OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 & GOTS Certification: What They Mean for Your Clothes and Your Health
Understand the certifications behind safer, more sustainable clothing and why it matters for what you wear every day.

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These aren’t just marketing claims. Both certifications require rigorous, third-party testing and have become global benchmarks for safety, environmental responsibility and ethical production.
In this article, we’ll break down what OEKO-TEX® and GOTS really mean, how they differ, and what they protect you from. We’ll also show how these standards apply in practice through certified everyday pieces like Hemptique’s hemp t-shirt made from organic cotton and hemp fibers.
Table of Contents:
What Is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?
What Is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)?
OEKO-TEX® vs GOTS: What’s the Difference?
Why These Certifications Matter for Everyday Clothing
OEKO-TEX® Certified Hemp T-Shirts: A Practical Example from Hemptique
Are These Certifications Enough? What to Look For Beyond the Label
What Is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is one of the most widely recognized labels for textile safety in the world. Its focus is clear: to ensure that every component of a product, from thread and buttons to finished fabric is free from harmful substances that could pose a risk to human health.
The certification isn’t limited to natural fibers. Cotton, polyester, rayon, hemp and even blended materials can be tested under OEKO-TEX®, as long as they meet strict limits for chemical content.
What Does It Test For?
- Formaldehyde
- Azo dyes
Pesticide residues
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium)
- Phthalates and plasticizers
- Flame retardants
- Allergenic dyes
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
How Do You Know It's Real?

What Is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)?

What Does GOTS Cover?
- Contain at least 70% certified organic fibers (usually cotton, hemp or wool)
- Use only approved dyes and chemical agents, with full wastewater treatment
Avoid heavy metals, formaldehyde, GMOs, chlorine bleach and azo dyes
- Be manufactured in facilities that follow strict labor and environmental standards
- Use fully traceable processes from farming through final manufacturing
How GOTS Certification Works
Why GOTS Goes Beyond Fabric
- Safe working conditions
- No child or forced labor
- Fair wages
- Health and safety measures in textile processing
OEKO-TEX® vs GOTS: What’s the Difference?
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 | GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) |
---|---|---|
Focus | Substance safety & chemical testing | Organic fibers + full ecological & ethical criteria |
Fiber Requirement | Any fiber (natural or synthetic) | Minimum 70% organic fibers (e.g. hemp, cotton) |
Testing Stage | End-product testing only | Certified from farm to final garment |
Banned Substances | Formaldehyde, heavy metals, azo dyes, etc. | Same + strict limits on processing agents |
Environmental Scope | Limited to textile content | Includes water treatment, emissions, packaging |
Labor Practices | Not included | Audited for fair labor, safe work conditions |
Label Means | Safe for skin contact | Organic, safe, and ethically made |
Why These Certifications Matter for Everyday Clothing
For Your Skin and Health
For Environmental Impact
OEKO-TEX® certified items may not require organic sourcing, but they still eliminate toxic outputs that affect both workers and ecosystems during manufacturing.
For Transparency and Accountability
OEKO-TEX® Certified Hemp T-Shirts: A Practical Example from Hemptique
- Use of organic fibers
- Natural feel and finish
- Minimal dye processing
- Ethical fiber sourcing

Are These Certifications Enough? What to Look For Beyond the Label
What Certifications Cover and What They Don’t
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 tests for harmful substances in the finished product, but it doesn’t require organic farming or audit labor conditions.
- GOTS includes organic sourcing and social responsibility, but it only applies to products made from at least 70% organic fibers.
What to Watch for as a Conscious Shopper
- Check fiber content: Look for natural or organic fibers like hemp, linen or organic cotton.
- Look beyond buzzwords: Phrases like “natural,” “eco-conscious,” or “sustainable” aren’t regulated.
- Verify labels: OEKO-TEX® and GOTS have public certification lookups.
- Consider packaging and dyes: Even if the shirt is safe, extras like synthetic thread, plastic bags, or bright chemical dyes might not be.