What do Fair Trade, GOTS and OEKO-teX certifications mean?

When choosing garments for your custom printing project, you may come across labels like “GOTS certified,” “OEKO-TEX,” or “Fair Trade.” These terms get used a lot, sometimes interchangeably, but they actually mean very different things. Understanding them can help you make informed choices about the products you put your brand on.

OEKO-TEX: Safe for Your Skin

OEKO-TEX is primarily a product safety certification. It tests the finished textile for harmful substances — things like certain dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals that could be present in the fabric. If a garment carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, it means the fabric has been tested and found free from a long list of substances that could be harmful to human health.

This certification doesn’t say much about how the garment was made or where the raw materials came from — it focuses specifically on the safety of the end product. It’s a great baseline for ensuring the clothing your team or customers will be wearing close to their skin is non-toxic.

GOTS: Organic and Environmentally Responsible

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) goes much further. It covers the entire production chain — from the harvesting of organic raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, all the way to labeling.

To be GOTS certified, a textile must contain a minimum percentage of certified organic fibers, and the entire supply chain must meet strict environmental criteria, including wastewater treatment and restrictions on chemical inputs. GOTS also includes social criteria, such as fair working conditions.

In short: OEKO-TEX tells you the product is safe to wear, while GOTS tells you the entire production process — from farm to finished garment — meets organic and environmental standards.

Fair Trade: People Behind the Product

Fair Trade certification focuses on the people involved in making your garments. It sets standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and community development funds for workers in the supply chain — often in regions where labor protections might otherwise be limited.

While GOTS includes some social criteria as part of its broader standard, Fair Trade certification is specifically dedicated to ensuring the workers who grow the cotton and sew the garments are treated and paid fairly.

Why This Matters for Your Brand

More and more customers — whether it’s your employees, event attendees, or retail customers — care about where their clothing comes from. Choosing certified garments allows you to:

- Back up your sustainability claims with recognized, third-party certifications

- Offer your team or customers products that are safer and more responsibly made

- Strengthen your brand’s story around quality and responsibility

We work with suppliers like Stanley/Stella, who offer a wide range of certified garments across these standards, so you can choose the level of sustainability that fits your project and budget.

Find the Right Garment for Your Project

Not sure which certification matters most for your project, or which garments are available with which certifications? We’re happy to walk you through the options.

Email us at info@malmoprinting.se, or stop by our shop at Stora Nygatan 24, Malmö, open Monday to Friday, 9:00–16:00. We’ll help you choose garments that look great, feel great, and align with your values.