The GOTS label: what you need to know about certified organic cotton

In textiles, the term organic cotton is often used without a clear framework.
The GOTS label is one of the most demanding international standards: it certifies not only the fibre, but the entire textile chain, from the cotton field to the finished product.

What is the GOTS label?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is now the global benchmark for organic textiles.

It guarantees:

• the organic origin of the fibres,

• strictly regulated processing methods,

• demanding social criteria throughout the production chain.

Each stage is verified by independent and regular audits.

What GOTS certification guarantees

An organic fibre
The cotton is grown without GMOs, pesticides, or chemical fertilisers.
A minimum of 70% organic fibres is required to carry the label (95% for the "organic" mention).

Responsible processing
Spinning, weaving, dyeing, and manufacturing comply with strict standards: toxic substances are prohibited, wastewater is treated, and full traceability is ensured.

Regulated working conditions
The certification incorporates ILO conventions: prohibition of child labour, decent wages, safety, and respect for individuals.

KENANA KNITTERS: GOTS and craftsmanship

The cotton products of Kenana Knitters illustrate a unique and virtuous application of GOTS-certified cotton.

The cotton used is GOTS-certified Tanzanian cotton.
The Kenana - Knitters artisans work with industrially spun cotton fibres, as well as fibres that are too short for the conventional textile industry, and are usually excluded from standardised industrial circuits.

These fibres are upcycled through a completely manual spinning process, carried out according to traditional artisanal know-how.
This handwork preserves the certification of the raw material while giving rise to a lively yarn, whose variations are an integral part of the pieces' aesthetic.

This case shows that GOTS certification can coexist with:

• non-mechanised artisanal processes,

• upcycled materials,

• a non-standardised aesthetic.

GOTS at Studio Matongé

When we mention a GOTS certified organic cotton, this means that the raw material and the relevant processing steps comply with this standard.

Not all our products are GOTS certified: some artisanal, vintage, or specially crafted textiles follow other responsible approaches.
We choose to indicate this clearly, product by product.