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Looking for some stylish and sustainable threads? We’ve got you covered with the best organic cotton clothing brands for all styles and budgets.
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it a more eco-friendly choice for your wardrobe. Plus, these clothing brands prioritize ethical production, so supporting them means supporting fair labor practices.
And of course, the clothes are cute, high-quality, and long-lasting. Whether you’re looking for comfy essentials, staple pieces for your capsule wardrobe, activewear and hiking clothes, or more polished outfits, these organic cotton clothing brands are worth your while.
Before hopping into the list, let’s take a quick look at what organic cotton is and how to find it.
What Is Organic Cotton?
When you think of cotton, you probably picture a fluffy plant that your favorite T-shirt and bed sheets are made of. But did you know that not all cotton is created equal?
Non-organic cotton is produced with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can leach into the surrounding ecosystem and contribute to pollution. The toxins can harm workers and persist on the clothes that you wear.
To avoid all this bad stuff, there’s a growing movement towards using certified organic cotton in clothing and other textiles. So, what is organic cotton, exactly, and why is it so important?
Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, farmers use natural methods like organic fertilizer, crop rotation, and composting to maintain soil health and control pests.
This has several benefits, both for the environment and for the people involved in the production process. Organic cotton uses less water, promotes soil quality, and is safer for wildlife and people.
One of the labels that tells you if cotton is certified organic is the GOTS certification.
What is “GOTS certified” organic cotton?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, which is a globally recognized certification system for organic fibers, including cotton. When cotton is GOTS certified, it means that every stage of the production process, from farming to manufacturing, meets strict environmental and social criteria.
To be GOTS certified, cotton must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The farming practices need to promote soil health and biodiversity, and conserve water resources. The cotton also has to be processed and manufactured using safe and ethical practices, with minimal use of harmful chemicals and dyes.
GOTS certification also ensures that workers involved in the production process are treated fairly and work in safe conditions. It requires compliance with international labor standards, including fair wages and working hours, and prohibits forced and child labor.
13 Best Organic Cotton Clothing Brands
There are plenty of organic cotton clothing brands that specialize in sustainable and eco-friendly clothes made of certified organic cotton. Here are some of our very favorites.
1. PACT Apparel
- Price Range: Tees starting at $15
- Best for: Essentials, work basics, yoga
- GOTS certified cotton
PACT is one of the best organic cotton clothing brands out there that we know of. They specialize in clothing made from GOTS certified organic cotton.
Their products include everything from basic tees to activewear and baby clothes. Their clothing is always soft, washes well, and serves as great staples for any wardrobe. I especially love their comfy yoga pants with pockets!
2. Prana
- Price Range: Tees starting at $24
- Best for: Yoga, active-wear, hiking
- Cotton is either OCS or GOTS certified
Prana’s another one of our favorite clothing companies that’s committed to using sustainable materials and practices in its production process. Their clothes are super high quality and last for years and years. I’m still wearing a Prana jacket in perfect condition that I got six years ago!
In addition to using OCS and GOTS certified organic cotton, Prana also employs sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. The company uses recycled materials in its packaging and shipping materials, and it works with factories that prioritize fair labor practices and environmental sustainability.
Prana is a member of the Fair Labor Association, which is dedicated to promoting fair labor standards in the global supply chain. They are one of the best organic cotton clothing brands for stylish, comfortable clothes geared towards those who enjoy yoga, hiking, and climbing.
3. Groceries Apparel
- Price Range: Tees starting at $26
- Best for: essentials, tank tops, tees, sweatshirts, workout wear
- GOTS certified cotton
Groceries Apparel produces minimalist, eco-friendly clothing made from GOTS certified organic cotton and other sustainable materials like Tencel and recycled polyester. They are committed to transparency and ethical production practices. This organic cotton clothing brand has several athleisure and work-out items to choose from.
4. Indigenous
- Price Range: Tees starting at $26
- Best for: basics, work clothes, dresses
- GOTS certified cotton
Indigenous specializes in fair trade and clothing made from GOTS certified cotton and other sustainable materials like alpaca wool and hemp. They prioritize transparency and ethical production practices.
Their clothes are simple and soft with a focus on basics and pieces you can wear at home or dresses with simple silhouettes you can wear to work or out to dinner. Indigenous is a great brand for essentials that could form the foundation of a capsule wardrobe.
5. Kindhumans
- Price Range: Tees starting at $33
- Best for: basic tees
- GOTS certified cotton
Kindhumans is a clothing company that is committed to sustainability and ethical production practices. Their certified organic cotton tees are affordable, durable, and function as great staples in anyone’s wardrobe.
In addition to using organic cotton, Kindhumans is one of the best organic cotton clothing brands you can support that gives back. They donate a portion of their profits to social and environmental causes.
The company also partners with organizations like The Trevor Project and The Ocean Foundation to support their work and promote positive change in the world.
6. Patagonia
- Price Range: Tees starting at $39
- Best for: hiking, active-wear, outerwear
- GOTS certified cotton
Patagonia’s use of organic cotton is part of their broader commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices. They source their cotton from a variety of suppliers around the world, including India, Turkey, and the United States.
Patagonia is one of the best organic clothing brands you can find that practices sustainable manufacturing processes and fair labor practices. I especially love their winter beanies and cozy sweater jackets (which are sustainably made out of polyester fleece).
7. Eileen Fisher
- Price Range: Tees starting at $47
- Best for: work, drapey separates
- GOTS certified cotton
Eileen Fisher is a super quality women’s clothing brand that uses only certified organic cotton and other sustainable materials in their products. They are committed to sustainable and ethical production practices, and offer a take-back program for their clothing.
If you’re into the whole capsule wardrobe idea, a few high quality pieces from Eileen Fisher can add a lot of versatility to your closet. Eileen Fisher’s relaxed, flowy looks work well on all body types, and they prioritize simplicity and comfort in their designs.
8. Harvest and Mill
- Price Range: Tees starting at $48
- Best for: comfy basics, loungewear, socks
Harvest and Mill is a sustainable clothing company that offers a range of high-quality, organic cotton clothing for men and women. Their products include t-shirts, sweatshirts, and dresses, all made from 100% certified organic cotton grown and milled in the United States.
Harvest and Mill is committed to sustainable and ethical production practices, and they work with small-scale farmers and factories that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
9. Mate
- Price Range: Tees starting at $48
- Best for: casual wear, workout clothes
- GOTS certified cotton
Mate is an organic clothing company that offers a range of stylish, sustainable clothing for men and women. All of Mate’s products are made from GOTS certified organic cotton, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Mate’s clothing is designed to be comfortable and versatile, with simple, minimalist designs that can be dressed up or down. They offer a variety of products, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, and dresses, all made from high-quality, sustainable materials.
10. Kowtow
- Price Range: Tees starting at $49
- Best for: women’s knitwear, dresses, and tops
- GOTS certified cotton
Kowtow is a New Zealand-based organic cotton clothing brand that produces minimalist, sustainable clothing made from GOTS certified organic cotton and non-toxic dyes. They have simple designs that work well for different situations, from work to Friday night drinks.
We like that Kowtow only works with Fair Trade certified partners who use ethical production and labor practices.
11. Organic Basics
- Price Range: Tees starting at $55
- Best for: tank tops, tees, underwear
- GOTS certified cotton
Organic Basics is one of the best organic cotton clothing brands for finding high-quality basics made out of organic cotton and other sustainable materials. Their products include t-shirts, underwear, and activewear, all made from GOTS certified organic cotton, recycled nylon, and other eco-friendly materials.
Organic Basics is committed to transparency and ethical production practices, and they work with factories that pay fair wages and use sustainable production methods. They offer a 15% student discount program, as well.
12. Outerknown
- Price Range: Tees starting at $58
- Best for: outerwear, men’s buttoned shirts
- GOTS certified cotton
Outerknown is a quality sustainable clothing brand that uses organic cotton and other sustainable materials like recycled polyester in their products. They are committed to transparency and ethical production practices, and partner with Fair Trade USA. Their clothes are on the pricier side, but are high quality and long lasting.
We love that Outerknown has a pre-owned section and a program that lets you send in your pre-worn items for store credit you can spend on new purchases.
13. Nudie Jeans
- Price Range: Jeans starting at $185
Nudie Jeans is a denim brand that uses only organic cotton in their products. They are committed to sustainability and ethical production practices, and offer repair and recycling programs to extend the life of their products.
What Is Organic Cotton’s Impact on the Planet?
One of the biggest advantages of organic cotton is that it’s better for Mother Earth. Traditional cotton farming requires huge amounts of water, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers can pollute local ecosystems and harm wildlife.
By contrast, organic cotton farming is more sustainable and helps preserve natural resources. It also reduces the amount of toxic chemicals that end up in our soil and water.
Another benefit of organic cotton is that it’s safer for farmers and workers. When pesticides and other chemicals are used in farming, they can pose a serious health risk to the people who work with the crops. Organic cotton farming eliminates this risk, making it a safer and healthier option for everyone involved.
Many people assume organic cotton must be somehow inferior to conventionally grown cotton, but this isn’t the case at all. Organic cotton is often of higher quality than conventional cotton, with longer fibers and a softer feel. That’s because the natural methods used to grow the cotton help the plants to develop stronger, more resilient fibers.
Why Isn’t All Cotton Grown Organically?
Organic cotton farming can be more labor-intensive and expensive than conventional farming methods. It requires more time and effort to maintain healthy soil and control pests without the use of chemicals. Additionally, organic cotton yields can be lower than conventional yields, which can drive up the cost of the final product.
Despite these challenges, many clothing companies and consumers are making the switch to organic cotton due to customer demand about environmental concerns. By choosing organic cotton products, we can help support sustainable farming practices and protect the environment.
We can ensure that the people who grow and harvest our cotton are working in safer and healthier conditions. And, of course, we can enjoy the soft, comfortable feel of organic cotton clothing and textiles.
Go Organic for an Eco-Friendly Approach to Fashion
Although organic cotton products from sustainable, “slow fashion” brands cost more than fast fashion, they also tend to be of much higher quality. These pieces will last longer, so you won’t need to replace them as quickly. In buying them you’re supporting companies that are working to change how the fashion industry treats its consumers and the environment.
Organic cotton is a natural, sustainable, and safe alternative to conventionally grown cotton. In choosing organic cotton products, we are supporting a healthier planet and a more equitable system of textile production. So next time you’re shopping for clothing or bedding, say for the kids or babies in your life, consider opting for organic cotton – the planet will thank you!
We also have resources for finding the best organic cotton reusable diapers and crib sheets.
FAQs about Organic Cotton
What is organically grown cotton?
Organically grown cotton is cotton that’s grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. Instead, organic farmers use natural methods to control pests and enrich the soil, such as crop rotation, composting, and using natural predators to control pests.
Why is organically grown cotton better than conventionally grown cotton?
There are several reasons why organic cotton is better than conventionally grown cotton. For one, it’s better for the environment because it doesn’t involve the use of harmful chemicals that can pollute the soil, water, and air. Organic farming methods can improve soil health and biodiversity, which can lead to more sustainable and resilient farming practices.
Is organic cotton more expensive than conventional cotton?
Organic cotton is typically more expensive than conventional cotton because it requires more labor-intensive farming practices and yields are often lower. However, organic cotton clothes may last longer, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Are there any certifications for organic cotton?
There are several certifications for organic cotton, including the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard (OCS). These certifications ensure that the cotton has been grown and processed according to strict organic standards.
Can I find products made from organic cotton?
You can find a wide range of products made from organic cotton, including clothing, bedding, towels, and more. Look for products with the GOTS or OCS certification to ensure that they are truly organic.
How can I support organic cotton farming?
You can support organic cotton farming by purchasing products made from organic cotton and by supporting companies that use organic cotton in their products.
