What is the Difference Between Organic Cotton & Regular Cotton?
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Time to Read: 5 min
In this blog:
What is Organic Cotton? What Are the Benefits of Organic Cotton in Clothing? Environmentally Friendly Gentle on the Skin Sustainability Better for Farmers Durable and High-Quality What Are the Cons of Organic Cotton in Clothing? Higher Cost Limited Availability Less Uniform Production Challenges What is the Difference Between Organic Cotton & Conventional Cotton? 1. Farming Practices 2. Environmental Impact 3. Quality and Safety 4. Certification How Do You Know If an Item is Made from Organic Cotton? Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Organic Content Standard (OCS) Organic Cotton Clothing vs Synthetics – Your Skin Will Know the Difference Where can I find high quality, Organic Cotton clothing? Shop Our Organic Cotton Bodysuits You'll love reading...
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world, especially when it comes to clothing and soft homeware such as bedding and towels. It’s been a staple fabric choice for centuries, and for good reason! It’s extremely comfortable, breathable, and versatile. What’s more, it’s a highly durable fabric – which means that high-quality pieces made from cotton can last wash after wash, wear after wear.
The thing is though, not all cotton is created equal. There are two primary types that often spark debate: organic cotton and regular cotton. While they may look and feel similar, their differences go far beyond the surface. So, we wanted to share what sets organic cotton apart, and why we opt to use Organic Cotton across Not Basics’ range.
What is Organic Cotton?
Organic cotton is cotton grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Farmers who grow organic cotton rely on natural processes and organic farming methods that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. Certified organic cotton must meet strict guidelines set by organisations like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the Organic Content Standard (OCS).
From seed to fabric, the organic cotton production process prioritises sustainability. Even the dyeing and finishing processes are often done with low-impact, environmentally friendly methods to ensure the final product is as eco-conscious as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Organic Cotton in Clothing?
Environmentally Friendly
Organic cotton farming significantly reduces the environmental footprint compared to conventional methods. It uses less water, avoids harmful chemicals, and promotes soil health, which in turn helps combat climate change.
Gentle on the Skin
Organic cotton is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Clothing made from organic cotton is naturally soft and non-irritating, it feels lightweight on the skin giving you the comfort for everyday wear.
Sustainability
Organic cotton production supports sustainable farming practices. By using natural pest control and crop rotation, organic farms protect ecosystems and encourage biodiversity.
Better for Farmers
Organic farming methods also create healthier working conditions for farmers by eliminating exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Durable and High-Quality
Organic cotton is often longer-lasting than conventional cotton because it retains the natural integrity of the fibres, which aren’t weakened by chemical treatments.
What Are the Cons of Organic Cotton in Clothing?
Higher Cost
Organic cotton is generally more expensive than conventional cotton due to its labour-intensive farming practices and lower yields.
Limited Availability
Because organic cotton farming avoids synthetic interventions, there may be more variation in crop quality, potentially affecting consistency in fabric production.
Less Uniform
While demand for organic cotton is growing, it’s still not as widely available as conventional cotton, making it harder to find.
Production Challenges
Organic cotton farming requires more time, effort, and expertise. It also takes longer to produce due to slower-growing crops.
What is the Difference Between Organic Cotton & Conventional Cotton?
Below is a side-by-side comparison of how organic cotton differs from regular cotton, while highlighting the importance of incorporating it into your lifestyle.
1. Farming Practices
Organic Cotton: Grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs. Emphasises soil health, water conservation, and natural pest control.
Conventional Cotton: Often relies on chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and genetically modified seeds. These practices can deplete soil quality, contaminate water supplies, and harm local ecosystems.
2. Environmental Impact
Organic Cotton: Uses significantly less water and energy. Studies show that organic cotton farming reduces water consumption by up to 91% compared to conventional methods.
Conventional Cotton: One of the most resource-intensive crops. Conventional cotton farming is a leading cause of water pollution due to runoff from pesticides and fertilisers, and also requires a whole lot more water to produce limited quantities of products.
3. Quality and Safety
Organic Cotton: Free from harmful chemicals, making it safer for both wearers and farmers. Chemicals can naturally cause irritation and allergic reactions, a large reason why we have dedicated our mission to creating organic cotton clothing for every day.
Conventional Cotton: May contain traces of chemicals used during farming and processing, which could cause irritation or long-term health effects.
4. Certification
Organic Cotton: Certified Organic Cotton must meet rigorous certification standards outlined by independent governing bodies such as GOTS or OCS.
Conventional Cotton: Does not require any specific certifications unless blended with organic fibres or treated to meet other sustainability standards.
How Do You Know If an Item is Made from Organic Cotton?
To ensure that a garment is made from organic cotton, it will need to have the credible certifications on the label. Two of the most widely recognised certifications are:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS certification ensures that the cotton is organic and that every stage of production—from harvesting to dyeing to packaging—meets strict environmental and social criteria.
Organic Content Standard (OCS)
This certification is an international, voluntary standard that provides a chain of custody verification for materials originating on a farm certified to recognised national organic standards. The standard is used to verify organically grown raw materials from the farm to the final product.
At Not Basics, our Organic Cotton styles are created in line with the either the GOTS or OCS certification. You can read more about this and our sustainability practices here.
Organic Cotton Clothing vs Synthetics – Your Skin Will Know the Difference
When it comes to choosing fabrics, your skin is the ultimate judge. Synthetic materials like polyester lack the natural breathability and comfort of cotton. Moreover, synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort and skin irritation. Organic cotton clothing, on the other hand, is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it the superior choice for people with sensitive skin or anyone seeking maximum comfort.
We hear from our community on the daily that although Organic Cotton clothing can initially be hard to find, once you try it there’s no turning back – the quality, comfort, and durability is unmatched.
Where can I find high quality, Organic Cotton clothing?
Good news – you’ve come to the right place! At Not Basics, our organic cotton essentials are designed to transform the way you feel, inside and out. Plus, they're a great alternative to the synthetic stuff for those who care what they put against their skin.
If you have any questions or require more information, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@notbasics.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
