s not a perfect solution, it can be a helpful starting point when trying to build a more thoughtful wardrobe. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up 10 brands that use OEKO-TEX® certified materials so you can shop with a little more clarity and confidence.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands – and us!
What Is OEKO-TEX® Certification? (Simple Explanation)
OEKO-TEX® is a third-party certification that tests textiles for harmful substances, ensuring fabrics are safe for human health. The most commonly found label is the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®. This label indicates that a product’s components – such as materials, threads, trims, zippers, linings, buttons, dyes, and coatings – have undergone rigorous testing for toxic chemicals and are safe for use. The MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® label goes further by certifying that the product comes from an ethical and sustainable production process at every stage.
All the OEKO-TEX® labels are trustworthy certifications since OEKO-TEX® is a third-party body, and it verifies products according to a given set of standards. So when a product has one of these labels, we know that it is a healthier version for us and the environment. When shopping for clothes or any other textiles, always check the label. Since we wear these items close to our skin, we want to avoid absorbing any harmful substances into our bodies. We have a great article on Sustainably Chic on the OEKO-TEX® label if you want to learn more about it!
Is OEKO-TEX® Clothing Truly Non-Toxic?
OEKO-TEX® is one of the most recognized certifications when it comes to safer textiles, & for good reason. It tests fabrics for over 1,000 potentially harmful substances, helping ensure that what touches your skin has been screened for things like heavy metals, formaldehyde, and certain chemical residues. So yes, OEKO-TEX® is a strong step in the right direction, especially if you’re trying to reduce everyday exposure to harmful chemicals. But it’s also important to understand what it doesn’t mean.
OEKO-TEX® focuses on chemical safety, not the full lifecycle of a garment. That means a piece of clothing can be OEKO-TEX® certified and still:
- Be made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon
- Not be organic
- Not be produced using sustainable or low-impact practices
In other words, OEKO-TEX® helps answer the question: “Is this fabric safer for my body?”
But it doesn’t fully answer: “Is this better for the planet?”
If you’re building a more thoughtful wardrobe, OEKO-TEX® is a helpful starting point, especially for items worn close to the skin. From there, you can take it a step further by also considering fiber content, prioritizing natural materials, and choosing pieces designed to last. Like most things in sustainable fashion, it’s not about one perfect label, it’s about looking at the bigger picture.
OEKO-TEX® vs GOTS: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve started looking into safer or more sustainable clothing, you’ve likely come across both OEKO-TEX® and GOTS. While they’re often mentioned together, they actually focus on different parts of the production process.
OEKO-TEX® is centered on chemical safety. It tests finished fabrics and garments for harmful substances to ensure they’re safer for human health, especially important for items worn close to the skin.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), on the other hand, goes much further. It covers the entire production process, including:
- The use of certified organic fibers
- Environmentally and socially responsible processing
- Restrictions on toxic dyes and finishes
- Labor standards throughout the supply chain
So while OEKO-TEX® answers the question: “Is this fabric free from harmful chemicals?”
GOTS helps answer: “Was this made in a more environmentally and socially responsible way?”
Ideally, you’ll find brands using both, but if not, it helps to understand what each certification is actually telling you.
Is OEKO-TEX® Clothing Better Than Fast Fashion?
In many cases, yes… but it’s not the full picture. OEKO-TEX® certified clothing is tested for harmful substances, which makes it a safer option when it comes to chemical exposure. That alone can make a meaningful difference, especially compared to conventional fast fashion, where transparency around materials and treatments is often limited.
But sustainability goes beyond chemical safety. Fast fashion is built on a model of constant newness and overconsumption; encouraging us to buy more, wear less, and replace quickly. This has led to a system where clothing is often treated as disposable, contributing to an estimated millions of tons of textile waste each year, with a significant portion ending up in landfills.
And then there’s the material side. Many fast fashion pieces are made from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are derived from fossil fuels and can shed microplastics over time, even if they’re OEKO-TEX® certified.
So while OEKO-TEX® clothing can be a better choice in terms of what’s in the fabric, it doesn’t automatically solve issues related to:
- Overproduction
- Short garment lifespans
- Synthetic material use
A more sustainable approach looks at the bigger picture: choosing fewer pieces, prioritizing natural or lower-impact materials, and investing in clothing designed to last. Because in the end, it’s not just about what something is made from, it’s about how much we’re consuming, and how long we’re keeping it.
Our Top Picks for Brands Selling OEKO-TEX® Clothing:
1. Toad & Co
For: Women & Men
Categories: Tops, Bottoms, Dresses, Sweaters, Jumpsuits, Outerwear, Underwear, Accessories
Toad & Co designs everything from basic t-shirts to jackets to underwear, all made sustainably for men and women. Their classic styles are the kind you’ll actually want to wear again and again. The brand produces all its clothing using eco-friendly materials. It has a lot of great pieces made from hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and organic cotton, as well as different recycled fabrics.
Most of Toad & Co’s clothes also carry the Bluesign or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications (some even have both). All the company’s products are picked, packed and shipped in a warehouse that trains, employs and empowers people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Toad & Co is also a member of the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, and has helped fund 120 environmental protection organizations over the past 20 years.
2. Subset
For: Women & Men
Categories: Underwear, Bras, Lounge
Subset is a sustainable underwear brand that has been striving to create everyday basics with the most environmentally responsible processes from the very beginning. Available in a wide range of styles, its undies are designed to fit your body perfectly. They are very soft, comfortable, and breathable!
Subset only works with Fair Trade-certified factories to produce its collections. Its entire manufacturing process thus follows the most stringent ethical standards. Not only that, but it also received the OEKO-TEX® clothing and GOTS certifications.
The majority of its undies are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. The brand has also recently introduced new sustainable materials in its products, such as Tencel and recycled nylon. Subset is climate-neutral certified and a member of 1% For The Planet. Each year, it also donates thousands of underwear to different organizations helping women in need across the country.
3. Fair Indigo
For: Men, Women & Kids
Categories: Basics, Leggings, T-Shirts, Dresses, Sweaters
Fair Indigo keeps things simple and timeless with clothing designed to be worn and loved for years. It’s a great place to go for basics and a quality t-shirt! Their tees and dresses are made with organic cotton & crafted in ethical working conditions, making each piece of clothing feel good inside and out.
We love that they use OEKO-TEX certified dyes, giving their garments rich, lasting color without compromising their values and using toxic chemicals often found in tradtional dyes. From everyday basics to elevated essentials, Fair Indigo focuses on quality and longevity rather than fast-changing trends. It’s clothing you can count on. It’s comfortable, versatile, and created with respect for people and the planet.
4. Hanna Andersson
For: Children, Adults
Categories: Sleepwear, Play Clothes
Hanna Andersson has long been a trusted name in quality children’s clothing and their sleepwear is a perfect example of why. Made with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, their pajamas are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring the softest and safest touch for children’s sensitive skin.
Parents can join in on the fun with matching sets for in healthier fabrics – and we love this especially during the holidays! Hanna Andersson pajamas feature classic Scandinavian designs, as well as fun holiday prints, and are made to last, making them perfect for passing down. They’re comfortable, cute, and promote non-toxic living.
5. PAKA
For: Women & Men
Categories: Activewear, Outerwear, Accessories
PAKA is a renowned Peruvian clothing brand known for high-quality, sustainable apparel for outdoor enthusiasts. Committed to environmental responsibility, they focus on eco-friendly materials, particularly their exceptionally soft Royal Alpaca.
By incorporating such materials, PAKA aims to establish a deeper connection between consumers and the natural world, while simultaneously fostering sustainable growth within small communities.A notable aspect of PAKA’s products is the inclusion of a QR code on each item, allowing consumers to trace the origin of the fiber back to the specific farm where it was harvested. This level of transparency underscores PAKA’s dedication to ensuring the integrity and sustainability of their supply chain.
Furthermore, PAKA’s dedication to environmental consciousness extends to their dyeing process, which employs environmentally friendly dyes that are certified by OEKO-TEX and GOTS. Additionally, the brand utilizes biodegradable packaging, further exemplifying their commitment to minimizing their environmental impact. PAKA has been recognized as a certified B-Corp, a testament to their unwavering efforts in spearheading positive and sustainable change within the fashion industry!
6. Asket
ASKET believes you don’t need a closet full of clothes, just a few really good ones. Instead of chasing trends, they make timeless basics built to last in both style and quality. One thing that sets them apart is their use of OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, so you know their materials are tested for harmful chemicals and are safer for you and the planet.
From organic cotton tees to wool sweaters, ASKET is all about transparency. You can see exactly where their materials come from & where things are made. Their OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics mean you’re not getting the toxic chemicals that show up in most clothes, so their pieces are a great pick if you want a cleaner, more mindful wardrobe.
7. Cleobella
For: Women
Categories: Swimwear
Cleobella is an ethically handmade fashion brand founded in 2006 by Angela and Jim O’Brien, inspired by their travels through Bali and India. The brand focuses on creating sustainable, timeless designs while supporting local artisans with fair wages.
Cleobella’s collections feature hand-embroidery, vibrant prints, and a bohemian aesthetic influenced by global cultures. Committed to sustainability, they use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, non-toxic dyes, and biodegradable packaging, partnering with organizations like One Tree Planted to offset carbon emissions by planting trees worldwide.
Cleobella’s swimwear line showcases their commitment to sustainability. The collection features pieces made from recycled nylon, with several clothing styles certified by OEKO-TEX®, ensuring that no harmful substances are present in the textiles. Each swimwear piece displays bold, hand-dyed patterns, reflecting the brand’s dedication to sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
8. Wolven
For: Women & Men
Categories: Activewear, Swimwear
Founded by artists and planet lovers, Wolven creates sustainable activewear featuring stunning prints inspired by nature and different cultures around the world. The brand’s pieces are made from recycled polyester, which contributes to removing on average one pound of trash from the oceans for each sale.
For instance, Wolven’s leggings are produced using 27 post-consumer recycled plastic bottles! Very soft and durable, the clothing’s fabric is certified by OEKO-TEX® and the Global Recycled Standard. Wolven also uses modal fabrics, which are produced from wood pulp fibers that are sustainably harvested.
The company is incredibly transparent about its carbon footprint and makes sure to offset it. It is also a member of 1% For The Planet, and it sends its products wrapped with a piece of hemp twine and packaged in a recycled mailer or paper box.
9. Carter’s
Carter’s is one of the more accessible brands incorporating OEKO-TEX® certification into its clothing, especially across baby and children’s essentials. Much of its apparel is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning the fabrics and components have been tested for harmful substances and are considered safer for everyday wear.
This can be particularly reassuring for parents, since babies and young children are in constant contact with their clothing. It’s a step toward choosing non-toxic clothing and prioritizing safe fabrics without a high price point.
That said, like many larger brands, Carter’s still uses a mix of conventional and synthetic materials. So while OEKO-TEX® certification is a meaningful improvement in terms of chemical safety, it doesn’t necessarily mean the clothing is organic or fully sustainable.
10. Auden
For: Women
Categories: Underwear, Pajamas, Everyday Clothing
Auden may not be the most sustainable brand on the market, but it’s one we appreciate for making safer fabrics more accessible. Found at your local Target, Auden offers everyday essentials that are both affordable and widely available. What makes this line stand out is that much of their clothing carries the OEKO-TEX certification, ensuring the pieces are free from harmful chemicals and safe for skin contact. While the brand isn’t centered around sustainability in the same way as others we feature, it’s encouraging to see a mainstream label adopting these certifications. It’s a practical option for conscious shoppers on a budget.
FAQs About OEKO-TEX® Clothing
Is OEKO-TEX® better than organic clothing?
Not necessarily… they’re simply measuring different things. OEKO-TEX® focuses on what’s in the finished fabric, specifically testing for harmful substances to make sure textiles are safer for human health. That’s incredibly valuable, especially for items worn directly on the skin.
Organic certifications, like GOTS, focus more on how the fiber is grown and processed, including farming practices, chemical use, and environmental impact.
Can polyester be OEKO-TEX® certified?
Yes… and this is an important nuance. OEKO-TEX® certification is based on chemical safety, not fiber type. So even synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or acrylic can be certified if they’ve been tested and found to be free from harmful levels of certain substances.
That said, polyester is still a plastic-based fiber, and it comes with its own environmental considerations, like microplastic shedding and reliance on fossil fuels. So while OEKO-TEX® certified polyester may be a safer option in terms of chemical exposure, it doesn’t necessarily make it the most sustainable choice overall. This is where looking at the bigger picture; fiber content, longevity, and how often you’ll wear something can really make a difference.
Is OEKO-TEX® clothing safe for babies?
In most cases, yes; especially when you see OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class I, which is the strictest category and specifically designed for babies and young children. This classification means the fabric has been tested against even tighter limits for harmful substances, making it a safer option for sensitive skin.
For baby clothing, bedding, and items used daily, OEKO-TEX® can be a helpful guideline when you’re trying to reduce unnecessary exposure. Like everything in sustainable living, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. But choosing certified, lower-tox materials (especially for little ones) is a meaningful step in a more thoughtful direction.
I wish that you would preface when you are recommending a clothing brand whether they are simply sustainable and use recycled plastic fabrics or if their clothing is made from natural fabrics (wool, cotton, real linen, etc.). It is my understanding that while recycling plastic fabrics (polyester, nylon, etc.) MAY use less energy, the issue with microplastic entering our waterways is still a problem. These fabrics are still using fast fashion dye processes, which is yet another environmental problem. I think it is too soon to tout brands that create clothing with recycled products that during their first use are causing problems for the environment. I am coming to believe this is yet another case of greenwashing.
The major issue I have with these brands being recommended is that the issue of wearing plastic on bare skin day after day is simply not healthy. I do know you have addressed this issue but when you then recommend brands that use unhealthy fabrics and manufacturing processes, your readers may think you are claiming these fabrics are healthy for their bodies and our environment.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I really appreciate the conversation 🙂 This post is specifically about the OEKO-TEX label, which can apply to both natural and synthetic fabrics, so the list includes a mix of the two. I talk a lot on here about microplastics and why I personally try to limit synthetic clothing, and in this particular post the first five brands all use natural fibers. I’m more than happy to denote that more clearly going forward.
I also know that some people still prefer polyester or nylon for things like activewear or swimwear (which are very hard to find in 100% natural fabrics), so I include a few options for those situations as well. Textiles aren’t always black and white, and I try to acknowledge the nuance as much as possible. I even have a social post dedicated to that exact topic: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO6Qtm2jZ3p/?hl=en