ou’ve seen “GOTS” on tees and hoodies and thought: cool… but what is it, really?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. It’s widely seen as one of the strongest standards for organic textiles because it looks at more than the cotton itself. It also covers how the fabric is processed and made into a finished product.
If you want the broader “what can we actually claim?” guide, read Sustainability claims you can actually say. For SBM’s overall approach, see Sustainability.
TL;DR
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GOTS is a standard for organic textiles, not a vague “eco” label.
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It typically includes rules for processing chemicals and environmental requirements.
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It also includes social criteria in manufacturing.
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You should only claim GOTS when it applies to the specific product you’re selling.
What GOTS covers (in normal language)
GOTS is designed to verify that a textile product meets strict requirements from fibre to finished goods.
In practice, GOTS commonly covers:
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Organic fibre requirements (what counts as organic content)
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Restricted chemicals in processing (limits on toxic dyes, auxiliaries, and treatments)
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Environmental requirements (including expectations around wastewater treatment)
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Social criteria in manufacturing (labour requirements)
This is why it’s stronger than claims like “made with organic cotton” that don’t say anything about processing.
What GOTS does NOT automatically mean
This part matters for honest marketing.
GOTS does not automatically mean:
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“carbon neutral”
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“zero waste”
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“locally made”
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“perfectly ethical in every single way”
It’s a high standard, but it’s not a magic spell. Be proud of it, but stay specific.
GOTS in merch: why it’s a big deal
Merch often gets produced fast and cheap, which makes “green” claims risky.
GOTS helps because it gives you:
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a credible, recognised textile standard
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stronger guardrails on processing chemicals
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a clear way to talk about organic textiles without fluff
If you’re choosing blanks and want to match standards to your audience, we can help via Services or Request a quote.
How to talk about GOTS without greenwashing
Say this (when true)
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“Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton.”
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“This product is certified to GOTS.”
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“Organic textile certified to GOTS standards.”
Avoid this (unless you can prove it)
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“Eco-friendly” (too vague)
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“Planet positive” (too broad)
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“Carbon neutral” (high-risk claim)
If you want more safe wording examples, go back to Sustainability claims you can actually say.
The real sustainability combo: GOTS + smart production
Even the best materials can be wasted if you overproduce.
Best practice:
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use strong standards (like GOTS where relevant)
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produce with low-waste models (pre-order or small batch)
See Pre-order campaigns.
FAQ
Can I say “GOTS certified” on my product page?
Only if that specific product is actually GOTS certified and your supplier documentation supports it.
Is “organic cotton” the same as GOTS?
Not necessarily. “Organic cotton” can be true without GOTS certification. GOTS is a specific standard with stricter scope.
Can GOTS apply to blends?
Some products can include blends depending on the certification rules and product category, but the exact thresholds matter. Keep claims product-specific.
Want merch that’s actually sustainable and actually sellable? Start with Sustainability and then Request a quote.
