GOTS Certification: The Gold Standard for Sustainable Fashion

Our Commitment

When it comes to truly sustainable fashion, GOTS — the Global Organic Textile Standard — stands above the rest. Trusted by conscious brands and consumers worldwide, it’s the most recognized certification ensuring that textiles are organic, ethical, and safe for both people and the planet.

At LivableFit, we rely on GOTS as one of our key sustainability benchmarks. It helps us verify whether a fashion brand’s “eco-friendly” claim is real or just another case of greenwashing.

What Does GOTS Certification Guarantee?

For a textile product to be GOTS certified, it must:

• Contain at least 70% organic fibers (95% for the “organic” label).

• Be processed with non-toxic dyes and chemicals from the approved GOTS Positive List.

• Comply with strict wastewater treatment and environmental management policies.

• Respect human rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and no forced or child labor.

• Be verified through independent, annual audits by approved certification bodies.

Every certified company receives two key documents:

• Scope Certificate: confirms which products and processes are certified.

• Transaction Certificate: ensures traceability along the supply chain.

Environmental Standards: Protecting Planet & People

GOTS goes far beyond “organic.” It integrates environmental and chemical management systems that reduce harm across the entire textile lifecycle.

• Banned substances: PFAS, heavy metals, formaldehyde, GMOs, phthalates, and chlorinated plastics (PVC).

• Wastewater management: strict limits on pH, temperature, and chemical residue.

• Energy and water tracking: certified facilities must monitor and reduce consumption.

• GHG management: GOTS-certified entities track greenhouse gas emissions and aim for reduction over time.

Social Responsibility and Worker Rights

GOTS isn’t just about clean fabrics — it’s also about ethical production. Certified entities must meet high social standards inspired by the International Labour Organisation (ILO):

• No forced or child labor.

• Gender equality and protection of pregnant workers.

• Living wage assessments and fair remuneration.

• Freedom of association and collective bargaining.

• Strict rules on health, safety, and working hours.

These standards ensure that sustainability includes people — not just products.

What Products Can Be GOTS Certified?

GOTS covers a wide range of textiles, including:

• Clothing and accessories

• Home textiles (bedding, towels, curtains)

• Personal care textiles (tampons, cotton pads, bandages)

• Food contact textiles (tea towels, reusable produce bags)

Even packaging must meet eco-criteria — for example, paper must be FSC-certified or recycled, and plastics must be biodegradable or non-toxic.

Why GOTS Matters for Conscious Shoppers

With so many “green” claims in fashion, GOTS cuts through the noise.
Here’s why it matters:

✅ Transparency: Full traceability from raw fiber to retail.
✅ Credibility: Independent third-party certification, renewed annually.
✅ Safety: No harmful chemicals against your skin.
✅ Ethics: Workers’ rights and fair conditions are non-negotiable.
✅ Planet-positive: Reduced pollution, lower water usage, and sustainable materials.

At LivableFit, we use the LivableFit Advisor™ to check if products and brands align with GOTS standards — helping you shop smarter and greener.

How to Identify a GOTS-Certified Product

Look for the official GOTS logo on tags or packaging. It should include:

1. The GOTS emblem

2. The label grade (“organic” ≥95% or “made with organic materials” ≥70%)

3. The certification body’s name

4. The license number

You can verify any product’s certification through the official GOTS database.

FAQs

Is GOTS better than OEKO-TEX?
They cover different things. OEKO-TEX tests final products for harmful substances, while GOTS ensures the full supply chain — from organic farming to ethical manufacturing — is certified.

Can synthetic fibers be used in GOTS products?
Yes, but only in limited amounts (up to 30%) and they must be non-toxic, recycled, or sustainably sourced.

How often are factories audited?
At least once a year, with additional unannounced inspections based on risk assessments.

At LivableFit, GOTS Is Our Benchmark for Real Sustainability

We feature and recommend GOTS-certified brands because they represent what sustainable fashion should be — transparent, traceable, and accountable.

💡 Tip: Paste any product link into the LivableFit Advisor to instantly check its sustainability score and discover certified alternatives.

GOTS certification has transformed our textile production into a more sustainable and ethical process.

Alex J.

★★★★★