Sustainable Textile Certifications: A Guide for Fashion Brands
Learn about key sustainable textile certifications, including GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and GRS, and why certification matters for fabric sourcing.
9/30/20261 min read
Sustainable Textile Certifications Every Fashion Brand Should Know
Sustainability claims are becoming increasingly important in fashion, but brands need reliable ways to evaluate textile materials and suppliers. Sustainable textile certifications and standards can provide useful information when selecting fabrics for responsible collections.
GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) covers organic fibers and includes environmental and social criteria across processing and manufacturing.
It is particularly relevant when sourcing certified organic textile products.
OEKO-TEX®
OEKO-TEX® offers several standards and certifications addressing different aspects of textile safety and sustainability. Buyers should check the specific standard and certification scope rather than treating the OEKO-TEX® name as a single universal claim.
Global Recycled Standard
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) focuses on recycled content and includes additional social, environmental, and chemical-processing requirements.
It can be particularly relevant when sourcing recycled polyester, nylon, and other recycled materials.
Why Certification Matters
For fashion brands, certification can help with:
Supplier evaluation
Material sourcing
Sustainability communication
Supply-chain documentation
However, certification should always be checked against the specific product, supplier, certification scope, and validity period.
Conclusion
Understanding sustainable textile certifications helps fashion brands make more informed sourcing decisions. By combining certified materials with responsible manufacturing and transparent supply chains, brands can build stronger sustainability strategies.