Organic Cotton vs Regular Cotton: Which is the Most Comfortable & Cozy?

Sacrificing comfort for health, or vice-versa? No thanks! You shouldn’t have to choose between your safety and coziness. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to.

What Is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is exactly what it sounds like:  cotton fibres that have been grown organically. Crop grown organically does not involve the use of genetically modified seeds (GMOs), one of the fundamental principles of organic farming. It isn’t a specific form of cotton, like Egyptian or jersey, but instead, it follows strict organic farming practices.

I know what you’re thinking. “What does organic even mean?” Great question. “Organic” is a bit of a buzzword, but it’s a fundamental term to understand.

Organic crops meet rigorous standards to ensure human and ecological health. While there are many different organic certifications, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),  Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), among others, organic farming comes down to a few key traits:

Lack of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides

Crop rotation to enrich and protect soil

Lack of genetic modification

Basically, organic farming prohibits  harmful chemicals and production practices that may have a  negative impact on the environment. The challenge? It takes a lot of work to keep all these standards in check. As such, organic crop yields are generally lower than conventional ones, and the price tag reflects this. It’s a labor of love.

So back to normal cotton. Often referred to as the “world’s dirtiest crop,” non organic cotton is one of the harshest on the planet. Non-organic cotton farming is heavily reliant on synthetic chemicals and artificial fertilizers. Luckily, organizations like the Better Cotton Initiative, GOTS, and Oeko-Tex help separate environmentally friendly, human-safe cotton from the rest.

The Differences Between Organic Cotton and Regular Cotton

Like we said, regular cotton is one of the “dirtiest crops” around. But are organic varieties really that different?

Absolutely! 

Cotton may be considered a natural fiber, but when it’s filled with harmful toxins, how natural is it really? That’s where the big difference lies between these organic and conventional fabrics. Organic and regular cotton are both sourced from the  cotton plant but aren’t grown the same.

For starters, organic cotton farming has a much lower  environmental impact than the conventional kind. Since organic practices prohibit  harsh chemicals, including pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, there are no worries about contaminating soil or waterways.

So not only is this fantastic for the planet, but it also means the raw material is worry-free. Unfortunately, exposure to  synthetic chemicals in non-organic cotton can lead to birth defects, exacerbate  skin irritations, and cause other  health issues. Not exactly something you want in your home, is it?

And it’s not just about your own household either. If remnants of those toxins are showing up in cotton fabric, imagine the exposure workers undergo. When you choose to buy organic, natural materials, you’re supporting safer conditions for workers, living conditions for your family, and environmental conditions for the planet. Everybody wins.

The Important Benefits of Organic Cotton Bedding

We said that organic cotton sheets win every time compared to conventionally grown materials, but how true is that? Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits of choosing this  organic fiber.

• Lower Water Footprint. Water consumption is no joke, and regular cotton is one thirsty crop when it comes to farming. Did you know that it takes an average of 10,000 litres of water to grow a kilogram of cotton? But it’s not just about quantity — quality also matters. Conventional cotton also contaminates water, leading to even more environmental concerns. The good news is that organic farming both  supports water retention (less water is needed) and avoids toxic chemicals (less water pollution). In fact, organic practices reduce water consumption by a whopping 91 percent.
• Safer for Sleeping. Tossing and turning is never fun, but your sheets definitely shouldn’t contribute to the problem. Buying organic eliminates this concern. You don’t need to worry about  skin allergies or  heavy metals ruining your sleep (and morning). Even the most sensitive sleepers can relax knowing their bedding sets are safe enough for them.
• Environmental Protections. Whether you self-identify as a climate activist or you’re still learning about recycling, we can all agree that the plant is worth protecting. Luckily, organic farming helps. Conventional practices deplete soil from nutrients, cause erosion, damage ecosystems, and pollute the environment. On the other hand, organic growing techniques boost soil fertility while encouraging biodiversity.
• Lasts Longer. Indeed, organic cotton is often more expensive up front since it’s less widely available (for now). However, that isn’t the whole story. Thanks to a lack of harsh chemicals, organic cotton is often of higher quality and lasts longer than conventional types. So, while organic cotton sheets may be a pricier purchase, they should last longer, ultimately saving you some coin. And let’s not forget that less consumption helps the planet too!
• Softer Than Conventional Cotton. Because organic practices prohibit harmful chemicals, organic cotton is softer than conventional materials. Organic cotton products are more suitable for sensitive skin. Skipping the harsh toxins lets these natural fibers shine. As a result, organic cotton threads are stronger, longer, and thinner — and all of these contribute to a softer feeling material.
• Safer Working Conditions. Cotton is the most produced material globally, and the industry employs over 250 million people around the globe. Supporting organic cotton producers means you’re supporting safer farming conditions by reducing chemical exposure to workers. Seek out Better Cotton products to ensure your cotton sheets are produced in decent working conditions.

What Are the Softest Organic Sheets?

Cotton is one of the best organic fabrics around. It’s hypoallergenic, gentle on the planet, and did we mention soft? So it’s easy to know what you’re getting into when buying cotton. There are just a few key traits you should keep an eye out for to know you’re getting the absolute best, softest fabric around.

Tips for Choosing the Softest Organic Cotton Sheets

Ready to start shopping? Don’t forget to look at the following characteristics of cotton sheets before purchasing them to ensure you’re choosing a luxurious, high-quality option.

What About Other Materials?

Although cotton is the most popular organic bedding material, it isn’t the only one. Here are some other fabrics that are as soft as they are green: