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 20:

1) Pact

For | Men, Women & Children

Everything made at Pact uses organic cotton and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Their products range from dresses & skirts to sweatshirts & hoodies, with collections for women, men & children. Pact’s products are made in Fair Trade certified factories that provide safe working conditions and supports the local communities. With all of their products priced under $100 you won’t have to break the bank to invest in some new organic cotton pieces. Pact also offers you the option to offset your shipment’s carbon footprint, making shopping with them even more eco-friendly.

Shop Pact

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2) Crann Apparel

For | Kids

Crann Apparel offers super soft sustainable basics for kids, including t-shirts, sweats, boxer briefs, and more. They use eco-friendly and non-toxic fabrics like GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL, and hemp. Plus, they’re free from irritating tags and cuffs, making them perfect for little ones with eczema or sensitive skin.

(The brand was actually inspired by their son whose eczema was exacerbated by wearing polyester clothing!)

Sizes range from 4 to 10, and we love their colors, too!

Shop Crann Apparel

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3) 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.

Shop Obakki

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4) 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!

This brand’s quality seems perfect for hand-me-downs, and the prices are very reasonable, too.

Shop Mightly

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5) WVN

For | Women

A B-Corp certified brand, WVN is inspiring the fashion industry by showing caring for the planet will not compromise style and quality. They launched just last year, and are already a fan favorite of many sustainable fashion lovers online. They work with Fair Trade Certified factories to adhere to rigorous social, environmental, and economic guidelines.

WVN even uses GOTS Certified organic cotton sourced from small family-run farms. Also, their Heritage Collections are hand-made by artisans using traditional techniques and practices!

Shop WVN

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6) 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. 

Shop Groceries Apparel

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7) Thought

For | Men & Women

UK-based ethical clothing brand Thought focuses on considered design, responsible sourcing, & fostering change. They source natural, sustainable yarns that use less water, fewer pesticides, & create less CO2 emissions, and upcycle their leftover fabric to reduce waste and create new products.

40% of their 2020 collection was made up of organic cotton certified by GOTS.

They offer an extensive range of clothing from dresses and denim to loungewear and underwear, and accessories.

Thought is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe.

Shop Thought

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8) MATE the LABEL

For | Women & Children

MATE is a female-founded company producing “Clean Essentials” made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural and organic materials.

MATE uses several different types of organic cotton, including thermal, terry, jersey and stretch, to create a wide range of products for different activities and climates.

Their loungewear sets are perfect for the post-pandemic style, and their activewear range looks good enough to motivate a workout!

The MATE supply chain is localized to a ten-mile radius, with all products being cut, sewn, dyed, packaged and shipped from their LA factory, drastically reducing their carbon footprint. 

Shop Mate the Label

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9) Synergy

For | Women

Founded in 1993, this brand focuses on making eco-conscious clothing produced to the highest environmental & ethical principles. They use GOTS certified organic cotton, grown & loomed into fabric in India, & all of their fabrics are made with low impact, non-toxic dyes. All of Synergy’s products are made in a Fair Trade certified factory in India and employ fair labor practices with their partners in Nepal.

Their range of dresses and jumpsuits are perfect for summer, and their essentials and activewear collections are great for everyday wear.

Synergy is also a Certified B Corporation, meaning they are committed to social and environmental stewardship and being a force for good.

Shop Synergy

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10) 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. 

Shop Beaumont Organic

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11) Amour Vert

For | Women

Meaning ‘green love’, Amour Vert is a sustainable CA-based brand with collections of chic, modern pieces including dresses, jumpsuits and pants. They use organic cotton, amongst other sustainable materials, to create durable and soft clothing that is made to last. Amour Vert’s collections are made in limited quantities to ensure the highest production standards and to eliminate any excess waste. 97% of Amour Vert’s clothing is made within a few miles of their San Francisco office, meaning less transportation of clothing and a reduced carbon footprint.

They visit the factories daily to ensure fair wages and treatment of the people who work there. 

Shop Amour Vert

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12) Indigenous

For | Men & Women

Indigenous offers organic and Fair Trade sweaters, dresses and cardigans. Their pieces range from colorful patterned knits to neutral-toned minimalist designs.

They use Pima Cotton fiber that is 45% stronger than conventional cotton, so you can wear these designs for years. Indigenous employs 1000 artisans in Peru who specialize in hand-knitting/weaving, creating economic empowerment so they can improve their lives, invest in their families, & give work to other women in their communities.

Shop Indigenous

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13) People Tree

For | Women

Founded by Safia Minney in 1991, People Tree is a British brand actively supporting farmers, producers & artisans through 14 producer groups across six countries.

Their clothes are contemporary a & playful, using a mix of different textures, print & colors.

They use Fairtrade International (FLO) certified organic cotton that guarantees the farmers are paid a Fair Trade minimum price for their cotton.

For summer dresses and lightweight tops, People Tree should be top of your list!

Shop People Tree

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14) Conscious Step

For | Men, Women & Children

Conscious Step makes socks that support the causes that matter most to you. When you visit their website, you are able to pick the cause closest to your heart, whether that’s restoring the oceans or educating children, and the socks you buy contribute a percentage to a partner organization working towards that cause. They’ve also recently added kids socks to the mix! Their Fair Trade socks are made from clean, organic cotton by empowered producers in safe and fair working conditions. These would make a perfect gift for someone who has a cause that’s really important to them.

Shop Conscious Step

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15) Organic Basics

For | Men & Women

The place to go for all your essentials, Organic Basics make underwear, tops and leggings made from organic cotton. They have also branched out to activewear, dresses and even a denim collection made with a circular design and no synthetic blends.

Everything they design is built to last, meaning you won’t need to replace them as quickly as you might with other brands.

Organic Basics are masters in minimalism, with simple designs and monochrome color ways.

They only work with certified factories who ensure their workers are paid a living wage and are able to work in a safe environment with additional benefits like free childcare and lunches. 

Shop Organic Basics

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16) Mata Traders

For | Women

Mata Traders aims to ‘fashion a better world’ by creating designs that celebrate a woman’s originality and empower her to use her dollar for change. Mata Traders partners with several Fair Trade organizations in India and Nepal that train and employ hundreds of artisans in marginalized communities.

They are known for fun prints, patters & colors.

Their printed dresses made with handwoven cotton & tops with hand-embroidered designs are perfect for summer!

Shop Mata Traders

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17) Colorful Standard

For | Men & Women

If you are looking for a sustainable alternative to American Apparel, this will be your stop!

Colorful Standard’s styles come in about 20 different colors, and they are Oeko-Tex® certified dyed, and PETA approved.

This brand is a favorite of Natalie, the creator of Sustainably Chic. She loves their Twill Shorts, the sweatsuit sets, and how easy it is to shop for any staple piece of clothing for your closet.

Shop Colorful Standard

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18) Ninety Percent

For | Women

Ninety Percent is a London-based womenswear brand that sells all types of clothes from tops and skirts, to dresses and bottoms.

They also donate part of their profits to charitable organizations that promote social justice and wildlife conservation.

You even get to choose which one you want to support with your purchase!

Shop Ninety Percent

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19) Kings of Indigo

For | Men, Women & Children

Leading the way in social and environmental sustainability, Kings of Indigo are passionate about using planet-friendly materials. They offer a range of denim, tees, sweats, jackets, pants, skirts, and dresses, & 100% of the cotton they use is GOTS or OCS certified.

They also use some recycled cotton in their denim and socks, approved by the Global Recycling Standard.

Kings of Indigo also guarantees fair and safe working conditions at all of their audited production facilities. 

Shop Kings of Indigo

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20) 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. 

Shop Nudie Jeans

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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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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

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Content Creator: Sarah King

Date: 2022-06-08T07:45:00+0000