Organic cotton clothing can be an accessible option when looking for sustainable fashion. While there are plenty of fantastic and innovative sustainable fabric options on the market, the scale of organic cotton production makes it an affordable option for those looking to make better choices for their closets.
Why organic?
Well, here’s a bit about the problem with conventional cotton…
For starters, cotton production covers just 2.5% of the world’s arable land, yet is responsible for 16% of all pesticides used in the world, according to A New Textiles Economy Report.
This widespread pesticide use in the cotton fields has led to up to 77 million cotton workers suffering poisoning from pesticides each year.
Plus, cotton uses 11,000 liters of water for every kilogram of cotton produced on average, and 73% of cotton is irrigated which drains vital water resources.
Not to mention cotton is one of the top three genetically modified crops in the world. The majority of genetically-modified cotton is “Bt cotton”.
This not only creates massive implications for the environmental but considering around 350 million people rely on cotton production for their livelihoods, it has a massive impact on people, too.
And as Basudeb Acharia, Chairman of India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, was quoted, “The benefits that were assured from Bt cotton cultivation are not coming… Farmers have to use more pesticides and chemical fertilizers [with genetically-modified cotton], as a result of which there has been an increase in input costs and a reduction in profit margins leading to farmer’s indebtedness and suicides.”
And I could go on… but I think the case for a better cotton industry is clear.
Let’s talk about the solution that has a positive impact on the earth, for the farmers, and for the people wearing the fabric: certified organic cotton.
These eco-fashion brands below are making a positive impact by sourcing toxin-free, non-GMO, organically-grown cotton.
Many of these brands go above and beyond soucing organic, also looking for Fair Trade-certified cotton, using natural dyes, sourcing from ethical manufacturers, reducing waste in their supply chain, and so on.
[Check out this guide for organic cotton face masks]
So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!
Note that this guide incluldes partners and affiliates. As always, all brands included in this guide are brands I truly believe in and which meet high standards for sustainability!
1. People Tree
Sustainable fashion pioneer People Tree has been creating versatile and playful eco-friendly clothing since 1991. The brand has received the World Fair Trade Organization product mark and utilizes earth-friendly fabrics in all of its pieces, including many organic cotton options.
2. PACT
PACT creates affordable organic clothing and underwear made in Fair Trade Certified factories. The brand has super comfy organic cotton basics, activewear, dresses, socks, sleepwear and more for women, men, and kids.
3. Conscious Step
Now let’s chat organic cotton basics! Conscious Step creates Fairtrade and organic-certified cotton socks in fun prints that all give back. From leaf-printed socks that help conserve rainforests to blue polka-dot socks that save oceans, there’s something for everyone, no matter what social or environmental cause you care about most.
Exclusive Discount: Use the code ELIZABETH20 for 20% off your order at Conscious Step!
4. Organic Basics
Organic Basics is an eco-friendly brand with mindfully-made underwear and essentials. The label uses fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL Lyocell, recycled nylon, and recycled wool for their simple, sustainable collections.
Explore Organic Basics for Women and for Men
5. Thought
Thought uses organic, natural, and recycled fabrics, including organic cotton. The brand has beautiful organic cotton skirts, dresses, shirts, pants, and accessories that are gentle on the skin and good for the planet.
6. Mata Traders
Fair Trade fashion brand Mata Traders works with artisan cooperatives in India and Nepal and pays all of their artisans’ fair wages. The ethical label has a selection of organic cotton jersey dresses with the cutest vibrant prints! They also have extended sizing options available.
7. Beaumont Organic
Sustainable fashion brand Beaumont Organic uses eco fabrics for all of their collections—primarily organic cotton. All of the cotton that the brand uses is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified.
8. Threads 4 Thought
Threads 4 Thought has organic clothing for women, for men, and for kids! The eco-friendly brand has plenty of essentials and activewear at accessible, affordable price points. The brand uses earth-first fibers like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
9. Amour Vert
One of my favorite sustainable fashion labels, Amour Vert, has quite a stunning collection of organic cotton clothing, The brand’s organic selection features sweaters, blouses, dresses, rompers, and basics that will keep you fashionably cool and comfy.
10. Komodo
One of the early eco-friendly fashion brands, Komodo has been creating earth-first clothing for over 30 years! Komodo is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and is a member of the Soil Association. The brand also ensures ethical production and donates 1% of revenue to the Sumatran Orangutan Society.
11. Alternative Apparel
Conscious fashion brand Alternative Apparel has GOTS-certified organic cotton basics that are made in a WRAP-certified factory. Alternative Apparel’s affordable organic cotton essentials are great foundations for any wardrobe. They also have men’s and kid’s options as well.
12. Eileen Fisher
Sustainable designer Eileen Fisher creates timeless, minimalistic clothing from earth-friendly fabrics. Among the fabrics Fisher chooses are responsibly-sourced wool, silk, TENCEL, and organic cotton jersey. The brand’s prices are on the higher end, but they are exceptionally designed and made to last.
13. Groceries Apparel
Committed to sustainable production from seed to garment, Groceries Apparel partners with family farms and local manufacturing facilities to create its eco-conscious clothing. The brand uses earth-minded fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled cotton for its comfy garments.
14. Patagonia
Earth-minded outdoors brand Patagonia has been using organic cotton before it was cool! The company not only uses materials like organically grown cotton, Tencel, and recycled polyester but is also actively working for a more transparent and ethical supply chain—many of their pieces are made in Fair Trade-certified factories.
Explore Patagonia for Women and For Men
15. No Nasties
No Nasties sources all organic and Fair Trade-certified cotton for all of their collections. This ensures that all workers across the supply chain are earning fair wages, are treated with respect, and work in healthy environments.
16. Indigenous Designs
Each and every piece from Indigenous Designs is handcrafted from 100% natural and organic materials (like organic cotton) and low-impact dyes. Indigenous Designs also employs fair trade practices, ensuring safe conditions, paying fair wages, and offering additional resources like zero-interest loans.
17. Fair Indigo
Fair Indigo uses premium organic cotton and earth-friendly dyes to craft well-made, ecologically responsible garments that will be in your closet for years to come.
18. Synergy
Synergy uses GOTS-certified organic cotton that is grown and loomed in India for its organic collections. The brand also works with a GOTS-certified factory where men and women earn fair wages for their work.
19. Bibico
Bibico is a sustainable fashion brand based in the UK using all-natural. materials like wool and organic cotton for their simple, timeless women’s clothing.
20. LANIUS
LANIUS is a fair and organic fashion brand with feminine dresses, tops, bottoms, coats, and accessories made from earth-friendly fabrics. The brand’s materials include wool, Tencel, hemp, silk, and organic cotton—some of which is GOTS-certified.
21. Armed Angels
Armed Angels is a German fair fashion brand sourcing responsible fabrics like fair trade organic cotton, organic wool, recycled plastic, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, organic wool, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
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11 Sustainable Activewear Brands