The Complete Guide to Sustainable Fabric Certifications
- Büşra Dalman
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Why Sustainable Fabric Certifications Matter
In today’s fashion industry, sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a requirement. Brands and consumers alike are demanding more transparency and responsibility from textile manufacturers. One of the clearest ways to verify sustainable practices is through fabric certifications. But what do these labels actually mean? And how can they affect your brand?
For an overview of the full production process, read our complete guide to sustainable garment production.
Understanding the Most Common Sustainable Fabric Certifications
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is one of the most widely recognized certifications for organic textiles. It ensures that the fabric is made from at least 70% organic fibers and that every stage of production—from raw material to dyeing—follows strict environmental and social criteria. For brands aiming to market their garments as truly organic, GOTS is essential.
Curious about how organic cotton fits into sustainability goals? Our article on the truth about organic cotton breaks it down.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
This certification tests textiles for harmful substances. It doesn't necessarily mean the product is organic or made with eco-friendly methods, but it ensures the final product is safe for human use. It's particularly important for babywear, underwear, and skin-contact garments.
RWS (Responsible Wool Standard)
RWS focuses on animal welfare and land management in wool production. It guarantees that the wool comes from farms that treat sheep ethically and manage their land responsibly.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
GRS is crucial for brands using recycled fibers. It verifies the recycled content of a product and ensures responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices throughout production.
Fair Trade Certified
This certification ensures that workers are paid fair wages and operate in safe conditions. It’s not textile-specific but adds credibility for brands committed to ethical labor.
How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Brand?
Know your values: Are you focused on organic materials, ethical labor, or safe chemical usage?
Think about your customer: What do they care most about—animal welfare, human safety, environmental impact?
Talk to your manufacturer: A good manufacturer (like Ayder Textile) can help you navigate which sustainable fabric certifications are realistic for your budget and production needs.
Need help selecting sustainable fabrics based on your production scale and aesthetic goals? Our fabric selection guide for small fashion brands can help.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Fabric Certifications
Having the right certifications isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a strategic decision that signals trust and integrity. In a competitive market, certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX can help small and emerging brands stand out.
If you’re considering sustainable production and need guidance on certified fabrics, we’re here to help.
Let’s Talk
Navigating sustainable fabric certifications can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
At Ayder Textile, we support fashion brands not only in sourcing certified fabrics like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and GRS, but also in understanding what each certification requires, how it impacts your product labeling, and how to communicate it clearly to your customers.
Whether you’re planning your first eco-conscious collection or refining your sustainability claims, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
📩 Reach out if you’d like to explore certified fabric options, review your production workflow, or align your next collection with global sustainability standards.
Büşra Dalman
Author of the Article / Customer Representative
Ayder Textile
📞 +90 212 550 74 40
📍 No: 17, Şehit Hidayet Yılmaz Street, Fevzi Çakmak Avenue, 15 Temmuz Neighborhood, Bağcılar, Istanbul 34212, Turkey
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