Cotton vs. Organic Cotton – What’s the difference?

You often see “100% cotton” on a label – but that says little about the sustainability of a garment. There’s a world of difference between regular cotton and organic cotton. 

Cotton is commonly grown with heavy use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can harm biodiversity and deplete the soil. It also requires large amounts of water and is often linked to poor working conditions for farmers and factory workers. 

Organic cotton, by contrast, is grown without toxic chemicals, using farming methods that preserve water and improve soil health. It’s typically rain-fed rather than irrigated, and often comes from supply chains that guarantee better labor conditions and environmental standards. 

At Collé Group, we choose organic cotton whenever we can. Because sustainability doesn’t just start at the factory – it starts with the fibre. Organic cotton might be slightly more expensive, but the difference in impact is huge. For people, for the planet, and for the long-term value of your brand. 

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