In the world of clean, sustainable fashion, certifications can start to blur together. But bluesign® is one that truly stands out—even if it’s not always the easiest to understand at first glance. Unlike certifications that focus on the final product, bluesign® takes a behind-the-scenes approach, focusing on how a fabric is made, not just how it feels. If you care about the environmental and human impact of your clothes, this one is worth knowing.

bluesign® is a certification system that sets strict environmental, health, and safety standards for the textile manufacturing process. It doesn’t just look at the finished garment, but rather the entire journey of the fabric—from the chemicals used to dye it to the water and energy consumed to produce it.

Think of it as a blueprint for responsible production. It audits every step of the supply chain to minimize environmental impact, protect workers, and ensure that harmful substances are removed before they ever enter the factory.

Most certifications focus on either the end product (like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100) or the fiber source (like GOTS for organic cotton). bluesign® is unique because it intervenes upstream, at the manufacturing level. That means it influences the raw materials and chemistry used in textile production long before the garment reaches you.

Here’s what sets bluesign® apart:

• Chemical Management: Ensures that only safe, approved chemicals are used.
• Resource Efficiency: Reduces energy, water, and material waste.
• Worker Safety: Prioritizes occupational health and safety in textile facilities.
• Transparency: Requires supply chain partners to be audited and verified.

When a product is labeled "bluesign® certified" (or "bluesign® APPROVED"), it means the textile and/or component was produced in a facility that adheres to the strict standards of the bluesign® system.

There are two common terms you’ll see:

• bluesign® APPROVED: A component (like fabric, dye, or thread) has met bluesign® criteria.
• bluesign® PRODUCT: The final product is made with at least 90% bluesign® APPROVED components, and the manufacturing process meets bluesign®'s holistic standards.

One of the most reassuring aspects of OEKO-TEX® is that testing is done by independent laboratories, not by the brands themselves. Every component of a certified product is tested individually: the fabric, the threads, the dye, the prints, and even the trim. That zipper on your leggings? It’s tested. The elastic in your waistband? Also tested.

Certification isn’t a one-and-done process either. Products must be re-tested regularly to keep their certification active, and manufacturers are also subject to unannounced audits.

While bluesign® is comprehensive in terms of chemical and environmental management, it doesn’t specifically certify labor practices (such as wages, working hours, or union rights) the way Fair Trade does. It also doesn’t require the fiber to be organic, like GOTS.

That said, bluesign® still makes a meaningful contribution to safer and more responsible fashion, and it pairs well with other certifications that address social or agricultural aspects.

While bluesign® is comprehensive in terms of chemical and environmental management, it doesn’t specifically certify labor practices (such as wages, working hours, or union rights) the way Fair Trade does. It also doesn’t require the fiber to be organic, like GOTS.

That said, bluesign® still makes a meaningful contribution to safer and more responsible fashion, and it pairs well with other certifications that address social or agricultural aspects.

If OEKO-TEX® answers the question, “Is this safe to wear?”, then bluesign® answers, “Was this made responsibly?”

Choosing bluesign® certified materials means choosing a cleaner supply chain, safer working conditions, and a lower environmental impact. For us at Losano, that matters. And if it matters to you too, it’s worth looking for the bluesign® label the next time you shop.

Want to learn more about the certifications behind our clothing? Reach out anytime. We’re always happy to share more about how we source and produce every piece.