Organic clothing is largely a better alternative when compared to clothing made with conventional cotton or fabric that is really plastic (like polyester).
In part because organic cotton requires less water to produce but increasingly of major concern are the toxins (like BPA and PFAS) found in materials like polyester.
So we’ve curated a list of our favorite natural fiber clothing brands that not only use organic materials and fabrics but also prioritize ethical labor, supply chain transparency and green business practices.
As we refresh our articles from here on out, we’ll be using our new Brand Rating System to examine the nitty-gritty of a brand’s eco-performance across 22 factors from climate action to chemical management. See our explainer here for details on these and keep an eye out for rated brands on the list below.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
Our Top Choices: Natural Clothing Brands
The Very Good Bra’s organic range includes bras and undies so natural, they can be composted in your back yard at the end of their days. The Very Good Bra is one of our top rated brands.
Organic Basics makes a wide range of minimalist, stylish clothing from predominantly GOTS certified organic cotton. All their suppliers’ are required to adhere to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) standards and their own RSL (Restricted Substances List). They also have REACH and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications. Organic basics has been extensively rated and reviewed by us here.
If you prefer natural clothing that keeps it simple, look no further than MATE the Label for their no-frills, durable, sustainable wardrobe staples made in the USA from, you guessed it…certified organic cotton.
Index: Natural & Organic Clothing Brands
- The Very Good Bra Jump to brand
- Organic Basics Jump to brand
- Pact Jump to brand
- MATE The Label Jump to brand
- tentree Jump to brand
- Colorful Standard Jump to brand
- Outerknown Jump to brand
- The Classic T-Shirt Company Jump to brand
- Beaumont Organics Jump to brand
The Very Good Bra
Circular
All or some products are circular in nature - such that no part of the product needs to end up in landfill at the end of its lifeCompostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at homeEthical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.PFAS Free
Products have been tested and verified to be free of PFASPlastic-free
All products are entirely plastic-freeSmall business
This brand is a small business run by less than 15 peopleSustainable Materials
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Traceable Supply Chain
Brand is able to fully trace their entire supply chain from end to end.Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their productsWoman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.The Very Good Bra has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
The Very Good Bra is one of the best organic cotton clothing brands creating comfortable, affordable undergarments. Stephanie Devine founded the brand after her win against breast cancer. She sought to develop the first biodegradable bra and succeeded.
Now, their bras and more are continually busting (get it?) down barriers—like working toward creating Australia’s first textile composting standard. Listen to our podcast with Stephanie for all the details.
Styles like the V for Victory have zero underwires or plastic and are made from ultra-soft organic cotton.
The Very Good Bra is a Certified B Corp.
Organic Basics
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Organic
Products are made from organic materials.Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsSustainable Materials
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Organic Basics has been rated & reviewed by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
Organic Basics is a Danish clothing company that makes a range of minimalist basics including underwear, tops and tanks, pajamas, knits, loungewear, socks, and more.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton clothing is Organic Basics’ ode to nature and accounts for 90% materials used.
They also use a small amount of FSC-certified Lenzing semi-synthetics (TENCEL™), recycled nylon and elastane in their products.
Their products have key toxicity certifications including REACH and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Their suppliers are required to adhere to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) standards and their own RSL (Restricted Substances List).
Pact
About Pact
Price Range: $20–$148
Pact is one of the OG affordable non-toxic clothing brands. They started making organic cotton clothing before many others followed suit.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Pact has made it possible to outfit the entire family in safe clothing. From organic baby clothes to maternity clothes, there’s not much they don’t cover.
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
You don’t have to read the labels/product descriptions to know what a Pact product is made of. Almost exclusively GOTS-certified organic cotton clothing. Only a small handful of garments contain minimal elastane for stretch.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Almost the entire supply chain is based in India. Over 3/4 of their fair trade cotton is grown there, and all clothing is made in Fair Trade Certified factories that meet strict criteria regarding environmental, social, and economic standards.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Pact is creating a positive impact in ways that go beyond their use of organic materials, like using practices that conserve water and energy. They use SimliZero to measure and offset the impact of each product and ship in carbon-neutral, FSC-certified recyclable paper Vela Bags.
Inclusivity:
Sizes for most products range from XS to XXL.
My Personal Review of Pact’s Fit & Flare Tieback Dress:
“I’m a big fan of this brand’s organic cotton clothing and especially love the simple silhouettes and super soft organic cotton fabric of Pact’s dresses, like the Fit & Flare line, which is as elegant as it is comfortable and functional. And ladies, did I mention most of their dresses have pockets?! I also adore the Knit Short Cardigan, which is no longer an available style, but still one of my all-time favorite layering wardrobe pieces for just about any occasion.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
MATE The Label
About MATE the Label
Price Range: $15–$268
With the trademark Dress Clean™, female-founded MATE the Label is a natural fiber clothing brand women everywhere need to be mates with. They offer women’s tees, long-sleeve tees, tanks, joggers, ethical hoodies, sweatpants, pajamas, and more.
All their garments are what we would consider to be essential—just like the cup of coffee embroidered on their oh-so-cozy Organic Fleece Embroidered Oversized Sweatshirt.
They also offer a much smaller selection of men’s and kidswear.
MATE the Label’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
MATE thinks highly of organic cotton, as their signature fabrics are 100% just that. Their Organic Lite fabric is soft and light, and the Organic Terry is even softer. Only low-impact dyes and organic thread are used.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The organic cotton in MATE’s products is grown in Maharashtra, India before being knitted and dyed in a Los Angeles-based factory that adheres to fair trade regulations.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Their “v localized” manufacturing chain, in which everything is cut, sewn, dyed, packaged, and shipped from said LA factory, means that MATE keeps their carbon footprint to a minimum.
They use 100% recycled shipping materials and replace poly bags with recyclable tissue paper. They are also a Certified B Corp and Carbon Neutral Certified.
Inclusivity:
MATE provides sustainable fashion in sizes XS–3X.
tentree
About tentree
Price Range: $35–$328
tentree is all about “Earth-first apparel,” for which they use an array of both recycled synthetic and organic materials. Hailing from Canada, the brand is one of the best for sustainable men’s clothing—but we’re equally head-over-heels for their organic women’s clothing.
A cozy favorite of ours is the Highline Oversized Turtleneck Dress, which is simultaneously comfortable to wear around the house and classy enough for date night.
We won’t be able to do their extensive range justice but just know it covers almost every layer possible, undies to outerwear.
tentree’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Along with other materials like recycled polyester, hemp, ECOVERO, and TENCEL™, organic cotton clothing is a core part of tentree’s line.
You’ll find an impressive selection there but know the majority are still blended with recycled polyester to give these clothes their active-ready potential, so shop carefully.
Supply chain & labor practices:
tentree is a Certified B Corp with a strict code of conduct. They are extremely transparent with their manufacturing chain and labor practices, including a Factory Ledger showing where each product is made. Certifications from Fair Trade, Fair Wear Foundation, WRAP, BSCI, and SA8000 back them.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
When adding organic goodies to your online shopping cart, notice each product’s Eco Log, breaking down the water usage, waste, and CO2 emissions prevented using more sustainable fabrics.
tentree is also Climate Neutral and sells offset packages to help shoppers follow suit.
Inclusivity:
Their sizes range from XS-XXL for women and XS-XXL for men.
Colorful Standard
About Colorful Standard
Price Range: $11–$90
In the words of Colorful Standard, “We love colors, and we love simplicity”—two things we want in a natural clothing brand.
You’ll find everything you need for your minimalist wardrobe in almost every color imaginable, including tees, sweatpants, sweat shorts, hoodies, crew neck sweatshirts, and socks.
We’ve personally tested several of their products like the Organic Crewneck sweatshirts and can confidently say they get two thumbs up for comfort and quality. We’re two years into wearing them frequently, and they still look like new.
Colorful Standard’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Colorful Standard specializes in 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton clothing, but they also use extra fine Woolmark-certified merino wool in their accessories (soon to be recycled wool).
The organic processing is rounded out with non-toxic clothing dyes that have OEKO-TEX certification.
Supply chain & labor practices:
All manufacturing occurs in Portugal, known for its strict labor laws. If you’re in the area, drop by unannounced for a factory tour.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Shipping directly from the factory to the consumer means no warehouses or middlemen in their production process, keeping emissions down.
To ensure their timeless clothing is “here for the long run,” CS prevents shrinking and other wear and tear by pre-washing all garments and making them with anti-pilling technology.
Inclusivity:
This organic brand offers XS-2XL sizes AND gender-neutral options
Outerknown
About Outerknown
Price Range: $98–$198
Outerknown may have an unlikely founder—professional surfer Kelly Slater—but they’re nonetheless making waves in the world of sustainable fashion.
The partially organic brand is committed to protecting our people, oceans, and planet.
While their use of recycled ocean plastics means they’re not exclusively natural, you’ll find plenty of organic, outdoor adventure-ready garments like eco-friendly sweatpants, tees, bottoms, sweaters, socks, and more.
Outerknown’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Outerknown’s mainstay organic materials include GOTS-certified organic cotton and ethical wool. You find both 100% organic cotton or wool, blended with other fabrics.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Outerknown is out.of.this.world for its ethical supply chain. Thanks to a partnership with Fair Trade USA, safe and fair working conditions are prioritized in their Chinese, Mexican, and Peruvian factories.
They were actually accredited by the Fair Labor Association before they shipped a single piece of clothing. Since producing its first garment, OK has supported more than 5,000 workers.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
We love that OK acknowledges that, while they are doing OK in regards to sustainable fashion there are always improvements to be made. Per their 2030 Sustainability Strategy, they have plans for making their products completely circular, renewable energy improvements, and efforts to further support their workers.
Inclusivity:
Most garments run XS-XL.
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Cloud Joggers:
“If you’re on the hunt for sweats that are comfy but not sweaty, OK’s Cloud Joggers might just fit the bill. They’re made from organic cotton and TENCEL, so they’re silky, soft and lightweight, which makes them perfect for wearing on summer mornings when it’s still a little cool but too warm for anything more. The fit is nice and relaxed without looking like you’re drowning in fabric!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt:
“Outerknown created an all-time favorite of mine: The Blanket Shirt. Made of tightly woven, extremely thick, 100% organic cotton, it is biodegradable, even down to the corozo nut buttons. I had no idea a flannel shirt could feel this cozy. I now own three and wear them all the time.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
The Classic T-Shirt Company
About The Classic T-Shirt Company
Price Range: $64–$118
The Classic T-Shirt Company has some of the best organic clothing made in the USA.
The sustainable basics, like the Unisex French Terry Box Tee, are available in several stylish colors, allowing you to outfit your wardrobe with versatile pieces in any situation.
The Classic T-Shirt Company’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The organic cotton t-shirts are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton without harmful dyes or chemicals.They’re also are durable, pre-shrunk, and don’t change size, shape, or color wash after wash.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The brand ethically sources all of its organic GOTS cotton from local farms in India. Garments are then manufactured in Los Angeles, California. The Classic T-Shirt Company provides a dignified working environment, reasonable hours, and exceptional wages.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The Classic T-Shirt Company aims to craft long-lasting, durable, and high-quality biodegradable clothing. Each order is shipped in 100% plastic-free, recycled materials.
Inclusivity:
The organic clothing for men’s sizes ranges between XS—XL, while women’s range between XXS—XXL.
My Personal Review of The Classic T-Shirt Company’s Unisex French Terry Box Tee:
“I love the French Terry Box Te, it’s like a cozy sweatshirt and a short-sleeve tee rolled into one. I’ve worn it regularly for about a year, and it still looks fantastic; even the unhemmed cut hem that gives it it’s relaxed, casual vibe hasn’t frayed one bit.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
My Personal Review of The Classic T-Shirt Company’s Men’s Short Sleeve V-Neck:
“Don’t be fooled by the simple look of the Short Sleeve V-Neck. This ultra-soft organic cotton tee is way tougher than your regular $10 t-shirt. I’m seriously impressed with how well it holds up against fading and pilling. After a year of wear, it still looks almost new. Plus, the cut is perfect.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Beaumont Organics
About Beaumont Organic
Price Range: $27—$360
As far as organic clothing brands in the UK, Beaumont Organic is a standout. There are countless environmentally friendly pieces for women, including dresses, tops, bottoms, sweaters, undergarments, and nightwear.
We’re loving the looks of their Organic Cotton Trousers for their bright colors, elegant fit, and low-impact materials that’ll keep the planet as comfortable as these will keep you.
Beaumont Organic’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Most pieces are made from organic cotton (GOTS-certified), either pure or with a small bit of elastane. Others utilize OEKO-TEX-certified Italian linen, recycled denim yarn, and responsibly sourced wool.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The all-natural clothing brand believes in transparency, publishing its list of suppliers and partners online. 87% of the production process is within a 300-mile radius of Braga, Portugal, where they source the majority of their raw materials. The rest is in the UK
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Customers can click a ‘sustainability’ tab on each product to find out exactly what’s gone into making the garment.
UK customers have access to product repairs and a circular resale program.
Inclusivity:
The non-toxic women’s clothing is available in sizes between XS–L (UK 8-18).
Why Invest In Non-Toxic Clothing?
We’re in the midst of a plastic crisis, and we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your favorite sweater might be part of the problem.
60% of all clothing contains synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum and other fossil fuels. The demand for synthetics is growing far faster than the demand for natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and wool.
Fast fashion especially relies on synthetic fibers because they are cheap and abundant.
Aside from increasing the demand for fossil fuels and making forever-piles in our landfills, synthetic garments also harm the environment by releasing microplastics (between 700,000 and one million per garment) into the waterways every time they go through a wash.
These not only pollute water but kill fish and worm their way into our very food chain.
Synthetic fibers are obviously a big problem, but natural fibers produced through inorganic means also have their downside.
Conventional cotton is the dirtiest crop in the world due to its insatiable appetite for water and chemicals. Pesticides, insecticides (24% of all sold), and synthetic fertilizers (one-third of a pound for one measly t-shirt) all go into conventional cotton farming.
Okay, sure, but do clothes need to be organic? What about non-organic sustainable clothing brands?
And what is the difference between organic and sustainable clothing?
Well, a sustainable clothing brand might use a variety of fabrics, including recycled synthetics.
This is good from the standpoint of using materials that would otherwise go to waste, but doesn’t necessarily address the toxins that might be present in synthetic fibers.
If you’re trying to live a non-toxic natural life, clothing shouldn’t be made of synthetic fabrics—even recycled ones.