GOTS Certified vs OEKO-TEX
Two of the most common textile certifications you'll see on sustainable clothing — but they verify very different things. Here's what each one actually means.
Last updated 2026-05-24
Side by side
Scope
GOTS covers the entire supply chain from organic farming to finished garment, including labor practices. OEKO-TEX certifies the finished product is free from harmful substances, without verifying farming or labor.
What it actually verifies
GOTS verifies organic fiber content (70%+ for 'made with organic', 95%+ for 'organic'), low-impact processing, fair labor, and chemical restrictions throughout production. OEKO-TEX tests finished textiles for 1,000+ harmful substances including formaldehyde, heavy metals, and allergenic dyes.
Trust signal strength
GOTS is the most comprehensive textile certification available and signals genuine sustainability across multiple dimensions. OEKO-TEX is a strong signal for chemical safety but doesn't tell you about farming or labor practices.
When each matters
GOTS matters when sustainability and labor are your priorities — choosing items that align with comprehensive ethics. OEKO-TEX matters when chemical exposure is your priority — baby clothes, underwear, sheets, anything in prolonged skin contact.
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GOTS: a Pact organic cotton tee certifies organic farming, low-impact dyeing, and fair labor across the supply chain.
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OEKO-TEX: a non-organic cotton sheet certified Standard 100 confirms no harmful chemical residues in the finished product.
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Questions, answered.
Which certification is more important?
Different scopes. GOTS is more comprehensive for full-sustainability concerns. OEKO-TEX is more focused but more affordable for brands to achieve, so it appears on a wider range of products. For maximum confidence, look for products that hold both.
Can a product have both certifications?
Yes, and the strongest sustainability signals come from products with both. GOTS verifies the farming and labor aspects; OEKO-TEX verifies finished-product chemical safety. Dual certification is a high-trust signal.
Is OEKO-TEX worth less than GOTS?
Not 'worth less' — they verify different things. For chemical-safety-critical products (baby clothes, intimates), OEKO-TEX is the more relevant certification. For sustainability-focused buyers, GOTS provides more comprehensive verification.