Organic September: We Celebrate Our Organic Cotton Clothing

It’s Organic September! This month we’re celebrating all things organic, including our much-loved organic cotton clothing. Our fabrics really are a crucial part of how we operate here at Thought. And we’re proud to say that we only craft clothing made from natural, organic or recycled materials. So, what makes organic cotton special? This versatile fibre is of a higher quality to ordinary cotton: it’s softer, kinder to the skin, more environmentally friendly and kinder on the people who produce it. But although cotton is the most widely used fibre in the clothing industry, less than 0.1% of it is organic – not enough if you ask us.

Organic September: We Celebrate Our Organic Cotton Clothing

So let’s go back to basics: what's the real difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton, and why should you choose organic?

Better soil, better seeds, better crops

It may not seem like an important factor in the grand scheme of things, but having healthy soil is crucial for future crops and the strength of the ecosystem. Conventional cotton is generally grown as a mono-crop, which destroys the soil quality. But organic cotton is grown in crop rotation and mixed planting is used to encourage biodiversity. In this way, soil is preserved and therefore retains more water and Co2. And did you know that conventional cotton uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop? Organic cotton only uses GMO-free seeds, avoiding risking the health of humans and wildlife. Our crops are also grown without the use of any synthetic chemicals like pesticides or fertilisers. Instead, these are replaced with natural, organic alternatives.

Better for farmers and their families

All of our organic cotton is GOTS certified which ensures that strict environmental and social criteria have been met throughout the entire process. It means that no toxic chemicals are used in production, so there’s a smaller production cost for farmers and a higher cotton price for the end consumer. Without the use of pesticides and fertilisers, farmers (who often don’t have access to chemical handling equipment) aren’t vulnerable to illnesses related to conventional cotton farming.

Kinder on the environment

Choosing organic cotton is generally far kinder on the environment. Organic farming avoids chemicals, which helps improve soil quality, prevent water contamination, conserve biodiversity and stop wildlife and rivers from being poisoned. And since more Co2 is preserved in the soil rather than being released into the atmosphere, it helps prevent climate change too.

Higher quality end product

There are many aesthetic reasons why we love organic cotton. It has longer, softer and less brittle fibres creating a luxuriously durable fabric. And in general, cotton doesn’t crease or pill as much as other fabrics. It is extremely versatile, absorbent and breathable, as well as being easy to wash and care for.

Better for you

It goes without saying that when we wear cotton that’s grown and produced using chemicals, it has an effect on our body. Since there are no chemicals used in the production of our organic cotton it’s much softer and gentler on your skin, causing fewer allergies or irritations.

What makes organic cotton processing different?

There are so many factors that differentiate conventional cotton and organic cotton processing. Most of these differences are to do with avoiding toxic processing and opting for a non-toxic alternative. For example to harvest organic cotton, freezing temperatures or water management is used rather than chemicals. And instead of using chlorine bleaching to whiten the fabric (which creates toxic by-products that are released into the environment) we use a safe, non-toxic peroxide.

Our favourite organic cotton pieces from this season

So what are we looking forward to wearing from our new Autumn collection? Here are our six favourite organic cotton pieces... 1. The Hilma Shirt Dress Simple, yet beautiful our Hilma Shirt Dress is an easy style for the season. In a super soft chambray material this piece is bound to become a wardrobe favourite. 2. Fairfield Sweater In a warm, autumnal mustard, this cosy organic cotton sweater comes in a simple cable knit. With split sides, a round neck and comfortable dropped shoulders, it is a true must-have piece from this season. (We will certainly be getting our hands on it!) 3. Chevley Top The Chevley Top is a repeat style of our best-selling shape from Spring 17. It has a unique, exclusively designed floral print and is super easy to dress up or down, for weekend or work. 4. Pablo Top This toned down blouse features detailing down the front and smart cropped sleeves. We’d wear it with our smart Carolee Slacks for a super chic look. 5. Rothko Tunic You may have guessed, but we love stripes here at Thought. Our Rothko Tunic recreates the classic Breton stripe wonderfully, with comfortable dropped shoulders and feature pockets. It comes in two of our favourite colours of the season. 6. Alice Mac If striking stripes are what you’re after, then look no further. Our double-breasted Alice Mac is a truly unique statement piece for autumn, with a tie waist for a flattering fit. Do you have a favourite piece from our collection? Let us know on twitter, @wearethought! You might also love reading our organic beauty favourites.