April 11, 2022 5 min read

By now, we all know that organic bedding is the best. There are endless reasons why you should choose these earth-friendly options. Yet, less than one percent of the global cotton harvest is organic, meaning it’s not always easy to find.

It may take a bit of research to find a high-quality organic bedding set that best suits your needs, but we don’t think it should be so hard. That’s why we’ve done the digging for you. Here’s our stress-free guide on where to buy organic bedding.

All About Organic Certifications

If you’re thinking about buying organic bedding, the first thing to ask is, “Is this fabric actually organic?” It may seem like a silly question, but it’s crucial.

Blue linen sheet set on sand linen quilt sideways Aegean blue sateen bed sheets close-up

Every government has its own regulations on organic criteria and certification processes. For example, the USDA’s organic standards require:

  • Soil quality and nutrient management
  • Prioritization of biological, mechanical, and physical pest, weed, and disease management (with other approved substances only used in exceptional circumstances)
  • Organic seed use
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) forbidden
  • The crop’s land must be free from any banned substances for at least three years
  • However, these criteria may differ depending on the certifying bodies’ standards. That’s why it’s essential to know who’s verifying the garment’s organic status: so you know the specifics about your product’s history.

    After all, the best fabrics for bed sheets are ones created responsibly.

    Organic Labeling

    Some farmers may use organic farming practices yet not be certified. While labeling products as “organic,” if they are not approved, is prohibited in the United States, checking for an organization’s stamp of approval is still best.

    But keep an eye out for multi-ingredient products, a.k.a. fabric blends. Labeling gets a little tricky here. Garments made with 95-percent or more organic materials can bear the USDA’s organic logo. Meanwhile, items with 70-percent or more can claim the product is “made with” organic ingredients yet cannot use the USDA seal.

    So, read your packages carefully! What’s the point in learning where to find organic bedding if the fabric isn’t entirely organic anyway?

    USDA vs. GOTS Certifications

    USDA organic certification is the elite label for most agriculture. However, that’s not the case for textiles. The USDA closely monitors farming practices but doesn’t have much control over what happens post-harvest. So, that’s where the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) comes into play.

    As we mentioned earlier, it’s hard to compare governmental organic certifications at a glance since they each maintain unique requirements. GOTS, on the other hand, levels the playing field. And their name rings true: they truly have set the bar for all organic fabrics worldwide. But what sets them apart?

    GOTS accreditation requires the following:

  • Organic certification according to International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) standards
  • Environmental responsibility: e.g., GOTS-approved coloring processes, wastewater management
  • Social responsibility: e.g., no forced or child labor, occupational health and safety
  • Transparency through the supply chain: facilities at every step of production must adhere to GOTS standards
  • Independent third-party verification: GOTS accredited certification bodies continually oversee the entire process
  • You can think of GOTS as having a much more rigorous set of standards than the USDA. However, GOTS approval begins with organic certification by an organization like the USDA. Likewise, GOTS-verified textiles automatically meet USDA standards, even if the USDA hasn’t certified the garment themselves.

     

    So, instead of asking where to buy organic bedding, you should ask where to buy GOTS bedding.

    Other textile certifications to seek

    Light grey organic cotton sheet set Dark grey cotton sateen bed sheets

    What else should you consider when finding out where to buy organic bedding? Other certifications that your ideal textile holds! So, beyond GOTS approval, look for:

    • Oeko-Tex Standard 100.While many organic regulations only monitor farming practices, Oeko-Tex only considers the final product. Think of them as a proofreader for your textiles. They thoroughly test each piece of the garment’s final product, ensuring it’s free from dangerous levels of over 100 substances harmful to human health. And we mean every detail — right down to the buttons!
    • Fairtrade. Organic products aren’t fair trade by default. However, some organizations like GOTS include social responsibility as part of their accreditation criteria. Still, they’re different distinctions. Fairtrade means that the trading relationship is equitable, sustainable, and has safe working conditions. Learning where to buy fairtrade garments is equally crucial as discovering where to find organic bedding.
    • Better Cotton Initiative. Get your hands on some genuinely ethical cotton by buying from the Better Cotton Initiative partners. This non-profit organization is dedicated to improving global cotton production for both workers and the environment.
    Sage green percale cotton bed sheets

    Where to Find Organic Bedding

    Learning where to find organic bedding isn’t an easy feat. It’s rare to find a high-quality set in a department store that meets the most rigorous standards. So naturally, online shopping is the easier option. Still, no one wants to spend hours comparing labels and certifications or sorting through industry jargon.

    That’s why we’ve made it easy: try Or & Zon.

    Our organic bedding collection features GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certifications. Plus, our fair trade weavers, a small family-run Portuguese mill, partner with the Better Cotton Initiative to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place.

    Choose between boho-chic organic cotton percale and buttery-soft organic cotton sateen, then select your bundle type, color of choice, and size. That’s all there is to it! And we know online shopping for bedding can be daunting, so that’s why we offer free shipping and returns, plus a 365-day guarantee. (But we’re pretty confident you won’t need to use it.)

    What to Look for While Buying Organic Bedding

    Beyond organic certifications, here are three traits to look for while deciding where to buy organic bedding.

    Quality Materials

    It’s no secret that organic costs more than conventional materials. This is because these crops only make up a fraction of global agriculture, plus their yields are lower. Sadly, this raises the price tag. But since organic bedding lacks harsh chemicals, it’s naturally softer and more durable than conventional fabrics meaning it lasts much longer when cared for properly. So it’s an investment that pays off.

    Keep this in mind while shopping, though. If you find an organic sheet set at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always triple-check the certifications, materials, and percentage of organic components. (Spoiler alert: you should aim for 100 percent.)

    Company Ethics

    If you’re looking up where to find organic bedding, it’s because you care about the world around you. So, it’s crucial that the company you’re buying from walks the walk. Read the business’s back story. Learn about their vision. Find out if the people behind the label believe in supporting artisans, the environment, and creating a top-tier product.

    Options That Suit Your Needs

    Ethics, quality, and sustainability matter big time, but thinking about the aesthetics isn’t shallow. After all, you’re the designer. You need to love your space! Neutral, earthy tones are typically a safe bet as they make a perfect base if you’re learning how to layer bedding.

    Don’t forget to consider the fabric texture you’re after: smooth and silky luxe sateen or light and airy luxury cotton? And, of course, identify the various sizes and bedding bundles available so you can seamlessly tailor your purchase to your needs.

    Final Thoughts on Where to to Buy Organic Bedding

    It can be challenging to discover where to find organic bedding that meets your standards, but it doesn’t have to be. First, look for the certifications that matter to you, like GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and the Better Cotton Initiative partners. Also, consider the material quality, company ethics, and stylish options that meet your needs. Next time you decide where to buy organic bedding, make it easy by shopping with Or & Zon.