The Best Organic Cotton Clothing Brands for Sustainable Style
Organic is a word that often crops up when it comes to sustainability. Placing this word before a product first and foremost tells you that it’s natural: the material it’s been made from is derived from nature.
However, that doesn’t mean a naturally-derived product is automatically organic. To be organic, production processes must also be taken into account.
Have chemical ingredients such as toxic insecticides or pesticides been avoided? Are the seeds non-GMO?
If the answers to these questions are yes, you can start calling the product organic and a brand may start seeking organic certification.
But does slapping an organic label on a product mean it’s sustainable or eco-friendly? Yes and no.
The organic conversation is a complex one, made even more labyrinthine when it comes to clothing.
This guide helps conscious consumers better understand the benefits of organic cotton and features a list of the best organic cotton clothing brands for ethical & eco-friendly style.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Is Organic Cotton an Eco-Friendly Choice for Clothing?
Cotton is an almost inevitable part of any wardrobe.
A quick inventory of your closet will quickly reveal a couple of cotton tees, a dress, plenty of underwear. Cotton is the most used natural fabric and we have been using it for thousands of years.
Cotton is a renewable and biodegradable resource. Organic cotton, as per the definition of organic, is grown using non-GMO seeds and eliminates the use of toxic chemicals.
Without the GMO seeds, soil, water, and air are kept cleaner because they do not become contaminated. In this way, the planet is protected, which is a plus in the eco-friendly checklist of organic cotton.
It’s also important to note that when pesticides and insecticides are not used, workers are protected as they are not exposed to toxic chemicals during production.
Surrounding communities are also protected as chemicals are not leached into their soil, water, and air, emphasizing organic cotton’s social benefit.
As an added bonus, when it comes to the end product, organic cotton clothing is more durable because it has longer fibers.
This means your clothes will last longer and a long-lasting closet is an eco-friendly closet. While all these are pros, there are cons to keep in mind too.
Environmental Impact of Organic Cotton
Conventional cotton is referred to as a dirty crop, receiving this title due to its use of toxic chemicals.
Cotton is also a thirsty crop demanding a lot of water. In 2017 the Textiles Exchange, reported that organic cotton uses 91 percent less ‘blue’ water when compared to conventional cotton.
Defining blue water as coming from freshwater lakes and rivers. (from groundwater and surface-water bodies, such as freshwater lakes and rivers) than conventional cotton.
Vogue dove into this and reported that most of the water used in organic cotton growth is rainwater and that because synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are not used, not as much water is required.
While there is an argument that organic cotton is less eco-friendly due to the advantage of GMO cotton being able to yield more, organic cotton farmers believe that pesticide-free soil makes the process more water-efficient reporting that 95 percent of the water used to grow organic cotton is rainwater and water stored in soil.
It’s a tricky road to navigate, but by supporting organic brands they can continue seeking solutions and making plans to fix their cons and further their pros. Plus most organic cotton is grown by family farms.
Brands producing organic cotton may also be implementing other sustainable and eco-friendly measures.
It’s important to keep workers in mind too, who are not exposed to toxic chemicals during organic production. There’s also your own health to consider when it comes to the finished product.
Health Benefits of Organic Clothing
Organic clothing ensures a kinder product since an organic label requires that no toxic chemicals are used. All those nasty chemicals may linger on the fabric of conventional cotton clothing and negatively impact your skin, as well as your health.
The strictest organic certifications ensure that toxic chemicals are kept off the product from the start of the process right through to the finished product. This is especially the case when it comes to dyes. Clothing made from organic and natural fibers may still make use of toxic dyes. GOTS-certified clothing is one of your best bets, as they assess social, environmental, and health standards, including the requirement of using non-toxic dyes.
Consider the health of others. By choosing to buy organic cotton products you’re supporting the health of organic cotton farming communities.
A List of the Best Organic Clothing Brands
These are some of the best organic clothing brands in the fashion industry that also focus on ethical practices and fair wages for their factory workers.
These sustainable fashion brands are fighting against fast fashion and working to use eco-friendly materials while creating a high quality product.
Malaika New York’s Unique Zero Waste Design
Malaika New York is an ethical fashion brand that focuses on zero waste design and seasonless style.
Their eco-friendly clothing is ethically made in partnership with a Turkish factory focused on sustainable production, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
Malaika New York uses sustainable materials such as GOTS or OEKO certificated cottons, deadstock fabric, ECONYL, and RWS certified wool.
Malaika New York’s organic cotton clothing features organic t-shirts and dresses ranging from $95 to $230.
Quince’s Affordable Organic Clothing
Quince is a great option for conscious consumers on a budget. Select clothing items are made with organic cotton.
Quince
These include options for men and women featuring organic cotton polos, t-shirts, sweaters, and more.
I personally have the 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cardigan and the 100% Organic Cotton Fisherman Crew Sweater. I really love how these sweaters are thicker. I can tell they’re incredibly high quality and will last for. years to come.
Their affordable prices start at $20.
The Good Tee's Organic Clothes Made with Earth-Friendly Materials
Living up to its name, The Good Tee prioritizes ethical and fair treatment of the cotton farmers they work with.
Using certified Fairtrade organic cotton to give you “the greenest tee ever made”, they further their sustainability practices by using AZO-free and low-impact dyes, biodegradable bags and recycled boxes, and buttons made from coconut and seashells instead of plastic.
Ethically styled in The Good Tee’s white Batwing tee,
The Good Tee is a certified b corporation, uses Fairtrade cotton AND partners with Fairtrade factories. The Good Tee features organic cotton fashion and basics for men, women, children, and babies. Their price ranges from $19-$95.
I personally own the Relaxed Fit Batwing Eco-Tee, the Everyday Long Sleeve Pocket Dress, the Fair Boxy Pocket tee. I’ve had all of these pieces for a few years now and they are such high quality and comfortable! I’m impressed with how they have all held up over time.
Sustain by Kat’s Natural Clothing
Sustain by Kat creates high-quality, timeless basics made from 100% natural materials including organic cotton and linen.
They source and craft all of their products ethically and with care, ensuring that each naturally-dyed piece contributes to helping both our planet and the people in it.
Their colorful clothing is ethically made in India and ranges from $16-$80.
Fair Indigo's Fair Trade Clothes with a Positive Impact
Fair Indigo specializes in fair trade clothing. Fair Indigo uses organic cotton to craft high quality garments crafted to last.
Discover organic cotton clothing for men and women ranging from $26-$50.
Fair Indigo also gives back to The Fair Indigo Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to improve educational opportunities for children in the Peruvian communities where their cotton is grown, alpacas are herded, and products are made.
Passion Lilie’s Organic & Recycled Cotton Clothing
Creating bold and beautiful patterns, Passion Lilie is dedicated to style, slow fashion, and sustainability.
Community is also integral to their mission and works closely with artisan partners. To create their beautiful prints and patterns, Passion Lilie makes use of block printing, as well as utilizing the traditional artisan skills of ikat weaving, helping keep the practice alive.
Passion Lilie’s artisan partners use 30% recycled cotton and 70% organic cotton. Passion Lilie only uses sustainable, non-toxic dyes; utilizes natural fabrics and organic cotton that is GOTS certified and they are part of the Fair Trade Federation.
I have multiple Passion Lilie dresses in my closet and I love how they add a pop of color to my sustainable wardrobe. I’ve found that their dresses wash well and remain comfortable over time.
Passion Lilie's fair trade clothing features organic baby clothes, men's button downs, women's dresses, and more with a price point of $28-$114.
Passion Lilie even saves their leftover fabric to create new products like zero waste earrings and headbands.
LA RELAXED Organic CLOTHING MADE IN AMERICA
LA Relaxed uses sustainable natural fibers including linen and organic cotton to craft high quality clothing.
All of their clothing is made in their own factory in Los Angeles and they pay garment workers a livable wage and have healthy work conditions.
This ethical brand aims to minimize waste in the production process by making in small batches, reducing fabric consumption, and using leftover fabric for other goods.
Their organic fashion features women's dresses, joggers, and tops ranging in price from $29-$128.
KNOWN SUPPLY's Ethical Clothing
Offering a range of clothing for men and women predominantly using GOTS certified organic cotton, KNOWN SUPPLY is a collaborative brand that celebrates the makers of their clothing with each piece being hand-signed.
Featuring clothing for men, women, and unisex with a price point of $20-$72 this eco-friendly brand is sure to have something for everyone.
Discover tees, jumpsuits, pants, and accessories crafted with the highest standard.
I’ve had a wide range of KNOWN SUPPLY clothing in my closet over the years. Their organic clothing always fits me well and I love how it adds fun colors and patterns to my wardrobe.
KNOWN SUPPLY also implemented a recycling program with their Take Back Bag, which allows you to send back old clothing (from any brand and in any condition).
EILEEN FISHER: LUXURY Organic Cotton Clothing
Sustainability is at the heart of Eileen Fisher as they create clothes that last a lifetime. The clothes are well-made and created to be timeless.
Sustainable consumers will find a wide range of eco-conscious materials in Eileen Fishers lines including organic cotton, linen, recycled materials, and more.
Eileen Fisher’s organic cotton clothing items include pants, sweaters, dresses, and more.
On top of using sustainable materials, Eileen Fisher has multiple circular fashion programs, Renew and Waste No More, where second-hand clothes are brought to life and transformed into new designs.
Eileen Fisher also partners with Fair Trade Certified factories and works to ensure all their partner factories give a living wage throughout the manufacturing process.
Eileen Fisher’s organic clothes do feature a high price point starting at around $70.
PACT's Affordable Organic Cotton Clothing
Working with Fair Trade certified factories and organic cotton, PACT aims to be “Earth’s favorite clothing”. PACT offers organic clothing for men, women, children, and babies featuring dresses, t-shirts, sweatpants, underwear, and more.
Prices range from $20-$100 featuring affordable options.
Their sustainable practices include the use of recycled and recyclable packing, as well as the option to offset the carbon footprint of shipping.
PACT also has a clothing donation program through which you can donate gently-used clothing to non-profits.
PRINTFRESH: COLORFUL SUSTAINABLE PAJAMA SETS
Printfresh is a great brand for organic cotton pajama pants because they use high quality fabric and have a wide range of fun and stylish prints to choose from.
To make their fabrics, the final patterns are hand screen printed or embroidered by their artisan partners in India on 100% GOTS organic cotton. Printfresh fabrics feature bold colors and patterns inspired by nature, food, and animals.
Conscious consumers can purchase these sustainable pajamas as sets or individual items.
They have a wide range of styles too. Their pajamas range from $50-$150.
I have the Strawberry Fields Cami Short Set and Lemon Zest Cami Crop Pants Set which I love. Both of these feature bright summery prints that make my pajamas unique and cozy!
FOR DAYS CIRCULAR FASHION
For Days cares deeply about creating a good product with high quality, sustainable materials.
This sustainable clothing brand works with GOTS materials, recycled materials that meet the Global Recycling Standards, organic materials, and Cradle to Cradle certified dyes.
This brand also ensures that every item is 100% recyclable and minimizes waste with reusable packaging and company-wide carbon offsets.
Shop organic cotton t-shirts, tanks, jumpsuits, and more. Prices start at $21 and feature options for men and women.
Whimsy + Row’s Slow Fashion
Whimsy + Row is a slow fashion brand focusing on limited runs and locally made garments. Whimsy + Row clothing is made with low impact fabrics like Certified Organic Cotton, Linen, TENCEL™, Cupro, Silk and Deadstock/Upcycled Fabric.
This ethical fashion brand visits their factories weekly to ensure fair wages are given and the workers are being treated fairly.
Their organic cotton clothing features tops, pants, and more ranging from $40-$188. Use the discount code HONEST10 for 10% off your purchase.
If you’re interested in purchasing eco-friendly clothing hopefully this guide has given you a starting point for shopping organic cotton clothes.
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