Organic fabrics have really come into the spotlight in recent years. They’re some of the most sought-after materials in the clothing industry, and are a key component of the sustainable fashion movement. But are they worth the hype? Today we’ll be talking about organic vs non-organic fabrics, and why it’s especially beneficial for children to wear organic clothing.
What Is An Organic Fabric?
Organic fabrics are made of natural fibres and are grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other harsh chemicals. Choosing clothing that is made out of organic fabrics is great for the planet, the manufacturer, and yourself. The lack of chemicals in organic fabrics means less soil damage, less air and water pollution, and less human exposure to potentially harmful irritants. All of these factors result in a product that scores higher points on both the ethical and sustainability scales. A study by Greenpeace found that farmers actually earn more of a profit when they farm organically, as they no longer have to spend money on insecticides and other chemicals!
The manufacturing process of an organic fabric compared to a conventional fabric consumes significantly less water and energy than a non-organic fabric. Take organic cotton as an example. Compared to conventional cotton, it uses up 91% less water, consumes 62% less energy, produces 46% fewer CO2 emissions, and results in 26% less soil erosion. Once the material has been created, organic clothing also uses gentler dyes than conventional clothing. Organic fabrics are an all-around safer and healthier choice.
Why It’s Beneficial For Kids To Wear Organic Fabrics
Wearing organic fabrics is great for anyone, but it’s especially beneficial for children. Their sensitive skin is more prone to irritation that can be caused by non-organic fabrics. The younger a child is, the more sensitive their skin will be. We buy special shampoos and body washes for our children, so it only makes sense to treat their clothing in a similar way.
Recent research has shown that the skin can absorb chemicals found in clothing. This means that non-organic fabrics can cause children to get rashes, irritated skin, and even dizziness or headaches. As parents we always want the best for our children, so choosing organic fabrics is an excellent way to keep our little ones safe and healthy.
Besides being free of potentially harmful chemicals, clothing made with organic fabrics tends to be of a higher quality. Organic clothes will feel lovely against your child’s skin and will likely be built to last. Natural fibres have wonderful properties like increased breathability and softness, perfect for a kid’s active lifestyle. Clothing made from organic fabrics generally comes with a higher price point, but it’s well worth it. These are clothes that will last through countless washing machine cycles and still look amazing.
Organic Certifications To Look Out For
So, how can you tell if your clothing is genuinely made with organic fabrics? Nowadays many brands are releasing eco-friendly collections, but not all of them have been created equally. Some companies are guilty of ‘greenwashing’, or using buzzwords that make their products seem more sustainable than they actually are.
Having an organic certification is an easy way to tell if a garment is legitimate. Here are some of the most common ones to look out for:
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GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This is one of the most reputable organic certifications in the clothing industry. With an impressive 19 authorised certification centres that monitor thousands of facilities and millions of workers, GOTS has the power to verify textiles all over the world. GOTS is a much-needed organisation in an industry that often has multinational production lines, as they can track standards from country to country until the finished product reaches its final destination.
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OEKO-Tex: OEKO-Tex is one of the best-known certifications in the ethical fashion community, letting consumers know if a garment is free of toxic chemicals. OEKO-Tex uses a four-tier system that ranks chemicals as illegal, legal but potentially harmful, generally safe, and safe. This ingenious system can be used throughout several stages of the production process.
- EcoCert: What started as a program to evaluate French agricultural products has expanded into an international organisation that also certifies organic textiles. EcoCert uses the Organic Content Standards to verify materials like organic cotton, organic hemp, and organic linen. An EcoCert certification means that an item has been created with integrity during every stage of production.
The Best Organic Fabrics To Wear
When shopping or researching organic fabrics, organic cotton will probably be the most common fabric you encounter. There are many reasons why organic cotton is a great choice for casual clothing, but there are plenty of other choices available if you’re on the hunt for more than just t-shirts and sweats. You can also shop for organic wool, organic linen, organic flax, and organic silk.
Humble Children carries a fantastic assortment of organic cotton and linen for everyday wear from brands including Colored Organics, KidWild Organics, Goumikids and Grown. Shop our range of stylish and sustainable organic children’s clothing today!
Seen in the blog post image are pieces from Grown, a brand that we proudly stock for its ultra-soft organic cotton clothing.
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