How to Buy Organic Clothing

There are many reasons to buy organic clothes, such as animal rights and fair labor practices, but there is also no denying the high quality of sustainable and organic fabrics. By greening your fashion, you can feel good about what you're wearing because you're also helping the planet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look for the label. Even though it is grown mostly in India and Turkey, all organic cotton sold in the U.S. must adhere to the same strict USDA regulations that organic fruits and vegetables do in order to earn the National Organic Program (NOP) seal of approval. Different percentages of clothing can be organic, anywhere from 3% to 100%, so keep an eye out for what level you are actually purchasing.
2. Call your local farm. More and more farmers are investing in organic crops, and enquiring if a local farm produces its own organic clothing crops is worth the extra time and energy. Often, you can purchase fabrics directly from the farm for a bulk price, or the farm can at least direct you to stores that carry merchandise made from its crops. And as an added bonus, you'll be supporting your local farming economy.
3. Check out outdoor sporting goods stores. Retailers such as REI, LL Bean and Eastern Mountain Sports are dedicated to exploring the great outdoors, and as a result are usually intent on incorporating eco-friendly products and practices in their business models. Cut your shopping time in half by heading straight to one of these stores for durable and rugged organic clothing options for all seasons.
4. Do online research. Several major clothing companies such as Patagonia, Kate Quinn and Gaiam produce environmentally friendly wardrobes for a variety of lifestyles. Even though just 1% of the cotton industry is organic, the supplies are in high demand and a growing number of retailers carry at least some types of organic clothing in their stores. Research companies and their products online to find your best option.
5. Order it tailor-made. If you're having trouble finding exactly what you're looking for, have your clothes made for you. It's often easier to find organic fabrics than a finished piece, so purchasing these fabrics ahead of time and taking them to a tailor ensure you get exactly what you want made from the exact materials you want them made with. And depending on what type of clothing you create, the end product will usually be cheaper than a store-bought item.

Tips & Warnings

• Organic clothing can have an edge too. Victoria’s Secret, H&M and Stella McCartney all incorporate organic fabrics in their designs.
• Avoid purchasing clothes that are dry-clean only. Despite industry improvements, most dry cleaners still use tetrachloroethylene, a harmful carcinogen.