When you buy baby clothes, you regularly come across terms and quality labels. Organic cotton, GOTS, OEKO-TEX… But what do those terms actually mean?
One of the most well-known labels in textiles is OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
At Besito Baby, we also choose fabrics with this certification. But what exactly does OEKO-TEX say about baby clothes? And perhaps more importantly: what does it not say?
We explain.
What is OEKO-TEX?
OEKO-TEX is an international system of certifications for textiles and leather. One of the best-known certifications is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.
Textile products with this label have been tested for harmful substances according to the requirements of the certification system.
This does not just look at the main fabric. Parts of a certified article, such as thread, buttons, and other components, must also meet the relevant criteria.
Why is OEKO-TEX important for baby clothes?
A baby's skin is sensitive, and baby clothes are often in direct contact with the skin for long periods.
Just think of a bodysuit: your baby sometimes wears it almost all day long.
This is precisely why we think it is important to consciously look at the materials we use for clothing that is worn so close to the skin.
At Besito Baby, our cotton Wrap Bodysuits and Modular Leggings are made of 95% cotton and 5% elastane and have an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.
What is tested under OEKO-TEX?
With STANDARD 100, textile products are tested against an extensive list of regulated and non-regulated substances that may be harmful to health.
Furthermore, the requirements can differ depending on the use of the product. Products that come into intensive contact with the skin are assessed differently than, for example, decorative textiles.
Within STANDARD 100, particularly strict requirements apply to baby and children's products.
That makes the label relevant when you are picking out clothes for a baby.
Does OEKO-TEX mean a garment is organic?
No. This is an important difference.
An OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label does not automatically mean that the cotton used is organic.
The certification focuses on testing the end product and its components for harmful substances according to the requirements of the standard.
Do you want to know if a garment is organically produced? Then you must check separately for information about the fibers used and any other certifications. The care label often states whether the cotton in the product is organic.
Is OEKO-TEX the same as GOTS?
No.
Although you often come across both terms in clothing and textiles, they do not mean the same thing.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 focuses on testing textiles for harmful substances. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard – is a different standard, which includes requirements for organic fibers and various steps in processing and production.
Why Besito Baby chooses OEKO-TEX-certified fabrics
Besito Baby was born from a simple thought: why should baby clothes be either practical or stylish?
We believe it can be both.
But for clothes for the little ones, we also care about the material. That is why we not only look at color, fit, and smart details, but also consciously look at the fabrics we use.
Our cotton essentials, including The Wrap Bodysuit and The Modular Legging, are made from a soft, flexible cotton blend with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.
This is how we try to design essentials that have more thought put into them than just how they look.
What can you pay attention to yourself when buying baby clothes?
A quality label is useful, but always look at the big picture with baby clothes.
Check, for example, the material, the fit, the washing instructions, and how easily the garment can be put on and taken off.
And above all, ask yourself: am I really going to use this garment often in daily life?
Because as far as we are concerned, the best baby wardrobe does not consist of as many clothes as possible, but of a number of beautiful, comfortable, and practical essentials.
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