Best Sustainability Certifications for Textiles & Fashion

Textile and fashion certifications help brands, manufacturers, and consumers verify that fabrics and garments are produced responsibly. From organic cotton to chemical safety, these programs cover environmental impact, worker welfare, and supply chain transparency across the textile industry.

10 programs ranked·
1

The world's leading standard for organic textiles. GOTS covers the entire supply chain from raw material harvesting through manufacturing, ensuring both environmental and social criteria are met.

2

The most widely used product-level certification for textile safety. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests for harmful substances in every component of a textile product, from yarns to buttons.

3

Combines product safety testing with sustainable production verification. MADE IN GREEN certifies textiles tested for harmful substances and produced in environmentally friendly, socially responsible facilities.

4
Better Cotton Initiative certification logo by Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative

The world's largest cotton sustainability program. Better Cotton trains farmers on water efficiency, soil health, and fair labor practices, reaching over 2.5 million farmers across 25+ countries.

5

Certifies textile production facilities for sustainable manufacturing processes. STeP evaluates chemical management, environmental performance, quality management, social responsibility, and health and safety.

6

Verifies that cotton products are genuinely organic throughout the entire supply chain. Combines organic certification with OEKO-TEX's rigorous testing for harmful substances.

7

Certifies leather products tested for harmful substances at every stage of production. Covers chemicals, heavy metals, and other potentially hazardous materials in finished leather goods.

8

Certifies that chemicals, colorants, and auxiliaries used in textile manufacturing are safe for human health and the environment. Essential for textile supply chain chemical management.

9
Cotton Made in Africa certification logo by Aid by Trade Foundation

Cotton Made in Africa

Aid by Trade Foundation

A sustainability initiative for African cotton farming. Cotton made in Africa supports smallholder farmers with training in sustainable practices while ensuring fair labor conditions.

10

Certifies textile companies demonstrating responsible business practices across governance, environmental management, social responsibility, and supply chain transparency.

How we rank these certifications

Rankings are based on global market adoption, third-party recognition by standards bodies, number of certified projects or holders, geographic availability, and rigor of assessment requirements. Data is sourced from each program's official registry and our database of 748+ certification programs.