It is not always easy to navigate textile quality labels. Therefore, I invite you to focus on two textile labels related to ecology: the Oeko-Tex label and the GOTS label. 

Since 1992, certain fabrics have been labeled OEKO-TEX® with the most common certification being Standard 100; but what does that mean?
The Standard 100 certification applies to all textile products whether raw or finished. 

This OEKO-TEX® system allows identifying and certifying that the textile (and all its manufacturing stages) does not contain harmful substances to health. This includes raw materials, yarns, dyeing, finishing...

It applies to all stages of processing and for all materials. It is therefore not reserved for cotton or natural fibers.

Laboratory tests (about a hundred) based on international control standards are necessary to obtain the certification. It is therefore a long process for the manufacturer who wants to obtain this certification.

We have Oeko Tex textiles in our shop. This is notably the case for all products from Dashwood Studio, products from Atelier Brunette, and traditional Belgian patterns (which are produced in Spain).

There are other types of Oeko-Tex labels (notably for leather) so if you want to know more, click here

The GOTS label, on the other hand, is an international label created in 2002. It concerns only organic textiles. The GOTS label is granted to fabrics that meet specific production quality requirements. There is also a social dimension attached to this label.
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is awarded by an international organization composed of four members: Organic Trade Association, Japan Organic Cotton Association, International Association of Natural Textile Industry (UK), and JOCA (Japan). 

Quality controls are carried out by independent organizations.

GOTS is primarily an ecological label and applies only to natural fibers. This label indicates that the textile fibers come from organic farming.

All products labeled GOTS contain at least 70% organic textile fibers. If no percentage is mentioned, it means that 95% of the textile fibers are organic. If there are less than 95% organic textile fibers, the percentage will be indicated.  The finished product cannot contain any pesticide residues or heavy metals such as lead or cadmium. Genetically modified organisms cannot be used. To obtain the GOTS label, the manufacturer must have a sustainability plan that considers water and energy consumption as well as waste management in its production (e.g., wastewater treatment).

GOTS also has a social connotation. Indeed, working conditions during textile processing are also taken into account for obtaining the label. 

The stricter production and certification conditions for these labels result in increased production costs for manufacturers. This explains why Oeko-Tex certified fabrics and especially GOTS fabrics generally have a higher price. 

We have selected some Oeko-Tex and GOTS fabrics for our store, especially those used for the little ones.