GOTS certified: what the label means and why it matters when buying clothes
More and more shoppers are asking themselves the same question when buying clothes: how can I tell how a garment was actually made? The GOTS label offers reliable guidance – an internationally recognised certification for textiles made from organically grown natural fibres. In this article you will find out exactly what ‘GOTS certified’ means, which criteria lie behind it and what to look out for when shopping online.
What does GOTS certified mean?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard – an international standard for processing textiles made from organically grown natural fibres. A product that is GOTS certified has been checked by independent certification bodies against defined environmental and social criteria along the processing chain – from the fibre and dyeing through to garment making.
The GOTS criteria include, among others:
- a minimum share of organically grown natural fibres (e.g. organic cotton) – at least 70 % or 95 %, depending on the label grade
- restrictions and bans on certain chemicals in dyes, finishes and auxiliaries
- requirements for wastewater treatment and environmental management at processing sites
- minimum social criteria based on the ILO core labour standards (including a ban on child and forced labour)
- traceability and regular inspections by independent bodies
What sets GOTS certified clothing apart
With a garment that is GOTS certified, you can trace that the fibres come from certified organic farming – grown without synthetic pesticides and without genetically modified plants – and that certain chemicals may not be used during processing. Many people also appreciate that organic cotton feels soft and pleasant on the skin and is nicely breathable.
In addition, the standard commits certified companies to minimum social requirements, which are checked regularly.
How to spot GOTS certified products in an online shop
When buying, look for the GOTS logo together with the licence number or the name of the certification body. Many brands use terms such as ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ without being officially certified. Only the statement ‘GOTS certified’ with a verifiable licence tells you that a product has genuinely been checked against the standard.
Tip: in the ORGANICATION online shop, our items are certified to GOTS, OCS, GRS, RCS or RWS depending on the material – you will find the exact details on each product page. Learn more on our certificates page.
GOTS certified compared with other textile labels
There are numerous textile labels, each with a different focus. The overview below shows, in simplified form, which areas the best-known labels cover:
| Label | Environmental criteria | Social criteria | Independent inspection | Internationally recognised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOTS | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| OEKO-TEX® | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fair Wear | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| bluesign® | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
If both the origin of the fibres and minimum social standards in processing matter to you, GOTS is a useful point of reference.
Shopping mindfully with GOTS certified clothing
Choosing GOTS certified clothing means making an informed purchase based on verifiable criteria. Whether you are looking for a new favourite T-shirt, comfortable trousers or underwear, the label shows you which standard an item has been checked against.
Discover GOTS certified clothing at ORGANICATION
In our online shop you will find timeless basics for women and men – many of them made from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
- 👉 Discover our essentials: T-shirts, underwear and loungewear made from organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
- 👉 Sign up to our newsletter and get 15 % off your first order.
- 👉 You will find the certification of every item directly on its product page.
