When it comes to buying clothes, bedding, or any other fabric-based products (like your favorite Turkish peshtemal towels from Thriae!), you might have come across a few labels or certifications on the tags. Two of the most common ones you'll encounter are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and "Oeko-Tex Standard 100". But what do these certifications actually mean, and why should you care? Let's break down these certifications, what they stand for, and why Thriae works with suppliers that hold these certifications.

What is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the most trusted and widely recognized certifications for organic textiles. It’s a comprehensive certification that applies to every stage of textile production, from the growing of organic fibers to the final product.

What Does GOTS Look For?
GOTS certification is all about ensuring that textiles are made with organic materials and produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way. Here’s what they look for:

1. Organic Fiber Content: At least 70% of the textile must be made from organic fibers. These can include cotton, wool, linen, hemp, and more, but the fibers must be grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

2. Chemical Restrictions: GOTS has a strict policy against harmful chemicals. This means that any dyes, finishes, or other chemical treatments used in the production process must meet their rigorous standards. They prohibit substances like toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, and certain solvents that are harmful to both humans and the environment.

3. Environmental Impact: GOTS requires that the manufacturing process adheres to strict environmental guidelines, such as responsible water usage, waste management, and energy consumption. It encourages the use of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly production methods.

4. Social Criteria: It also ensures that workers in the textile supply chain are treated ethically, with safe working conditions, fair wages, and respect for workers' rights.

5. Traceability: GOTS certified products must be traceable, meaning there is transparency in the supply chain so that consumers can be confident that the product is genuinely organic and sustainably produced.

Why GOTS Certification is Important
GOTS certification offers peace of mind to consumers who want to make sure their textiles are not only safe and non-toxic but also environmentally friendly and ethically produced. With the global demand for organic products on the rise, GOTS certification is an important step toward creating a more sustainable textile industry. It helps protect workers' rights and reduces the environmental footprint of textile production, making it a great choice for eco-conscious consumers.

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What is Oeko-Tex Standard 100?

Oeko-Tex Standard 100** is another popular certification, but while it shares a focus on safety and sustainability, it’s a bit different from GOTS. Oeko-Tex is primarily focused on ensuring that textiles are free from harmful substances that could pose a risk to human health.

What Does Oeko-Tex Look For?
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 tests textiles for harmful chemicals that could end up in the finished product. Here’s what they assess:

1. Chemical Safety: The certification looks for more than just obvious toxins. It tests for a wide range of potentially harmful chemicals like pesticides, flame retardants, phthalates, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. These substances can be harmful to the skin or respiratory system, especially in products like clothing that come into direct contact with the body.

2. Multiple Levels of Testing: Oeko-Tex testing goes beyond just raw materials. It checks the finished product as well, ensuring that the end result is safe for all types of skin, including sensitive skin.

3. Safety for All Ages: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 includes special considerations for products meant for babies and children, ensuring that these textiles are free of harmful chemicals that could be dangerous to developing bodies.

4. No Harmful Dyes or Finishes: The certification also covers the use of dyes, paints, and finishes. Oeko-Tex ensures that no dangerous substances are used that could cause irritation, skin sensitivity, or environmental damage.

Why Oeko-Tex Certification is Important
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is particularly important for consumers who are concerned about the safety of their textiles. If you’ve ever wondered about the safety of your baby’s clothes, your favorite sweater, or the sheets you sleep on, Oeko-Tex certification offers an added layer of assurance. It means that the product has been tested and found free from harmful chemicals, giving you peace of mind, especially when it comes to sensitive skin or long-term exposure.

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Why Should You Care About These Certifications?

Both GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications are crucial for the textile industry because they promote safety, sustainability, and ethical practices. Here’s why it’s worth looking for these labels:

1. Health and Safety: By choosing GOTS or Oeko-Tex certified textiles, you’re reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals that could negatively affect your health or the environment. Whether you’re looking for baby clothes, bedding, or clothing for sensitive skin, these certifications offer important assurances.

2. Environmental Impact: Both certifications emphasize sustainable practices in the production process, from eco-friendly farming practices to responsible manufacturing. By supporting certified products, you're helping reduce pollution and resource depletion in the textile industry.

3. Ethical Labor Practices: GOTS certification also includes social responsibility guidelines, meaning that workers involved in the textile supply chain are treated fairly, with safe working conditions and proper wages. This promotes a more humane and sustainable approach to manufacturing.

4. Transparency and Trust: In a world where greenwashing can sometimes make it difficult to know which products are truly eco-friendly, GOTS and Oeko-Tex offer reliable standards that consumers can trust.


Textile certifications like GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 provide essential information about the safety, sustainability, and ethical practices behind the products we use every day. GOTS ensures organic and environmentally responsible textiles, while Oeko-Tex prioritizes chemical safety and human health. By supporting products with these certifications, you're making a choice that benefits both your health and the planet. So next time you’re shopping for textiles, keep an eye out for these labels – they’re a smart way to ensure that your purchases align with your values of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.

At Thriae, we work with a GOTS-certified manufacturer for our primary label and an Oeko-Tex certified atelier for the Thriae Handmade collection and legacy styles.  While we would love to be able to offer organic-certified styles exclusively, it is prohibitive for smaller ateliers to obtain GOTS certification. However, our partner atelier works directly with Oeko-Tex certified suppliers. Rest assured that our Oeko-Tex certified styles are safe for human use and free from harmful chemicals. Please refer to each individual product listing on its textile certification.