GOTS is the Global Organic Textile Standard and the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibers.
This means that all cotton yarns certified by GOTS must contain a minimum of 95% organic cotton and cannot be treated with chlorine bleach, formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals and metals. Additionally, strict social standards must also be adhered to, ensuring that working conditions are safe & hygienic, and that fair living wages are paid to employees.
Cotton is an incredible material to work with; natural, breathable, soft, not derived from fossil fuels (like polyester and nylon), doesn’t shed micro plastics into waterways and is biodegradable. However, 99% of the world’s cotton is conventional cotton, meaning it relies heavily on the use of chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers, alongside genetically modified seeds and huge amounts of water.
We require that all cottons we use are certified by GOTS. GOTS is not perfect. It is prohibitively expensive for small farmers, fabric mills and designers and contributes in making organic cotton as much as 20% more expensive to purchase than conventional cotton. However, in our minds the cost is worth it to know our cotton uses less chemicals and water than conventional cotton and that people involved in creating organic cotton are treated more fairly.