Unlike, food and personal care products, there are no U.S. or global standards for organic textiles. Although natural fibers that come from plants and animals can be certified ‘organic’ by the USDA, those fibers undergo a variety of processes to create textiles, or materials, that'll be used to make clothes.
A wide variety of harsh chemicals are employed to weave, clean, dye and finish materials. This will make it difficult to deem clothing organic even if the original fibers were in fact from organic sources. However, many organizations all over the world and in Augusta are now trying to create global standards for what may be labeled organic clothing.
OTA Organic Clothing Standards in Augusta & the U.S.
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) in the United States has made great strides in establishing 4 levels for organic clothing labeling.
100% Organic – all materials used are grown organically, even the threads. All processes used conform to the OTA standards.
Organic – No less than 95% organically grown fibers used and all processes adhere to the OTA standards.
Made with Organic (specific fiber products) – At least 70% of the fibers used were organically grown.
Less 70% Organically Produced - The garment might have some organic fiber content. May be manufactured using processes that don’t keep to the OTA standards.
Organic Clothing Materials
The fibers utilized for materials are basically the only thing that is currently certified organic in clothing. Organic clothing comes in a number of materials. Just how many materials may surprise people. Listed below are examples of materials that may be organically harvested to create organic clothing.
- Cotton
- Bamboo
- Hemp
- Silk
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Linen
Where to Find Organic Clothing in Augusta, AR
Luckily, organic clothing has become more common in Augusta lately and the availability has improved greatly. Now, you can get organic clothing almost anywhere in the U.S.
Online – The internet is probably your best resource for finding organic clothing providers, both locally and all over the world. There are numerous of websites that sell organic clothing and cover trends within the organic clothing industry.
Farmers markets in Augusta – Farmers markets aren’t just for people looking for organic foods. There are also eco-friendly products that support sustainability. Bonus: you’ll be supporting your local economy.
Augusta retail stores – Organic clothing has grown to be so popular in Augusta that even major chains like Wal-Mart are selling affordable options. Other retail stores that typically sell organic clothes include Target, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Bloomingdales and many others.
Check the labels to be sure the garment really is organic and to what degree. It also helps to research manufacturers to learn about the processes they use to make their organic clothing, because as you now know there's much more to think about than the fabric.