Image: Pact
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The Best Organic Cotton Clothes
With warmer days on the way, it’s time for light layers and summer dresses again! If you’re searching for a new piece for your wardrobe, but you want to shop sustainably, it’s important to avoid certain materials that are bad for the planet.
One such material is cotton; while one of the most widely used textiles in the fashion industry, popular for its breathability and versatility, it’s also one of the most environmentally damaging.
Is Cotton Sustainable?
Cotton farming is incredibly water-intensive, taking 2,700L of water to make just one conventional cotton t-shirt – that’s about three years’ worth of drinking water! Cotton is also the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, using chemicals that pollute waterways and ecosystems and poison the farmers who grow the crops.
Why You Should Choose Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a better alternative to cotton as it’s produced and certified to organic agricultural standards. Its production sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural processes rather than artificial inputs. Most importantly, organic cotton farming doesn’t allow the use of toxic chemicals or GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
Switching to organic cotton can save up to 91% of the water needed to grow the crops, 46% fewer greenhouse gases, and gives farmers more control as they don’t rely on buying expensive genetically modified seeds from a handful of big companies. Currently, only around 1% of all cotton produced is organic, so we need more people to ditch traditional cotton and opt for the more sustainable option of organic cotton. To be sure that what you’re buying is actually organic, look out for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard Certification (OCS).
Read more about Organic Cotton & GOTS Cotton.
We’ve looked at sustainable brands who use organic cotton and made a list of our favorite 16:
1. Pact
For: Men & Women
Pact is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. All their products are crafted using organic cotton and are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), ensuring high-quality and eco-friendly materials.
From stylish dresses, skirts, and comfortable sweatshirts to cozy hoodies, Pact offers a diverse range of clothing for women and men. What sets Pact apart is their dedication to Fair Trade certified factories, where their products are made. These factories prioritize safe working conditions and support local communities, highlighting Pact's commitment to ethical manufacturing.
In addition to their sustainable production practices, Pact is also mindful of affordability. Most of their products are priced under $100, making organic cotton clothing accessible without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, Pact goes the extra mile by offering customers the option to offset the carbon footprint of their shipments, enhancing the eco-friendly nature of their products. This demonstrates their commitment to reducing environmental impact at every stage of the production and delivery process.
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2. Crann Organic
For: Kids
Crann Organic is a brand committed to providing super soft sustainable basics for kids.
Their range includes a variety of items such as t-shirts, sweats, and boxer briefs, all designed with a focus on comfort and eco-friendliness.
What sets Crann Organic apart is their dedication to using eco-friendly and non-toxic fabrics, such as GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL, and hemp, ensuring that your little ones are not only comfortable but also safe from harmful chemicals.
One of the standout features of Crann Organic's products is their thoughtful design. Free from irritating tags and cuffs, these clothes are perfect for children with eczema or sensitive skin. In fact, the brand was inspired by the founders' son, whose eczema was aggravated by wearing polyester clothing. As a result, Crann Organic has crafted their clothes to provide a gentle and comforting experience for kids with skin sensitivities.
In addition to its commitment to sustainability and comfort, Crann Organic caters to a wide range of children, offering sizes from 2 to 12, ensuring that all kids can enjoy their thoughtfully crafted clothing. Furthermore, their collection features a vibrant array of colors, adding a touch of fun and style to their sustainable basics.
3. Made Trade
Made Trade offers a wide range of sustainable and ethical organic cotton clothing brands, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, underwear, dresses, and more.
Their website provides convenient sorting options based on brand, size, color, price range, and other parameters.
In addition to a diverse collection of clothing, Made Trade also features a variety of sustainable home goods, accessories, shoes, and furniture.
What's more, Made Trade is a woman-owned business and is committed to being carbon neutral, making it a fantastic alternative to larger retailers like Amazon.
4. Organic Basics
For: Men & Women
Organic Basics is the go-to destination for all your essential clothing needs.
Their range includes underwear, tops, and leggings, all crafted from high-quality organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials.
In addition to the basics, they have expanded their line to include activewear, dresses, and a unique denim collection.
What sets Organic Basics apart is their commitment to sustainability and durability. Their circular design approach and avoidance of synthetic blends ensure that their products are long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The brand is synonymous with minimalism, offering simple yet elegant designs in monochrome color palettes.
Moreover, Organic Basics prioritizes ethical production practices. They exclusively collaborate with certified factories that provide fair wages and ensure a safe working environment for their employees. Workers also receive additional benefits such as free childcare and lunches, reflecting the brand's comprehensive approach to ethical and sustainable business practices.
5. MATE the LABEL
For: Women & Children
MATE is a socially responsible company that was founded by women to create "Clean Essentials" using sustainable practices in Los Angeles.
Their products are made from non-toxic, natural, and organic materials, such as various types of organic cotton such as thermal, terry, jersey, and stretch. This diverse range of materials allows them to produce a wide variety of items suitable for different activities and climates.
Their loungewear sets are not only comfortable but also perfect for those seeking a post-pandemic style, while their activewear range is so stylish that it could motivate anyone to work out!
What's more, MATE has localized its entire supply chain within a ten-mile radius, handling everything from cutting, sewing, dyeing, packaging, to shipping within their LA factory. This localized approach significantly reduces their carbon footprint, making MATE a great choice for those looking to support sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
6. TomboyX
For: Gender Neutral
TomboyX is a fantastic and one-of-a-kind size-inclusive brand that was founded and is run by women.
They have created a wide range of organic cotton clothing that is tailored to suit a variety of body shapes and fashion preferences.
All of their products are manufactured in socially responsible factories, and they are currently working towards obtaining B Corp certification.
7. Amour Vert
For: Women
Amour Vert, which translates to 'green love', is a sustainable California-based brand renowned for its stylish and contemporary clothing collections.
Their range includes an array of elegant dresses, fashionable jumpsuits, and trendy pants.
Utilizing organic cotton and other sustainable materials, they produce durable and luxurious clothing designed to stand the test of time.
Each collection is created in limited quantities to uphold the highest production standards and minimize excess waste.
Remarkably, 97% of Amour Vert’s clothing is manufactured within close proximity to their San Francisco headquarters, significantly reducing the need for extensive transportation and lowering their carbon footprint.
The brand also ensures fair wages and equitable treatment for the workers in the factories by conducting daily visits. This dedication to ethical production practices sets Amour Vert apart as a brand that prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility.
8. Q for Quinn
For: Men, Women & Children
Q for Quinn is a brand dedicated to sustainability and safety, providing non-toxic and GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified clothing for babies, children and adults. T
he brand's commitment to creating gentle and safe basics extends to the planet and communities as well.
Their clothing line includes seamless socks and underwear designed for the utmost comfort, especially for sensitive little ones.
What sets Q for Quinn apart is their philanthropic initiative; with every item sold, the brand donates a school meal to some of the world's most disadvantaged children through the organization Mary's Meals. This dedication to social impact adds a meaningful dimension to the brand's mission of creating safe and sustainable clothing.
9. Colorful Standard
For: Men & Women
Looking for an eco-friendly and ethical alternative to American Apparel?
Colorful Standard offers a range of styles available in approximately 20 different colors, all dyed with Oeko-Tex® certified methods and approved by PETA.
This sustainable brand is one of Natalie’s, the founder of Sustainably Chic, favorites!
She particularly admires their Twill Shorts, sweatsuit sets, and the convenience of finding versatile wardrobe staples.
10. Obakki
For: Women, Men, & Kids
If you’re looking for some super comfortable sustainable basics, check out Obakki’s Essentials Collection. These long- and short-sleeve tees, tanks, and hoodies are made from 100% organic cotton, have a low carbon footprint, and are produced using holistic manufacturing. That means they’re produced in small batches through sustainable partnerships with artisans. These are the perfect staple for pretty much anyone’s everyday wardrobe!
Learn more about Obakki and their Essentials Collection in this Brand Feature.
11. Conscious Step
For: Men, Women & Children
Conscious Step offers a wide range of socks designed to support causes that align with your values and passions.
When you visit their website, you have the opportunity to select from various causes, such as ocean conservation or children's education.
By purchasing their socks, you are not only receiving a high-quality product, but also contributing a percentage of the proceeds to a partner organization dedicated to advancing the cause you care about.
Additionally, Conscious Step has recently introduced a line of kids' socks, expanding their impact to younger generations. These Fair Trade socks are crafted from clean, organic cotton by empowered producers who work in safe and fair conditions.
They are an ideal gift for individuals who are deeply passionate about specific causes and value ethical and sustainable products.
12. Mata Traders
For: Women
Mata Traders is dedicated to the mission of fashioning a better world by crafting unique designs that not only celebrate a woman's individuality but also empower her to make a positive impact through her purchasing choices.
The company collaborates with multiple Fair Trade organizations in India and Nepal, working in partnership to provide training and employment opportunities to hundreds of skilled artisans from underprivileged communities.
Mata Traders is renowned for its vibrant and playful prints, patterns, and colors.
Their collection includes beautifully crafted printed dresses made from handwoven cotton, as well as tops adorned with intricately hand-embroidered designs, making them the perfect choice for a stylish and ethical summer wardrobe.
13. Mightly
For: Children
This one’s for the kids, and was created by moms so we know it’s a good one! Mightly’s collection of tees, leggings, dresses, hoodies, and pajamas are Fair Trade certified in India and made out out of GOTS organic cotton and non-toxic, kid-safe dyes. They have super cute designs (many of which are gender neutral) that are created by Lili Arnold, an artist and designer based in Santa Cruz, California. What’s really unique about this organic children’s clothing brand is that you can shop by theme! So if your child loves rainbows or animals, there’s a category for that - and good news, they go from sizes 2T to 14!
14. Nudie Jeans
For: Men, Women & Children
If on the hunt for a pair of sustainable denim jeans, Nudie Jeans would be the best place to start!
Their jeans come in 4 different fits and a range of different colors, & since 2012, all Nudie Jeans denim have been made with 100% organic cotton. The organic cotton they use is certified by GOTS, OCS, or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA Organic), depending on the origin & supplier. Apart from jeans, they offer jackets, pants, dungarees, shorts & sweatshirts, for both women & men.
15. Groceries Apparel
For: Women
This brand aims to redefine transparency and human responsibility by “supporting family farms, localized manufacturing, living wages, and Monsanto-free post-consumer ingredients”.
They use organic cotton in their collections, as well as eucalyptus, recycled plastic, hemp and recycled cotton, & have even used natural plant dyes in some of their collections.
From t-shirts, leggings and sweatshirts to underwear and activewear, they have everything to create easy-to-wear outfits.
They manufacture all their products in their own factory in Los Angeles to ensure their standards are fully executed and keep their supply chain as local as possible to reduce their carbon footprint.
16. Beaumont Organic
For: Women
British-based company Beaumont Organic is pioneering the way for sustainable fashion by introducing only two collections a year, along with a range of accessories that encompass the brands’ clean look and contemporary styling.
Their casual luxury pieces include jumpsuits, dresses and jackets, made with GOTS certified organic cotton (& other sustainable fabrics).
They also only work with factories within the EU that pay fair wages & guarantee safe working conditions for garment workers.
About the Author:
Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.
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