Walk into any store with a sustainability focus and you’ll likely spot labels touting "organic cotton." It’s often positioned as the gold standard of eco-friendly textiles. But what’s really behind the term — and how much greener is it compared to conventional cotton?
Let’s unpack what makes organic cotton different, the impact it has, and where it sits among other sustainable fabrics.
Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. Instead, it relies on practices like crop rotation, natural pest control, and composting to maintain soil fertility and reduce environmental harm.
These methods are better for biodiversity, water systems, and the health of the farmers who grow it. Organic cotton is also typically certified under standards like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Organic Content Standard (OCS), which ensure traceability and ecological responsibility.
According to a 2021 Life Cycle Assessment by Textile Exchange, organic cotton can use up to 91% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton. This is because organic farming depends more on rainwater and less on fossil-fuel-based fertilizers and irrigation systems.
In addition, organic cotton farming supports healthier soil that can retain carbon more effectively. It also reduces runoff of toxic chemicals into waterways, protecting both local ecosystems and nearby communities.
Of course, organic cotton isn’t perfect. Because it often yields less per acre, more land may be needed to produce the same amount of fiber. Certification can also be costly and inaccessible to small-scale farmers in some parts of the world.
Another issue is mislabeling and greenwashing. Not every brand that claims to use organic cotton backs it up with third-party certification. That’s why it’s important to look for verifiable standards and shop from transparent sources.
Organic cotton is just one piece of the sustainable fabric puzzle. Here are a few others to explore:
Each has its own footprint, but when combined with conscious design and slow fashion principles, they can help drastically reduce the impact of our wardrobes.
If you're trying to make better choices when buying clothes, here’s what to keep in mind:
At Superkynd, we feature fashion that’s made to last — and made with care. Many of our partner brands use organic cotton, but we go further by supporting those that also integrate TENCEL™, recycled fibers, or low-impact production models. It’s about the full picture, not just the label.
👉 Explore our sustainable brands at Superkynd
