The Best Organic Cotton T-Shirts for Men & Women
T-shirts are a staple of everyone's wardrobe. One of the most comfortable and popular t-shirts on the market are cotton.
Let's explore the sustainability of organic cotton tees vs conventional and learn about some brands building a better future for the apparel industry through organic apparel.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer will receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Why is Organic Cotton Better for the Environment?
Organic cotton is grown using resources and processes that have lower environmental impact.
Organic production ensures soil fertility by minimizing the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers and build biological diverse agriculture.
Organic Cotton vs. Conventional Cotton
Comparing organic cotton with conventional cotton helps us understand the positive environmental impacts of using organic cotton. According to Textile Exchange, organic cotton has the lowest impact on the environment due to omission of genetically modified seeds and harmful chemicals in its production. Organic cotton has 46 percent less impact on global warming, 70 percent less impact of acidification of water and land, decreases soil erosion by 26 percent, while usage of surface and groundwater and demand for energy is decreased by approximately 91 and 62 percent respectively.
Organic cotton is made from non-GMO seeds which means there is no harmful pesticides and insecticides are involved. Due to this, organic cotton is safer for the skin. On the other hand, conventional cotton is grown on the same soil multiple times which degrade its quality leading to unhealthy crops.
Organic cotton is rotated on different soils, from one to another. Due to this, the natural nutrients retain water for a longer period which minimizes the need for irrigation. Rotation lead farmers to grow different crops on this land thus helping to diversify produce and income.
Health Impacts of Organic Cotton
According to some estimates, around 77 million cotton workers are exposed to poisoning from pesticides each year.
As production of organic cotton doesn’t need pesticides, it is safer for the workers.
In addition to this, harmful chemicals are used in processing conventional cotton residue of which remains in final output which causes irritation on the skin.
For organic cotton, natural or water-based dyes are used due to which final product remains softer, non-allergic and long lasting.
The Process of Making a Cotton T-Shirt
Cotton is a plant that requires a lot of water. According to some sources, around 2,700 liters of water is required to produce a single t-shirt. However, production of organic cotton t-shirt requires 91 percent less water.
Therefore, by using organic cotton t-shirt, you are saving approximately 2,457 liters of water.
Imagine using all organic fibers to craft clothes, it would have a significant impact in terms of conservation of water.
On top of the water usage it's important to consider the pesticides used while growing the cotton and the dyes used to craft the shirt.
This is where a lot of the toxic chemicals can come in and is why. it is important you're choosing eco-friendly fabrics for your sustainable t-shirts.
The Best Organic Cotton T-Shirts
Personally, I think t-shirts are a great place to start when transitioning to a sustainable wardrobe because they are so versatile, a garment that everyone wears, and a more affordable sustainable clothing item.
If you're looking for organic t-shirts there are a few brands that use organic cotton fabric, have transparent supply chains, and use low impact dyes.
The Good Tee's Fair Trade Organic Cotton Shirts
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.
The Good Tee is a certified B corporation, uses Fairtrade cotton AND partners with Fairtrade factories.
The Good Tee features organic cotton shirts and basics for men, women, children, and babies.
Their t-shirt price ranges from $16-$37. Along with t-shirts conscious consumers can discover hoodies, dresses, and more.
I personally own the Relaxed Fit Batwing Eco-Tee and the Fair Boxy Pocket tee.
I’ve had both of these t-shirts for a few years now and they are such high quality and comfortable!
Fair Indigo's Peruvian Pima Organic Cotton Shirts
Fair Indigo specialized in Peruvian Pima organic cotton. Their clothes are high quality and ethically made with fair trade practices.
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.
KNOWN SUPPLY's Organic & Fair Trade Clothing
KNOWN SUPPLY's organic cotton products range from basics to t-shirts, sweaters, bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, hats, and more.
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 t-shirts ranging from $32-$38, this eco-friendly brand is sure to have something for everyone.
I personally own the long sleeve women’s fitted tee! This t-shirt is great for layering as it forms tightly to the body.
Sustain by Kat’s Organic Shirts for Women
Sustain by Kat is one of the best sustainable clothing brands using natural paint dyes and thus, their organic cotton t-shirts are 100% natural and eco-friendly.
They use plants and roots to create their entire ethical clothing collection which includes neutral and colorful tees, tanks, shirts, blouses, and intimates.
Overall, this organic cotton t-shirt brand has very high ethical and environmental standards and contributes to helping both our planet and the people on it.
PACT's Organic Basics
Working with Fair Trade Certified factories and organic cotton, PACT aims to be “Earth’s favorite clothing”.
PACT offers organic t-shirts for men, women, children, and babies ranging from $15-$55.
Along with the use of eco-friendly materials, this brands 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.
Over the years I’ve had quite a few t-shirts from PACT and while I think they do make a good product I’ve noticed their t-shirts tend to pill sooner than other t-shirt brands I have tried.
The fabric seems to be a bit thinner. But they are listed at a more accessible price point than some of the other brands.
Tips for Shopping for T-Shirts
Consider the fit of the t-shirt and if there is a specific style you like better. Are you looking for something fitted or looser?
What type of neck line do you prefer? V-neck or crew neck?
Try to support a small business when you can.
Consider the weight of the fabric. Typically heavier fabrics are more durable.
Hopefully this guide has taught you a bit about organic cotton t-shirts and helped you feel more confident about where to purchase t shirts from!
For more tips & tricks on sustainable living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.