What Is the GOTS Certification and Why It Matters in Fashion

Organic cotton has become a buzzword in sustainable fashion, but how do you really know if that cotton is truly organic—or if it was processed responsibly? That’s where GOTS comes in. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the most trusted certifications in the textile industry, ensuring both environmental and social responsibility from field to finished product.
What Is GOTS?
GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It’s an internationally recognized certification that sets strict criteria for organic fibers and also for the processing, dyeing, and manufacturing stages. That means it’s not just about how cotton is grown—it’s about how it’s turned into something wearable.
To be GOTS-certified, a product must meet the following standards:
- Made with a minimum of 70% certified organic natural fibers (or 95% for the "organic" label)
- Processed without toxic chemicals such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, or GMOs
- Produced under ethical labor conditions, including safe working environments and no child or forced labor
- Packed, labeled, and shipped according to strict environmental criteria
Why GOTS Is More Than Just Organic Cotton
While many brands tout the use of organic cotton, GOTS goes much further. It audits the entire supply chain—from farm to factory—to ensure traceability and accountability at every step.
GOTS also bans toxic inputs that are commonly used in conventional textile manufacturing. This is especially important for sensitive skin and for the health of the workers producing these textiles. Plus, GOTS requires proper wastewater treatment and energy management, minimizing the industry's environmental footprint.
The GOTS Label Breakdown
When you see a GOTS label on a garment, it usually falls into one of two categories:
- GOTS Organic: Made with at least 95% certified organic fibers
- GOTS Made with Organic: Contains at least 70% certified organic fibers
Each label ensures that every part of the production process—from spinning to dyeing to labeling—meets rigorous environmental and social standards.
How GOTS Supports People and the Planet
GOTS isn’t just about sustainability. It’s also about ethics. The certification requires:
- Safe and hygienic working conditions
- Living wages
- No child labor or forced labor
- Regular audits by independent certification bodies
It’s one of the few certifications that holistically covers both planet and people, providing a high level of assurance to conscious consumers.
How Losano Uses GOTS-Certified Materials
At Losano, we believe that clean fashion should mean clean practices—start to finish. That’s why we choose GOTS-certified cotton whenever possible, ensuring that what touches your skin is free from harmful chemicals and made with care for the earth and its people.
From our fabric sourcing to how our garments are finished and labeled, GOTS helps us deliver on our promise of non-toxic, low-impact fashion that doesn’t compromise on ethics or aesthetics.
The Takeaway
In a sea of sustainability claims, GOTS certification is a true anchor. It provides transparency, traceability, and trust—three things that are often missing in the world of fashion.
When you choose GOTS-certified clothing, you’re not just getting organic cotton. You’re supporting safer farming practices, ethical manufacturing, and a cleaner planet.
At Losano, that’s the standard we’re proud to uphold—and wear.
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.