GOTS vs OEKO-TEX: which certification matters for families?

GOTS is a production and supply-chain standard focused on organic fibres (e.g. organic cotton) and social criteria in textile manufacturing.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a product test for harmful substances — the finished textile is checked for selected problematic chemicals. It does not cover organic farming or working conditions across the full chain.

GOTS helps when you care about how the fibre was grown and minimum environmental and social requirements in production — especially for cotton baby clothes, cloth nappies, muslins, and bedding.

OEKO-TEX answers: Does the finished product stay below defined limits for tested substances? That matters when textiles sit directly on skin — which is most baby and toddler items.

OEKO-TEX is not an organic label. A certified T-shirt can still use conventional cotton. GOTS and OEKO-TEX can complement each other on the same product.

“OEKO-TEX = sustainable.” — It addresses substances in the product, not a brand’s full sustainability profile.

“GOTS = free of all toxins.” — GOTS has its own rules; it does not automatically replace OEKO-TEX testing of the finished item.

1. Skin contact & substances → OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a useful filter.
2. Organic fibre & supply chain → GOTS is the stronger anchor — check certification on the product, not only the brand name.
3. Both present → helpful, but still read the specific product line.

On klugundgrün both certifications have dedicated pages with linked brands and verification status.