OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS, the difference

Short answer: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests the finished textile for certain harmful substances, while GOTS concerns organically grown natural fibres and the whole production chain. The two labels measure different things, so one cannot replace the other.

What OEKO-TEX Standard 100 measures

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a testing system in which textile items are tested for substances that may be harmful. The test looks at the finished product and its parts, from fabric to thread. The label therefore tells you that the item has been tested and lies under certain limits, but nothing about how the fibres were grown or where the item was made.

What GOTS is about

GOTS is a standard for textiles made from organically grown natural fibres. It looks at the whole chain, from the fibres in the field through processing to manufacture, and sets requirements for both materials and processes. It therefore says more about production than a single test of the finished product, and it applies only to items that meet the requirements.

Why they get mixed up

Both labels often appear on tags and in descriptions, and both concern textiles and the environment in a broad sense. When you look at the range for men, you may meet one of them, or neither. It is therefore useful to know that they measure different things and that one is not the same as the other.

What the labels do not say

Neither label says anything about fit, durability or how long the clothes last. They also say nothing about how well the clothes suit your daily life. Labels are one piece of information among several, so use them as part of your choice and not as the whole basis for it.

Does the label apply to the item or the brand

Both OEKO-TEX and GOTS apply to the specific item or its materials, and not automatically to every item from a brand. We do not claim here that particular items carry one of the labels. Check the item's own description and look up the number at the institute behind it if you want to be sure.

How to read a description

Look at which label is mentioned and what it covers, for example the whole item or only a part of it. If there is no information, do not assume that the item has the label. Ask the retailer before you buy. Also check whether the information appears on the tag itself and not only in the marketing.

Bamboo clothing and the labels

Bamboo in clothing is viscose from bamboo, and which labels a particular item carries depends on the item and how it was made. Look at bamboo clothing for men and read the description of each item. You cannot guess the labels from the material, so always check the information about the item itself.

In short, the difference between the two labels

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 concerns tested substances in the finished product, GOTS organically grown fibres and the whole production chain. They do not exclude each other, but they do not replace each other either. Always check the item's own page and use the labels as one piece of information among several, for example for long sleeve models.

Frequently asked questions

Are OEKO-TEX and GOTS the same?

No. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests the finished product for certain substances, while GOTS concerns organically grown natural fibres and the whole production chain.

Can an item carry both labels?

In principle yes, but it depends on the individual item. Check the item's own description to see which labels apply.

How do I check whether an item has the label?

Look at the tag or the product page and look up the number at the institute behind the label. If nothing is stated, do not assume the item has it.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.