Recognizing sustainable textiles: what do labels like OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GRS, FSC, and Fairtrade mean?

Duurzaam textiel herkennen: wat betekenen labels zoals OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GRS, FSC en Fairtrade?

Sustainability in textiles: why labels are important

Sustainability in textiles is more important than ever. More and more people want to make conscious choices: for materials that feel comfortable, products that last longer, textiles that are safe for the skin, and packaging with less impact.

But sustainability labels can be confusing.

A label on underwear, clothing, or packaging does not always mean the same thing. Some labels are about harmful substances. Other labels are about organic fibers, recycled materials, social conditions, production processes, or packaging.

That's why it helps to look at sustainable textiles in three layers:

Material sustainability
Sustainability and safety in the production process
Packaging sustainability

In this article, we list the most important labels, so you better understand what they do and do not mean.

1. Material sustainability

The first question is: what is the textile made of?

For underwear and clothing, the material plays a significant role. It determines not only how a product feels, but also how breathable, elastic, skin-friendly, washable, and durable it is.

Sustainable material choices can involve organic fibers, recycled fibers, or raw materials that are grown or processed in a more responsible way.

GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard

GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. This is one of the best-known standards for textiles made with certified organic fibers.

GOTS not only looks at the fiber itself but also at further processing in the textile supply chain. The standard includes ecological criteria, chemical restrictions, and social criteria.

What is GOTS relevant for?

GOTS is particularly relevant for natural fibers such as:

organic cotton
wool
linen
hemp
silk

What does GOTS confirm?

GOTS indicates that a textile product meets criteria regarding organic fibers, processing, environmental requirements, and social conditions in the supply chain.

What does GOTS not automatically imply?

GOTS does not mean that every textile product with natural fibers is automatically certified. Only products that are effectively certified and meet the conditions may be presented as GOTS-certified.

Why is it relevant for underwear?

Underwear is worn directly against the skin. Those who consciously choose natural or organic fibers can use GOTS as an identifier. This label can be particularly relevant for cotton underwear.

GRS: Global Recycled Standard

GRS stands for Global Recycled Standard. This label is relevant for products that use recycled materials.

GRS verifies, among other things, recycled content, chain of custody, and additional social, environmental, and chemical requirements.

What is GRS relevant for?

GRS can be relevant for textiles with recycled fibers, for example:

recycled polyester
recycled polyamide
recycled cotton fibers
blends with recycled materials

What does GRS confirm?

GRS helps demonstrate that recycled materials are tracked and verified throughout the supply chain.

What does GRS not automatically imply?

GRS does not automatically mean that a product is fully recycled. Therefore, it is important to always look at the percentage of recycled content and the specific product information.

Why is it relevant for underwear?

Elastic fibers are often used in underwear for fit and comfort. When brands use recycled synthetic fibers, GRS can help substantiate that claim.

RCS: Recycled Claim Standard

RCS stands for Recycled Claim Standard. Like GRS, this is a standard for recycled materials, but RCS mainly focuses on verifying recycled content and chain of custody.

What is the difference between RCS and GRS?

In short:

RCS primarily verifies the recycled material claim and traceability.
GRS goes further and also includes additional social, environmental, and chemical requirements.

Why is it relevant?

RCS can be useful when a brand wants to demonstrate that a certain percentage of a product consists of recycled materials.

Better Cotton

Better Cotton is an initiative aimed at more sustainable cotton production. It works at the farm level and seeks to improve cotton production in terms of environmental impact, social conditions, and economic viability.

What does Better Cotton confirm?

Better Cotton supports a more responsible way of growing cotton.

What does Better Cotton not automatically imply?

Better Cotton is not the same as organic cotton. Therefore, it does not automatically mean that cotton is organically grown.

Why is it relevant for underwear?

Cotton remains a popular material for underwear because it feels soft, breathable, and familiar. For customers who want cotton, Better Cotton can be an extra signal that attention is paid to more sustainable cultivation.

Fairtrade Cotton

Fairtrade Cotton focuses on fairer trading conditions and better circumstances for cotton farmers and workers in the supply chain.

What is Fairtrade relevant for?

Fairtrade is particularly important if you want to include social aspects in addition to environmental concerns, such as:

fairer pricing mechanisms
better trading conditions
support for farmers
social criteria in the supply chain

Why is it relevant for textiles?

Sustainability is not just about material or the environment. It's also about people. Fairtrade helps to make that social aspect more visible.

2. Sustainability and safety in the production process

The second question is: how is the textile made and controlled?

For underwear, this is especially important because it is worn directly and for extended periods on the skin. Therefore, labels concerning harmful substances, product safety, and production conditions are particularly relevant.

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is one of the best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances.

The label can apply to yarns, fabrics, accessories, and finished products. For underwear, this is important because every component that touches the skin can be relevant.

What does OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 confirm?

The label indicates that the textile has been tested for substances that could be harmful to health.

What does OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 not automatically imply?

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 does not automatically mean that a product is organic, recycled, or produced completely sustainably. It primarily concerns testing for harmful substances.

Why is it relevant for underwear?

Underwear sits close to the skin. For people with sensitive skin, susceptibility to irritation, or a preference for skin-friendly materials, a label concerning harmful substances can be an important sign of trust.

OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN

OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN goes a step further than just testing for harmful substances. This label combines product safety with traceability and production in controlled facilities.

What does MADE IN GREEN confirm?

The label indicates that the product has been tested for harmful substances and is made in facilities that meet certain environmental and social criteria.

Why is it relevant?

For customers who not only want to know if a product is skin-safe but also how it was produced, MADE IN GREEN can provide additional clarity.

OEKO-TEX STeP

OEKO-TEX STeP focuses on production processes within the textile and leather industry. It assesses environmental management, chemical management, occupational safety, and social responsibility, among other things.

What does STeP confirm?

STeP is primarily about the production facility and how it operates.

What does STeP not automatically imply?

STeP is not a consumer label that conveys the same message on every finished product as STANDARD 100. It is primarily relevant as proof that production processes are controlled.

3. Packaging sustainability

The third question is: how is the product packaged?

For textiles, we often first think of the material, but packaging also plays a role. Especially in e-commerce, packaging is a visible part of the total impact.

Packaging can include:

cardboard boxes
paper wraps
shipping packaging
product labels
plastic-free or low-plastic alternatives
recycled or recyclable materials

FSC: Forest Stewardship Council

FSC is relevant for paper and cardboard. The label indicates something about the origin of wood fibers in paper or cardboard products.

For textiles, FSC can therefore be particularly important for packaging, tags, labels, and shipping materials.

FSC 100%

FSC 100% means that the material comes from FSC-certified forests.

FSC Recycled

FSC Recycled means that the product is made from recycled materials.

FSC Mix

FSC Mix means that the product is made from a mix of FSC-certified materials, recycled materials, and/or controlled sources.

Important to know

FSC says something about paper, cardboard, or wood fibers. It does not automatically say something about the textile itself.

One label rarely tells the whole story

A common mistake is thinking that one sustainability label says it all.

That is usually not the case.

A few examples:

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 says something about testing for harmful substances, but not automatically about organic fibers.
GOTS says something about organic fibers and criteria in the textile supply chain, but is mainly relevant for natural fibers.
GRS says something about recycled materials and chain of custody, but not automatically that a product is completely recycled.
FSC says something about paper or cardboard, but not about the textile itself.
Fairtrade places more emphasis on social and economic aspects in the supply chain.

To assess sustainable textiles, it's best to look at the complete picture: material, production process, and packaging.

How to choose underwear more consciously?

For underwear, sustainability is not just about the label. Comfort, fit, durability, and skin feel are also important.

A product that you wear often, wash well, and use for a long time is, in practice, more valuable than a product that sounds sustainable but quickly ends up at the back of the closet.

Use this simple selection guide:

1. Do you wear it directly on the skin?

Then look for labels concerning harmful substances, such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.

This is especially relevant for:

briefs
boxers
undershirts
bras
shapewear
underwear for sensitive skin

2. Do you want natural or organic fibers?

Then look for certifications such as GOTS, especially for cotton or other natural materials.

Note: not every cotton product is organic, and not every organic cotton product is automatically GOTS-certified.

3. Do you want recycled materials?

Then look for labels like GRS or RCS.

If possible, also check the percentage of recycled content.

4. Do you care about social conditions?

Then labels like Fairtrade or production-oriented standards can be particularly relevant.

5. Do you want less packaging impact?

Then look for FSC labels, recycled packaging, or clear information about recyclability.

6. Are you looking for underwear for sensitive skin?

In addition to labels, also pay attention to:

soft seams
breathable materials
a good fit
no constricting waistband
skin-friendly finish
material that stays comfortable after washing

Is bamboo underwear sustainable?

Bamboo is often mentioned as a sustainable material, but here too, nuance is important.

Bamboo grows quickly and has interesting properties as a raw material. At the same time, its ultimate sustainability heavily depends on how the fiber is processed, which chemicals are used, how production is controlled, and how long the product lasts.

Therefore, it is better not to just ask:
“Is bamboo sustainable?”

But also:

How does it feel on the skin?
Does it stay beautiful for a long time?
Is it suitable for daily wear?
Are there labels or certifications available?
Has the product been tested for harmful substances?
Has the packaging been responsibly chosen?

For underwear, the combination of comfort, skin feel, fit, and durability remains at least as important as the material alone.

Frequently asked questions about sustainability labels in textiles

Is OEKO-TEX the same as organic?

No. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 means that textiles have been tested for harmful substances. It does not automatically mean that the material is organic.

Is GOTS better than OEKO-TEX?

Not necessarily. They verify different things. GOTS is about organic fibers and criteria in the textile supply chain. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is primarily about testing for harmful substances. Both can be valuable, depending on what you find important.

What does FSC on packaging mean?

FSC indicates something about the origin of wood fibers in paper or cardboard. For textiles, FSC is mainly relevant for packaging, tags, or shipping materials.

Is recycled material always more sustainable?

Not automatically. Recycled materials can help reuse raw materials, but quality, lifespan, production process, and washing behavior also play a role.

What should I look for in underwear for sensitive skin?

Pay attention to soft materials, good fit, breathability, seams, waistbands, and labels regarding harmful substances. Underwear sits close to the skin, so comfort and skin-friendliness are important.

Does a sustainability label say everything about a product?

No. A label usually verifies one specific aspect. Therefore, always look at the complete picture: material, production, packaging, quality, and lifespan.

Our principle at MyComfort24

At MyComfort24, we believe it's important for customers to make conscious choices without getting lost in difficult terms.

Sustainability in textiles is not a black-and-white story. It's about clear information, reliable labels, and products that are truly worn in daily life.

That's why we not only look at what a product promises but also at what matters to customers:

is it comfortable?
does it feel good on the skin?
does it stay beautiful after washing?
does it fit well?
is the product information clear?
are sustainability claims understandable and verifiable?

Because ultimately, the most conscious underwear is often the underwear you love to wear, take good care of, and continue to use for a long time.

Summary

Sustainable textiles cannot be identified by a single word or label. It's best to look at three layers:

Material
For example, organic fibers, recycled materials, or more sustainably grown cotton.
Production process
For example, testing for harmful substances, traceability, and controlled production.
Packaging
For example, FSC-certified paper or cardboard, recycled packaging, or less packaging material.

Labels such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GRS, RCS, FSC, and Fairtrade can help in making better choices. However, each label has its own meaning. By understanding exactly what is being controlled, you can make more conscious and confident choices.