What exactly is GOTS?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international certification focused on increasing transparency throughout the entire textile chain: from cotton seed to clothing store. Besides attention to the environment and animal welfare, human rights are also central to this certification. Think of fair wages and safe working conditions for cotton farmers and textile workers, but also for shop staff.
What is the added value of GOTS?
This certification is a visible expression of our commitment to providing our customers with quality and sustainable garments as transparently as possible. Moreover, we thereby make a positive contribution to the future of the world and local communities. Thanks to the strict requirements and independent inspections, our customers can wear these items with peace of mind.
What’s the difference between cotton and organic cotton?
Cotton and organic cotton are grown in different ways. Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and artificial fertiliser. The farmers work with environmentally friendly techniques that keep the soil healthy and limit water use. In addition, stricter requirements apply to certified organic cotton for the entire production chain and the working conditions of textile workers.
Is GOTS animal-friendly?
Yes, GOTS focuses on the cultivation of organic cotton. This goes hand in hand with maintaining soil fertility and monitoring the impact on the immediate environment. Moreover, genetic manipulation of seeds, artificial fertiliser and harmful chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides are expressly prohibited. If a garment contains animal fibres, these must have been obtained in an ethical way, in accordance with international standards.
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX and GOTS?
OEKO-TEX is proof that a garment is free from harmful substances, such as heavy metals or certain chemicals. This assures you that the garment is skin-friendly and safe. However, it says nothing about how the cotton was cultivated and grown. GOTS certifies textiles consisting of at least 70% organic cotton. Check out our certifications page for more information and comparisons.
Are there different GOTS labels?
Absolutely. Depending on the proportion of organic fibres in a garment, a distinction is made between two labels:
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Organic
At least 95% of the fibres are certified organic. The remaining 5% may consist of non-organic fibres, such as elastane (stretch) for extra wearing comfort. -
Made with [x]% organic
This label is used when at least 70% of the fibres are organic. The garment may contain up to 30% other materials, with the exception of regular cotton. In this case, too, strict sustainability requirements apply to production and processing.
Which clothing carries a GOTS certification?
You'll find the GOTS certification on garments made of organic cotton, such as T-shirts, shirts, sweaters and underwear. Within the Suitable collections, almost all basic T-shirts are GOTS-certified. Exceptions to this are our bamboo basic T-shirts. Check whether the official GOTS logo is on the label, the packaging or in the product description. Also pay attention to the accompanying licence number for full transparency. Finally, you can look up the brand in the GOTS certified supplier database.
How is compliance with the GOTS certification ensured?
Suitable has demonstrated, through an independent audit by Control Union, that it meets all the requirements. This organisation is responsible for the annual audits that will take place. As a supplier, Suitable is registered under the legal name Conceptable BV with licence number: CB-GOTS-CUC-03-1345113.
Would you like to know more about what Suitable does in the field of sustainability? Then visit our sustainability page.
