Information on organic cotton

Why organic cotton is becoming increasingly important

The fashion industry is changing. More and more consumers are taking an interest in where their clothes come from and under what conditions they are produced. Organic cotton is grown in accordance with the guidelines for organic farming. These include, amongst other things, requirements regarding the use of certain plant protection products and fertilisers.

History

Cotton is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Archaeological finds provide evidence of its use as far back as several thousand years ago, for example in India, Egypt and South America. With the expansion of global trade and industrialisation in the 18th and 19th centuries, cotton developed into an important raw material for the textile industry.

As demand rose, cultivation methods also changed. Pesticides, fertilisers and water requirements play a key role in this. The use of pesticides, chemical fertilisers and high water consumption led to an enormous environmental impact. In the 1990s, environmental organisations, farmers and textile companies responded – and the movement towards organically grown cotton began.

Organic cotton on your skin

Cotton is known for being comfortable to wear. This natural fibre feels pleasant against the skin and can absorb moisture. That is why it is frequently used for T-shirts, underwear, baby clothes and bed linen.
These textiles are often in direct contact with our skin for many hours. Although the skin forms a natural protective barrier, toxic substances can penetrate the skin through direct and prolonged contact. As no harsh chemicals are used in the cultivation and processing of organic cotton, the natural properties of the fibre are preserved. For people with allergies, atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin, organic cotton is often a good choice.

Why is clothing, made from organic cotton so particularly soft?

Cotton is known for its pleasant feel and versatility. How soft a cotton garment feels, depends, amongst other things, on the fineness and length of the fibres, the yarn production and the manufacturing process of the fabric. Organic cotton is grown in accordance with the guidelines of organic farming. In addition, our manufacturers ensure the use of high-quality fibres, which feel pleasantly soft and extend the lifespan of the garment.

Examples of clothing made from organic cotton

Organic cotton is now found in almost every area of fashion. T-shirts, knitted jumpers, jeans, shirts, underwear and bed linen are particularly popular.
Our brands, such as ARMEDANGELS, Recolution, Knowledge Cotton and Mazine, demonstrate that fashion made from organic cotton is aesthetically appealing.

Disadvantages and challenges

Despite the many advantages, there are also some challenges involved in the production of organic cotton. The yield per hectare is usually lower than for conventional cotton, which leads to higher prices. Furthermore, organic farming requires more manual labour and more careful attention.
Organic cotton is not available in unlimited quantities. This is what we notice in our selection: not every item of clothing we want can be sourced in the right colour, size and quality from organic cotton.
In the long term, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages: soil protection, the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of fair working conditions are key building blocks for a responsible future for the fashion industry.

Where is cotton grown?

Cotton requires plenty of warmth and a sufficiently long frost-free growing season. That is why it cannot be grown everywhere. Today, cotton is mainly produced in countries such as China, India, Brazil, the USA and Pakistan.