GOTS and OEKO-TEX are respected textile certifications, but they do not verify the same things.
GOTS addresses certified organic fibers along with environmental, chemical, traceability and social requirements throughout applicable stages of textile production. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 tests textile components for specified harmful substances, but it does not automatically mean the fabric is organic.
As a mother and the founder of a GOTS-certified baby clothing brand, I know these labels can be confusing. Here is what each one means and what parents should look for when comparing baby clothes.
What Is GOTS Certification?
GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It covers applicable processing and manufacturing stages, beginning with certified organic fibers and continuing through the finished product.
According to the Global Organic Textile Standard, GOTS includes requirements covering:
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Certified organic fiber content
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Restrictions on chemical inputs
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Environmental management and wastewater treatment
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Product traceability
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Worker health and safety
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Social and human-rights criteria
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Independent certification and audits
GOTS has two label grades:
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Organic: At least 95% certified organic fibers
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Made with Organic Materials: At least 70% certified organic fibers
The garment’s exact fiber content should still be listed separately.
What Is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100?
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certifies that textile components have been tested for specified harmful substances.
Testing can apply to fabric, thread, buttons and other accessories. Product Class 1, which covers products for babies and children up to age three, has the strictest requirements.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 does not mean a product is organic. Beginning in April 2025, organic-cotton claims were removed from STANDARD 100 certificates. OEKO-TEX now offers a separate OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON certification for verifying organic cotton.
GOTS vs. OEKO-TEX: The Key Differences
GOTS focuses on:
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Certified organic fibers
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Textile processing and manufacturing
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Chemical-input restrictions
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Environmental requirements
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Traceability
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Social and worker-related criteria
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 focuses on:
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Testing textile components for specified harmful substances
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Different testing requirements based on product use
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Stricter limits for products intended for babies and young children
A garment can carry both certifications, but one certification does not automatically replace the other.
Which Certification Should Parents Choose?
The right choice depends on what you want verified.
GOTS is especially relevant when you want certified organic fibers together with broader processing, environmental, traceability and social requirements.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is relevant when you want confirmation that the components of a certified textile have been tested against its list of specified harmful substances.
Rather than asking which certification is universally “better,” look at the exact certification name and what it covers.
How Can Parents Verify a Certification?
Before buying certified baby clothes, look for:
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The complete certification name: “Natural,” “clean” and “eco-friendly” are not certifications.
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A certificate or license number: A legitimate certification claim should include information that can be verified.
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The certification body: This identifies the independent organization responsible for certification.
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Clear fiber content: Check whether the garment contains 100% organic cotton or a blend.
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Consistent product information: The website, product listing and garment label should match.
Parents can search license information through the official GOTS Certified Suppliers Database.
Why Earth Angel Apparel Uses GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
Earth Angel Apparel’s cotton baby essentials are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Earth Angel Apparel is GOTS-certified and licensed through Control Union under license number CU1221959.
Our cotton baby essentials also include azo-free dyes, lead- and nickel-free snaps and tag-free necklines. They are ethically made in Turkey in coordinating colors designed for everyday wear.
You can review our GOTS certification details or explore our collection of GOTS-certified organic baby clothes.
For more practical guidance about fabric, sizing and clothing construction, read our guide to choosing organic newborn clothes.
The Bottom Line
GOTS and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 are both meaningful certifications, but they answer different questions.
GOTS verifies certified organic fiber content and establishes requirements across applicable textile-processing and manufacturing stages. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 focuses on testing textile components for specified harmful substances and does not automatically mean a garment is organic.
Look for the exact certification name, fiber content and a verifiable license or certificate number—not broad marketing language.
Written by Francheska, mother and founder of Earth Angel Apparel.
