Do you question the benefits of buying kids underwear in organic cotton? I do. Especially when I was buying toddler underwear. I mean, does it even make sense to consider organic cotton for a child who has just finished potty training? Think of the accidents and near-misses.
We have lots of choices to make when buying our kids' clothes. Fabric, style, pattern - kids can be very picky!
When it comes to underwear, which is against the skin and worn all day, it makes sense to consider the fabric carefully. Especially for children and their sensitive skin. And organic cotton has many properties that make it the ideal fabric for kids underwear.
Organic Cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and herbicides.
The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic products made my head spin. But we can take comfort in knowing that this list exists. And any product, whether food or textile, that claims to be organic must meet these requirements. It is reassuring to know that any allowed substance has been tested for safety.
Organic cotton can not be grown from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
This means that the seeds used to grow organic cotton are all natural. They have not been modified to resist pests, like the vast majority of seeds used to grow cotton throughout the world.
Organic Cotton is Pure and Natural
What does pure and natural even mean? Diving into some of the details behind what qualifies cotton as organic can help us to understand. Cotton suppliers who want their cotton be certified must jump through many hoops.
Organic Cotton is Soft
Organic cotton is softer than conventional cotton. Usually handpicked, organic cotton typically has longer fibers than conventional cotton. These longer fibers contribute to the softer, more comfy feel of organic cotton, which makes it ideal for girls and boys underwear.
Organic Cotton is Good for the Earth
Ethical brands require that their fabric suppliers and processors meet international social standards.
Manufacturers of certified cotton must follow a stringent set of rules throughout the supply chain. This starts with the cotton seeds themselves. Farmers grow the cotton. Mill workers turn the cotton into yarn. Dye house workers bleach the cotton white or dye it the beautiful colors we love. Testing is performed at each step to ensure the cotton is free of all harmful additives and residues.
Organic Cotton reduces toxic chemicals in the environment
Humans love cotton. We love our soft cotton t-shirts, luxurious cotton sateen sheets, and comfortable cotton underwear for our kids. Chances are excellent that you are wearing something made from cotton right now.
Conventional cotton production uses close to 3% of the world's arable land. Yet cotton is responsible for nearly 20% of pesticides and herbicides used worldwide. These numbers are sobering. And somewhat overwhelming.
Are you tempted to say what can one person do? Yes, it can seem like buying one pair of organic cotton children's underwear is just a drop in the bucket. However, I like to think a little differently. Little steps add up. Small changes can make a difference. And organic production is increasing as consumers and growers see the benefits and buy more organic cotton.
Every acre we can shift to organic cotton production means:
Fewer harmful dyes and chemicals released into the water supply
Reduced toxins in our food supply
Decreased water usage and more water for drinking
Improved soil health and increased biodiversity
Fewer sick farmers from exposure to toxins
Seriously, choosing organic cotton seems like a great idea now, doesn't it?
Organic Cotton Improves the Lives of Workers
Organic cotton producers care about workers' lives. They follow specific criteria to ensure the safety and health of their employees.- No forced labor
- Right to collective bargaining
- Safe and hygienic working conditions
- No child labor
- Living wages
- Working hours must not be excessive
- No discrimination
- No harsh or inhumane treatment
These seem like basic rights, don't they? But for many apparel workers throughout the world, they are not. That is why Lucky & Me have established a Code of Conduct which outlines our values and requirements for all factories and suppliers who make any of our products, organic and non-organic. You can read more about how we choose vendors in our blog post Choosing Factories with Care.
Organic Cotton Costs a little More
Yes, organic cotton underwear can be more expensive. First, it costs more to grow the smaller quantities, without relying on chemical pesticides. And picking cotton by hand costs more than by machine. Therefore, organic cotton products can cost about 20% more than similar items made with conventional cotton. This is a small price to pay for all the advantages of organic cotton. Do your children a favor and consider buying organic cotton children's underwear. Our planet will thank you.
Click below for a list of our girls and boys underwear made with organic cotton.
By Liz Smith. Liz has worked across the globe for many of the world's best known apparel brands, including Justice, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, and Hanes. She has worked closely with dozens of factories in more than 20 countries to ensure that production is of the highest standard. Liz has managed all aspects of garment production, from design through fabric development to sewing and merchandising - so she knows what it takes to make high-quality apparel. Liz is thrilled to share her knowledge about clothes to help discerning customers choose the finest products.