compliance · 5 min read

GOTS and organic cotton: what the label really means

Organic cotton is a fibre claim; GOTS is a processing standard that covers the fibre and everything done to it. That distinction is where most marketing claims fall apart.

By Weft Bridge · Reviewed by our Guangzhou sourcing team · Updated 2026-11

The two GOTS grades

Grade	Organic fibre	Label
Organic	At least 95%	“GOTS organic”
Made with organic	At least 70%	“Made with X% organic”

What else it requires

No genetically modified seed, and organic farming certification for the fibre.
Restricted chemical inputs through processing, including dyes and auxiliaries.
Wastewater treatment at wet processing units.
Social criteria for workers at certified facilities.
Chain of custody with transaction certificates, like GRS.

How to verify

Ask for the scope certificate of the processor and the transaction certificate for your shipment. Check the certificate number in the GOTS public database, and confirm the product category matches what you are buying.

“Organic cotton” without a certificate number is a marketing phrase. It may be true, but you cannot defend it to a customer or a regulator.

FAQ

Is organic cotton softer?

Not inherently. The hand feel comes from the yarn and the finishing, not the farming method.

Does GOTS cover the garment factory?

Only if that factory is also certified. Each processing stage needs its own certification.