Before you pay a premium for organic baby clothes, ask yourself: What certifications do they have and can they actually be trusted?
Here's a simple guide to 3 globally recognised certifications that help you make informed, conscious choices when shopping for organic children and baby clothes.
But First, How Can Clothes be Organic?
Organic clothes are typically made from natural fibres like cotton, grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, just like organic food. However, even if the fabric is organic, the clothes can still be processed using toxic dyes, heavy metals, or harsh softeners. They can still be labelled organic, but would you want your child wearing it?
Source: Global Organic Textile Standard
1. GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
Purpose: Verifying that the natural fibre is really organic.
GOTS is one of the most trusted certifications for organic baby clothes. It only applies to natural plant or animal based fibres like cotton, linen, silk. It checks how the fabric is farmed (no pesticides or GMOs), processed, dyed, finished and even how the workers are treated.
What to look for: A label that says "GOTS Certified Organic Cotton", not just "made with organic cotton".
2. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Purpose: Ensuring the finished garment is free from harmful substances.
OEKO-TEX® doesn’t guarantee that the fabric is organic, but it tests the final product for over 100 known toxins eg. formaldehyde, heavy metals, and unsafe dyes. If your child has eczema or sensitive skin, this is a great label to look for.
What to look for: The “OEKO-TEX® Standard 100” label on the product tag.
3. EU Ecolabel
Purpose: Ensuring the entire lifecycle of the fabric is safe and sustainable.
The EU Ecolabel is awarded by the European Commission and is one of the strictest sustainability certifications. It evaluates the fabric from start to finish — from sourcing and dyeing to disposal.
It ensures fabrics are made without toxic chemicals, safe for human use, and produced with minimal environmental impact. Most of the time, EU Ecolabel is applied at the fabric production level, which is why you don’t often see it printed on clothing tags.
What to look out for: Since it's not commonly used on clothing tags, look for brands that use certified fabrics like TENCEL™, a sign of transparency and trust.
Learn how Mama Pyjama takes great care in choosing our materials.
Be Careful With These Marketing Terms
These buzzwords are often used in children and baby clothes marketing, but they don't mean much without certification:
- “Made with organic cotton” — without a GOTS logo
- “Natural” or “eco-friendly” — with no supporting certification like EU Ecolabel or GOTS
- “Organic bamboo” — misleading, because bamboo fabric is almost always chemically processed and has no recognised organic certification
When in doubt, check the label tag or product page for visible certification. Truly organic baby clothes will carry the certifications.
Key Takeaway
Organic baby clothes aren't just what the label claims. It's about how the fabric is made, processed and tested.
- Look for recognised certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and EU Ecolabel
- Choose non-toxic, certified-safe fabrics like TENCEL™ that's gentle on delicate skin
- Trust brands that explain their materials and show transparency in sourcing
Discover Mama Pyjama's premium TENCEL™ sleepwear that are ultra soft, non-itchy and certified safe for sensitive skin.
FAQ
1. Are all organic baby clothes GOTS certified?
No. Some brands may use organic cotton but skip certification. Look for the official GOTS logo to be sure.
2. What’s the difference between GOTS, OEKO-TEX® and EU Ecolabel?
- GOTS ensures the entire production process is organic and ethical.
- OEKO-TEX® doesn't mean organic, but it tests the final product to make sure it's free from 100+ harmful substances
- EU Ecolabel is the most comprehensive. It evaluates the entire lifecycle of the fabric; for safety and environmental impact.
3. Why don't more clothes have the EU Ecolabel?
It's awarded at the fabric level, not the final piece of clothing. So you won't see it on most clothing tags. But when you see certified fabrics like TENCEL™, you know they meet EU Ecolabel standards.
4. Is “organic bamboo” a real thing?
No. While the bamboo plant is sustainable, the process to turn it into fabric is chemical-heavy and unregulated. There is no recognised organic certification for bamboo textiles.