Eco-Friendly Apparel: Must-Have Certifications for a Truly Sustainable Wardrobe

Why Certifications Matter

How can you be certain the clothes you wear are made responsibly? Certifications provide an essential way to understand the processes behind your garments. Independent organisations verify that key criteria, such as chemical use, labour standards, and environmental impact, are being met, going beyond the claims made by brands. While no single certification covers everything, these standards set important benchmarks for sustainability, helping brands improve their practices and enabling consumers to make more informed, responsible choices.

Certifications can:

• Build consumer trust through credible standards.
• Reduce environmental impacts by promoting responsible practices.
• Ensure supply chain transparency.
• Differentiate your brand by aligning with eco-conscious consumer demand.

Here’s a list of common certifications and what they represent: 

 1. Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

BCI is dedicated to making global cotton production better for those who produce it, the environment, and the sector's future. It promotes sustainable farming practices in cotton production, ensuring reduced environmental impact and improved livelihoods for farmers.

2. Blue Angel

Blue Angel certification guarantees that textiles meet stringent environmental and health standards throughout their lifecycle. This certification assures that apparel is free from harmful chemicals and produced using resource-efficient methods, contributing to sustainability in fashion.

3. Cradle to Cradle Certified

Cradle to Cradle Certified is a global standard that evaluates products for safe, circular design. In apparel, it ensures materials are non-toxic, recyclable, and that the product’s lifecycle supports environmental and social sustainability, making it ideal for conscious fashion brands.

 4. EU Ecolabel

EU Ecolabel identifies products with high environmental performance. In fashion, this label ensures garments meet strict environmental criteria, from sourcing sustainable raw materials to manufacturing processes, reducing pollution and promoting resource efficiency.

 5. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

GOTS is a leading certification for organic textiles. It ensures that apparel is made from organic fibres, and production meets strict environmental and social criteria, from processing and dyeing to fair treatment of workers.

 6. Naturland

Naturland certification is focused on organic and socially responsible textile production. It guarantees that garments are made from sustainable materials while adhering to ethical working conditions and eco-friendly practices in apparel manufacturing.

 7. Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange sets standards for sustainable fibres and encourages environmentally responsible sourcing. It focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry by promoting the use of certified, eco-friendly fibres and materials.

 8. NATURTEXTIL iVN Certified

NATURTEXTIL iVN certification guarantees that clothing is made from organic materials and produced under strict ecological and social guidelines. It highlights a high standard of sustainability in fibre processing and manufacturing.

 9. GoodWeave

GoodWeave works to eliminate child labour in global supply chains, ensuring that textiles are produced under ethical conditions. This certification provides assurance that apparel is free from exploitation, ensuring socially responsible manufacturing practices.

 10. OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX certification ensures that textiles are free from harmful substances. Apparel with this certification guarantees safety for both the consumer and the environment by complying with rigorous chemical safety standards.

11. Fair Wear Foundation

Fair Wear Foundation focuses on improving labour conditions for garment workers. Brands certified by Fair Wear adhere to strict guidelines regarding worker rights, fair wages, and safe working environments in clothing production.

 12. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

PETA’s cruelty-free and vegan certification ensures that no animal products or animal testing is involved in the production of apparel. It appeals to consumers who prioritise the  ethical treatment of animals in fashion choices.

 13. Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard certifies wool production that prioritises animal welfare and sustainable land management. It ensures that wool used in apparel is sourced ethically and responsibly.

 14. Cotton Made in Africa

Cotton Made in Africa promotes sustainable cotton farming in Africa, improving living conditions for farmers while protecting the environment. Apparel certified under this initiative supports ethical and sustainable cotton production.

 15. B Corporation

B Corporation certification recognises companies meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. For apparel brands, this demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical business practices.

Need Help Choosing Sustainable Garments?

If you need assistance selecting garments with the right certifications, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We're here to guide you through making sustainable, eco-friendly choices for your brand.