The word "organic" gets used a lot in fashion. Sometimes it refers to the fibre. Sometimes it refers to a vague brand positioning. GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard, is the certification that puts rigour behind the claim. It's one of the most comprehensive organic textile certifications in the world, and it covers a lot more than just the fibre.
What Is GOTS?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. It's an internationally recognised certification for organic textiles that covers the entire supply chain from the organic fibre at the source through to the finished labelled product. That includes fibre processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution.
Certification is independently assessed by approved third-party certification bodies, not self-assessed by the brand or manufacturer.
What GOTS Certification Covers
GOTS sets strict criteria across several areas:
-
Organic fibre content, a minimum percentage of certified organic fibres is required
-
Processing standards, restrictions on toxic chemicals, dyes and finishing agents used during manufacturing
-
Wastewater treatment, requirements for responsible management of processing effluents
-
Social criteria, covering worker rights, fair wages and safe working conditions throughout the certified supply chain
-
Packaging and labelling, restrictions on GMO content and recycled content requirements
-
Distribution and storage, chain of custody requirements from fibre to retail
The breadth of GOTS is what makes it meaningful. It doesn't just certify that the raw material was organic. It verifies that organic integrity is maintained throughout the entire production process.
Why GOTS Matters for Clothing
An organic fibre can lose much of its environmental and safety advantage if it's then processed with toxic chemicals, dyed with restricted substances, or manufactured in facilities with no social accountability. GOTS closes that gap. It connects the organic claim to the production process and the finished product in a way that organic raw material certification alone doesn't.
GOTS and Boody
At Boody, thoughtful design starts before a garment reaches your wardrobe. Select Boody fabrics are GOTS certified, including our Bamboo Jersey Lightweight, Bamboo Jersey Midweight and Bamboo Jersey Heavyweight fabrics. For fabric blends that include other fibres, such as FreeMesh® and Bamboo Ribbed, the organic fibre components are certified under the standard.
That matters because GOTS looks beyond the raw material alone. It helps verify responsible processing, organic integrity and supply chain standards, giving customers greater confidence in the fabrics used across close-to-skin essentials like underwear, sleepwear and Period & Leak-Proof Underwear.
GOTS Alongside Our Other Certifications
GOTS complements our ECOCERT certified organic bamboo source, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics, and PFAS-free manufacturing. Each certification addresses a different part of the supply chain. Together, they build a more honest, complete picture of what goes into our products, from the ground the bamboo grows in to the fabric on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GOTS certification mean?
GOTS certification means a product has met the Global Organic Textile Standard's requirements across the entire production chain from organic fibre through to the finished labelled product. Certification covers processing standards, social criteria, packaging and chain of custody.
Is GOTS certification independently verified?
Yes. GOTS certification is independently assessed by approved third-party certification bodies. It is not self-assessed.
What's the difference between GOTS and OEKO-TEX?
GOTS certifies the organic integrity of the textile production chain, from fibre to finished product. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests finished fabrics for harmful substances. They serve different but complementary purposes: GOTS addresses how something was produced organically; OEKO-TEX verifies the safety of the finished fabric.
Why does GOTS certification matter more than just using organic cotton or bamboo?
Because an organic raw material can be processed with toxic chemicals during manufacturing, undermining the environmental and safety benefits of the original organic fibre. GOTS verifies that organic integrity is maintained throughout the entire production process, not just at the raw material stage.
You may also like
Eco
Ethical Clothing Manufacturing And Why It Matters More Than Ever
Discover why ethical clothing manufacturing matters and how responsible practices can help create a better future for people and the planet. Learn how Boody approaches thoughtful material choices, responsible production and greater transparency to make everyday essentials with consideration at every step.
Eco
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified: What's Actually in Your Fabric
What It Means When Boody Fabrics Are OEKO-TEX Certified. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is one of the world's most trusted independent textile safety certifications. It tests fabrics against a comprehensive list of harmful substances including residual chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and PFAS and only issues certification when results come back clean.
Eco
What is Plastic Free July and why is it important?
Plastic Free July is here again. But what exactly is the global movement and what makes it so important? Well, anyone who tries to live even the slightest bit of a sustainable life, will know the importance of cutting down single-use plastics. So, what better time to cut down or cut out plastic altogether? We take a look at what Plastic Free July is, why it’s important and how you can get involved. Why not get into the habit of reducing single-use plastic waste every day, whether it’s at home, work or your favourite place to go for lunch. By taking part in Plastic Free July, you’ll be doing something that challenges people and yourself, but gets others to take part in slowing down and ultimately ending the process of plastic production. What is Plastic Free July? Plastic Free July is a global movement that allows millions of people across the world to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. From cleaner oceans to streets, Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity to commit to refusing single-use plastics. Plastic Free July is an important initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation working towards a world free from plastic waste. From humble beginnings in 2011, the award-winning Plastic Free July campaign has been born from years of hard work and dedication. Why is Plastic Free July important? We produce an estimated 300 million tonnes of plastic each year. Let that sink in for a few moments. Once it has… process the next part: roughly half of it is disposable! Sadly, only 10-13% of plastic items are actually recycled. And, because of the nature of petroleum-based disposable plastic, it is almost impossible to recycle it and chemicals have to be added in order to do so. These same degrading chemicals make their way into our food and water supply. And this is just some of the terrible impacts plastic has on us. When it comes to the environment, we’ve all seen devastating images of sea creatures tangled in plastic. We’ve also seen what climate change does to the planet, a concept that plastic waste contributes to. How you can get involved Whether you’re an eco newbie on the hunt for a few single-use plastics to avoid or are a more seasoned sustainable warrior, there are many ways you can feel inspired to live a plastic-free life. Here are just a few to get you started. Switch to reusable coffee cups If you haven’t already, it’s time to ditch those disposable cups and opting for reusable versions. Ours is the perfect option for your favourite morning beverage. Refuse pre-packed fruit and vegetables Buying fruits and veggies wrapped in plastic packaging is convenient but bad for the environment. Avoid single-use plastics and refuse pre-packed groceries. Get some reusable straws Sometimes a straw is the perfect accompaniment to a nice, cool drink. But if the straw’s plastic, you’re better off going without. The solution? Carry a reusable straw with you so you can refuse plastic. Replace plastic bags with a tote Choosing to refuse single-use plastics is a bold and effective step to a better planet. Plastic shopping bags should be instantly cut from your life. Always carry a reusable tote with you. Say no to plastic water bottles Single-use plastic water bottles have no place in today’s world. A simple and sustainable solution is carrying a reusable flask with you. Easy. Effortless. Eco. Head to the Plastic Free July website to find out more ways you can help.
