Sustainable fashion, fair clothing, and eco-friendly textiles are totally on trend – and that’s a good thing. But what does “sustainable” actually mean in fashion? And how can you tell when shopping whether a garment is truly sustainable or just pretending? You’ll often find the answer right on the product: on the label.

In this article, I’ll show you how to read clothing labels correctly, what to look for in sustainability certifications, and how to avoid greenwashing. That way, you can make more conscious decisions – for yourself, for the environment, and for fair working conditions.

Why you should read labels: More than just the size

Many people look at the price, fit, or color first when buying a T-shirt. Fair enough. But just as important is taking a look at the label. That’s where you’ll find info about:

• the composition of the materials

• the country of manufacture

• care instructions

• and (if available) sustainability seals or certifications

This information gives you valuable clues about how eco-friendly and fair the product really is.

Understanding material composition: Natural fiber or plastic fiber?

Take a close look at the material composition information. It might say, for example, “100% cotton” or “60% polyester, 40% cotton.” Sounds simple, but the differences are huge:

• Organic cotton: Grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs. Good for the environment and often for your skin, too.

• Conventional cotton: Requires a huge amount of water and chemicals – bad for soils and farmers.

• Polyester, nylon, elastane: Synthetic fibers made from petroleum. Not biodegradable, and can shed microplastics.

• Viscose, Lyocell, Tencel: Cellulose fibers made from wood. Depending on the manufacturing process, more or less eco-friendly.

Comparison of the most popular textile fibers:

👉 Tip: The higher the share of natural and organically grown fibers, the better for the environment.

Recognizing sustainability seals: What really matters

Not every pretty green leaf on a label is a real sustainability seal. That’s why it’s worth knowing the most important certifications:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): One of the strictest seals. GOTS guarantees organic cultivation, fair working conditions, and eco-friendly processing across the entire supply chain.

• IVN BEST: Even stricter than GOTS. Only textiles with almost 100% natural fibers can be certified.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances, but says nothing about organic cultivation or fair working conditions. Good, but not a sustainability seal in the strict sense.

• Fairtrade Textile Production / Fair Wear Foundation: Focus on fair wages and good working conditions

👉 Tip: Look for official logos, and if in doubt, check the seals’ websites – they often have a database of certified brands.

You can find more details in the article „Certifications and seals for sustainable fashion“ in our magazine.

Recognizing greenwashing: When everything is just a facade

Many brands advertise with terms like “sustainable,” “eco,” “green,” or “conscious” – without any proof. That’s called greenwashing. Here’s how to spot it:

• Vague terms without certification: It says “eco-friendly,” but there’s no seal? Be careful.

• A sustainable product, but the rest of the collection is fast fashion? Then it’s probably just an image boost.

• Unrealistic prices: An organic T-shirt for 5 euros? Sounds too good to be true – and it is.

👉 Tip: Read the fine print and look online for reviews or reports about the brand.

Proper care: Sustainability doesn’t end at the checkout

A garment is only truly sustainable if you take good care of it. Follow the care instructions:

• Wash at low temperatures.

• Use eco-friendly detergents.

• Air-dry instead of using a tumble dryer.

This extends the lifespan of your clothes – while also saving resources.

Practical tips for conscious shopping

• Do a label check: Always read the material information and look for seals.

• Research brands: Many fair labels communicate transparently about their production.

• Ask questions: In-store or online – good brands are happy to share information.

• Buy less, but better: Quality over quantity is more sustainable.

• Don’t forget secondhand: Reusing what’s already been bought saves resources and money.

• Use trustworthy sources for sustainable labels – for example, on platforms for Sustainable and Fair Fashion, where you’ll find vetted brands that take transparency and responsibility seriously.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clothing labels & sustainability

What’s the difference between OEKO-TEX and GOTS?
OEKO-TEX tests for harmful substances in the finished product, but has no requirements for organic cultivation or fair working conditions. GOTS, on the other hand, covers the entire supply chain – from organic cotton to eco-friendly processing – and includes social criteria as well.

How can I spot greenwashing in fashion products?
Typical signs are vague terms like “eco” or “conscious” without proof, a single “sustainable” product in an otherwise conventional collection, or dumping prices for supposedly fair fashion. Keep your eyes open when marketing starts talking.

Why is organic cotton better for the environment?
It’s grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which protects soils and water resources. Farmers also benefit from better working conditions and higher prices.

Do blended fabrics make a garment less sustainable?
Yes, because they’re harder to recycle. A T-shirt made of 100% organic cotton is easier to reuse than one with a 50% polyester content. The purer the material, the better.

What do I actually gain by buying certified clothing?
You support fair wages, safe working conditions, and eco-friendly production methods. And you can be sure that certain standards were met – good for your conscience and for the world.

Reading labels turns you into a fashion pro

Sure, reading a clothing label isn’t as sexy as that new designer dress. But it’s worth it! Because when you know what’s in it, where it comes from, and how it was made, you make better decisions. For you, for the people behind the clothes – and for our planet.

👉 So: Eyes open when buying by the label!