The 15+ Best Organic Cotton T-Shirt Brands You Need In Your Closet
Last Updated: July 30, 2023
There’s nothing quite like a good t-shirt to complete an outfit. Tossed over a pair of jeans, tucked under a blazer, or worn at home while having a Netflix binge, a classic tee goes with almost everything and is a versatile piece found in wardrobes worldwide.
Typically composed of cotton, t-shirts can have a large environmental impact if produced with traditionally destructive farming and manufacturing practices.
While a Hanes t-shirt is beloved for its comfort and cost efficiency, environmental repercussions come with each item. Nevertheless, brands are reinventing the way t-shirts can be made with organic cotton practices, localized production, and closed-loop technology to ensure that generations to come will still be able to enjoy a classic tee.
Why Traditional Cotton Manufacturing is Unsustainable
Water Use: The production of just one t-shirt can use up to 713 gallons of water, and this massive water usage has been linked to worldwide environmental damage. The Aral Sea has completely dried up due to irrigation techniques to support cotton production in Uzbekistan, where what once was the world’s fourth-largest lake now lays a barren basin.
Pesticide Use: In addition to massive water usage, cotton uses more pesticides than any other crop, accounting for 16% of global pesticide use. These pesticides heavily impact the farmers and workers regularly exposed to them, resulting in mild to serious health problems. Long hours in extreme heat heavily impact the workers cultivating the cotton who typically are not supported or paid fare wages and continue to toil in poverty.
Exploitation of Farmers: Over the years, the rise of genetically modified cotton has affected local communities, with Indian farmer suicide rates climbing in conjunction with the reliance on genetically modified cotton.
In fact, between 1995 and 2014, more than 300,000 farmers committed suicide. Genetically modified seeds are very costly but account for 95% of cotton farming in India, and to afford these costs, farmers fall victim to loan sharks to pay for the seeds. Due to the unreliability of the weather conditions and cotton prices, farmers can accrue an insurmountable debt to keep up with the demands of gentically-modified cotton.
Bt cotton is a genetically modified cotton that is popular as the Bt gene has a protein that is toxic to the bollworm, a typical pest for cotton plants. However, the bollworm has now developed resistance to the Bt cotton, so a snowball effect emerges as more and more toxic chemicals need to be used to prevent pests.
The Process of Making a Sustainable T-Shirt
Through new innovative methods, brands are creating a closet staple that is also eco-conscious using materials ranging from organic cotton, recycled cotton, and Supima cotton.
Regenerative farming techniques are at the forefront of sustainable cotton production with revolutionary techniques that protect the soil health and prevent land devastation. Organic cotton requires up to 91% less water to produce than conventionally grown cotton and does not include the use of toxic chemicals for pesticides.
Many of the brands listed below are implementing practices into their business that support communities, whether supporting farmers in India with fair wages or localizing production in the United States to minimize the carbon footprint associated with cotton goods. Through community programming, these brands bring together the makers and the buyers in a united front to reduce climate change.
Recycled cotton is also being incorporated into the design process of sustainable t-shirts as brands creatively weave recycled cotton with organic cotton to create durable and timeless pieces that are built to last. Through in-house recycling programs, these brands reduce their textile waste from production and incentivize customers to return their old garments to be upcycled into new pieces.
How to Care for Your Sustainable T-Shirts
We’ve all been guilty of wearing a favorite t-shirt one too many times before washing, but when the time does come to wash your favorite sustainable tee, there are a couple of methods to keep in mind to protect your clothes.
Taking proper care of your sustainable t-shirts extends their lifespan and helps maintain their eco-friendly nature. The following tips will help you ensure that your sustainable t-shirts stay in excellent condition while minimizing their environmental impact:
How To Keep Your T-Shirts Looking Great
- Read the Care Label: Always read the care label before washing your sustainable t-shirts. This label provides essential information on washing, drying, and ironing your garment to avoid damaging the fabric or causing it to wear prematurely. Following these guidelines will help maintain the quality and longevity of your t-shirts.
- Wash with Cold Water: Washing your sustainable t-shirts in cold water helps reduce energy consumption, as heating water accounts for a significant portion of the energy used in a typical wash cycle. Cold water is also gentler on the fabric, preventing fading and shrinking. Additionally, washing in cold water can help preserve the colors and prints on your t-shirts.
- Use Eco-Friendly Detergents: Opt for eco-friendly detergents free of harmful chemicals and have a minimal environmental impact. These detergents are gentler on your t-shirts and less likely to cause skin irritation. Look for products with biodegradable ingredients and packaging made from recycled materials.
- Wash Less Frequently: To prolong the life of your sustainable t-shirts and minimize water usage, try washing them less frequently. Spot clean small stains instead of washing the entire garment, and air out your t-shirts between wears to keep them fresh. Washing your t-shirts only when necessary can significantly reduce their environmental impact and help maintain their quality.
- Line Dry or Air Dry: Instead of using a tumble dryer, opt for line drying or air drying your sustainable t-shirts. This method saves energy and is gentler on the fabric, preventing shrinkage and wear. If you must use a dryer, choose a low heat setting and remove your t-shirts promptly to avoid over-drying and damage.
- Iron with Care: Sustainable t-shirts made from delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics, such as organic cotton or bamboo, should be ironed with care. Use a low heat setting and avoid ironing over prints or embellishments to prevent damage. Ironing your t-shirts inside out can also help protect the fabric and preserve the design.
- Store Properly: Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your sustainable t-shirts. Fold or roll your t-shirts to prevent wrinkles and creases, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. Avoid overcrowding your closet, as this can cause your t-shirts to become misshapen.
How We Picked These Brands
Through careful research and comparison, we’ve rounded up the best brands pioneering the sustainable t-shirt process, including options for every family member to enjoy.
These brands employ advanced techniques and uphold rigorous certifications to create the best t-shirt for their customer. Their core values and commitment to ecological longevity ensure their pieces can be worn for this generation and many generations to come.
The Best Sustainable Brands
KOTN
| Women’s Styles | Tanks | Short Sleeve | Cropped Tee/Tank |
| Men’s Styles | Essential Crew | Boxed Crew | Easy Crew | Tanks |
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
| Materials | Ethically-made Egyptian cotton |
| Made In | Egypt |
| Price Range | $32 – $60 |
| Where to buy? | Kotn.com |
Started with the goal of creating the perfect tee, Kotn’s directly works with 2,390 smallholder farmers in the Nile Delta to create ethically-made Egyptian cotton t-shirts. V
oted as one of B Corporation’s Best for the World, Kotn intricately understands and supports the communities that make their brand possible with fair wages, a guaranteed pricing model, and educating the younger generation with their charity, The ABCs Projects. A portion of proceeds from each product sold goes directly back to the Nile Delta and Faiyum, Egypt to fund and build primary schools.
All of their dyes are OEKO-TEX non-toxic certified and their collection includes classic crew neck tees as well as trendier varieties such as the 90’s Crop Tee and the Racer Tank.
Organic Basics
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Pointelle | Wrap Top | Long Sleeve | Tanks |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve | V-Neck | Long Sleeve |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Materials | 100% Organic Cotton | TENCEL |
| Made In | Europe (multiple factories that specialize in their various materials) |
| Price Range | $55 – $85 |
| Where to buy? | OrganicsBasics.com |
Organic Basics is a minimalist’s dream with an extensive range of contemporary and classic basics made of materials such as 100% organic cotton and TENCEL. Along with their classic tees, they also offer bodysuits, intimates, and apparel in their signature fabrics to fit every customer’s needs.
They transparently share about each aspect of their production, including their factories, materials, and environmental impact. They also share where their goals might have fallen flat and how they are pivoting to continue improving business practices.
The Good Tee
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve | ¾ sleeve | Tanks |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve | Tanks |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Materials | Certified Fairtrade organic cotton & eco-friendly dyes |
| Made In | India |
| Price Range | $21 – $47 |
| Where to buy? | TheGoodTee.com (Use code BG10 for 10% off your order!) |
After hearing about the high suicide rates of cotton farmers in India, founder Adila Clarke made it her mission to remove the disconnect between the makers of our clothes and us, the consumers.
The Good Tee makes pieces that the wearer can feel good about by humanizing the production process and putting people first. The Good Tee is a Certified B Corporation, and they only use Certified Fairtrade Organic Cotton sourced from farmers in India. Partnering with Fairtrade Canada, they also pay a premium directly back to farmers and workers who make their products for every Fair Trade-certified product sold.
Four Objects
| Women’s Styles | Signature Short Sleeve |
| Men’s Styles | N/A |
| Sizes | 1-6 (Size 1 fits a 0-2, and Size 6 fits a 20-22, see size chart) |
| Materials | Fairly traded, 100% Organic GOTS certified Peruvian Pima Cotton |
| Made In | Peru |
| Price Range | $125 |
| Where to buy? | FourObjects.com |
Exhausted by fast fashion’s constant “buy more” mentality, Four Objects was created by two best friends to create a sustainable luxury capsule collection that includes timeless and fashionable pieces.
Their Best Friend Tee is a re-creation of a beloved tee shared between the co-founders, and its classic but the elevated silhouette is designed to be loved for many years.
Made of 100% Organic GOTS Certified Peruvian Pima Cotton and natural hand dyes, the Best Friend Tee is a perfect addition for anyone looking to create a capsule wardrobe.
The Standard Stitch
| Women’s Styles | V Neck Short Sleeve | Tank | Crop Tee | Crew Tee |
| Sizes | XS – 5X |
| Materials | Organic and recycled cotton with eco-friendly dyes |
| Made In | Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $56-60 |
| Where to buy? | TheStandardStitch.com | Macys.com | Shopwearwell.com |
With a localized supply chain in Los Angeles, The Standard Stitch’s signature shirts aim to keep their carbon footprint low with their clothes only traveling 10.3 miles in total to be made.
Their t-shirts are OCS, GRS, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX certified and use both organic and recycled cotton. They save all of their cutting scraps to be recycled into new materials, and they also have introduced the Re-Stitch program, where customers can send in their items from The Standard Stitch that will then be upcycled into new fabric.
Amour Vert
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | ¾ Sleeve | Tank | Long Sleeve | Turtleneck – available in Dream Knit or Rib material |
| Men’s Styles | N/A |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Materials | Organic cotton | TENCEL |
| Made In | San Francisco |
| Price Range | $38-88 |
| Where to buy? | AmourVert.com |
Amour Vert’s sustainable marketplace features an array of eco-conscious options but, if you’re looking for some classic tees, we suggest their Dream Collection made in their signature fabric.
The sustainable TENCEL modal fiber is responsibly sourced from beechwood trees and they have a range of silhouettes from a classic short sleeve tee to draped tops. Additionally, with every tee purchase, they plant a tree in partnership with American Forests.
MATE the Label
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Tank |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve |
| Kids’ Styles | Short Sleeve |
| Sizes | XS – 3X |
| Materials | Organic cotton |
| Made In | Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $46-48 |
| Where to buy? | MateTheLabel.com |
On a mission to provide essentials that are clean from seed to skin, MATE the Label has an array of 100% organic cotton styles with non-toxic dyes.
Seasonless styles are made in a soothing color palette that can be worn year-round for men, women, and children. Made locally in Los Angeles, MATE the Label also offers classic tee bundles for those wanting to stock up on their sustainable essentials.
Pact
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Tank | Henley | V-Neck Long Sleeve |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve | Henley | Polo | V-Neck |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Materials | Organic cotton (select seasonal styles feature a cotton/linen blend) |
| Made In | India |
| Price Range | $20-68 |
| Where to buy? | WearPact.com |
Pact’s styles for men, women, kids, and babies ensure the whole family can enjoy quality organic cotton pieces with a range of silhouettes to fit every style.
They are proud partners with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard, and SimpliZero and, through SimpliZero, they can measure the impact of every single Pact product and offset it through reforestation, renewable energy, and community projects to become carbon neutral.
Each product description includes information on the individual piece’s organic cotton water savings, carbon offset, and the factory where it was made.
Harvest & Mill
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Materials | Organic cotton |
| Made In | USA |
| Price Range | $48-115 |
| Where to buy? | HarvestAndMill.com |
Grown and sewn in the United States, Harvest & Mill’s unique manufacturing process not only limits their environmental impact but also supports local communities by collaborating with independent American farms, factories, and mills.
Their 100% organic styles are made using regenerative agricultural practices and protect workers by not using toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
They also have an Artist Series where they collaborate with artists to create uniquely dyed special edition t-shirts.
For Days
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve | Cropped Tee | Cropped Tank |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve | V-Neck | Mock Neck |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Materials | Organic cotton and recycled cotton |
| Price Range | $32-46 |
| Where to buy? | ForDays.com |
For Days’ recycled tees are made with circularity at the forefront, with the entire life cycle from production to upcycling. Made of 80% organic and 20% recycled cotton, their tees are fully recyclable with end-of-life in mind.
Their best-selling Take Back Bag allows customers to send back their worn-out For Days merchandise and any clothing they may have, including ripped, torn, or stained garments, and they will receive $20 in Closet Cash credit.
They also accept sheets, pillowcases, towels, shoes, and handbags and through this system, they have already diverted 2.4 million garments from landfills.
Everywhere Apparel
| Styles | Unisex Tee and Women’s Tee |
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
| Materials | 100% GRS-certified recycled cotton |
| Made In | Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $36 |
| Where to buy? | EverywhereApparel.com |
Everywhere Apparel is pioneering the sustainable fashion industry with the first and only closed-loop t-shirt. Made of 100% GRS-certified recycled cotton, this tee not only keeps textile waste out of the landfill but also saves hundreds of gallons of water compared to water usage in both the organic and non-organic cotton industries.
Their online calculator compares how much water, carbon emissions, and landfill waste is saved with their t-shirts as opposed to organic cotton t-shirts, conventional cotton t-shirts, and 50/50 Poly-Cotton blend t-shirts.
They also have a wholesale option for their signature t-shirts for those looking to buy their products in bulk.
Save Khaki United
| Unisex Styles | Short Sleeve | Baseball Tee | Long Sleeve | V-Neck | Henley |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Materials | Recycled Cotton | Organic Cotton | Supima | Hemp |
| Made In | USA |
| Price Range | $55-120 |
| Where to buy? | SaveKhaki.com |
Lifestyle brand Save Khaki United provides menswear and womenswear essentials inspired by retro American athletic gear. In addition to their classic Supima Crew Tee, they have polo t-shirts, baseball tees, and henleys designed to become closet staples.
All products are manufactured in the United States, with sustainability and American workmanship woven into each piece as the brand’s core values.
They use eco-conscious materials such as Supima, hemp, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
Outerknown
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Tank | Long Sleeve | Half Sleeve |
| Men’s Styles | Long Sleeve | Short Sleeve |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Materials | Pima cotton | Merino Wool | Hemp | TENCEL | Organic Cotton |
| Made In | Peru |
| Price Range | $48 – $98 |
| Where to buy? | Outerknown.com |
Inspired by a coastal lifestyle and love of Earth, surfer Kelly Slater’s sustainable brand Outerknown has an array of relaxed and casual tees for men and women.
Favorite styles include the women’s Boyfriend Tee and the men’s Sojourn Pocket tee, made of ultra-soft organic Pima cotton for a fuss-free approach to dressing.
They also have styles available in hemp, TENCEL, and organic cotton as well as their versatile Breathe Baselayer made of merino wool to keep the wearer cool and dry.
Christy Dawn
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve | Pointelle |
| Sizes | US XS – XXL |
| Materials | Recycled Farm-to-Fabric Material | Organic cotton |
| Made In | India and Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $68 – $88 |
| Where to buy? | christydawn.com |
Christy Dawn’s Earth Tee is an airy, oversized t-shirt made of remnant cotton fiber from the farming, ginning, and spinning process to create Christy Dawn’s Farm-to-Closet fabric.
Originally designing pieces using deadstock material, Christy Dawn began their journey to creating clothes that heal by investing in the regeneration of 80 acres of depleted farmland in Erode, India.
By working with farmers and artisans to replenish the soil through regenerative practices, the Farm-to-Closet collection brings harmony to fashion and nature. For those wanting an upgraded take on the classic tee, Christy Dawn also has the Rayne tee in a delicate 100% organic cotton pointelle fabric.
Poplinen
| Women’s Styles | Cuffed Hem Tee | Lounging Tee | Long Sleeve | Tank |
| Sizes | US XS – 3X |
| Materials | Hemp | Organic Cotton | TENCEL | Bamboo |
| Made In | Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $48 – $69 |
| Where to buy? | poplinen.co |
Female-founded brand Poplinen is designed to champion women in all shapes and sizes with their inclusive and eco-friendly designs.
Their collection includes the Cuffed Hem Tee, Lounging Tee, and Ribbed Modal Tank available in sizes XS – 3X. Made with love in Downtown Los Angeles with sustainable materials such as hemp, organic cotton, TENCEL, and bamboo, these empowering pieces celebrate women from all backgrounds.
Allbirds
| Styles | Short Sleeve | Long Sleeve (Unisex) |
| Sizes | US XS – 3X |
| Materials | Organic Cotton |
| Made In | Guatemala |
| Price Range | $38 – $58 |
| Where to buy? | Allbirds.com |
Beloved for their sustainable sneakers, lifestyle brand Allbirds is dipping their toes into the clothing side of the industry with their 100% organic cotton tees for men and women.
Available in short sleeves and long sleeves, these pieces are made in Guatemala with a strict supplier code of conduct that works to advance social and environmental responsibility.
Not only do they perform their own in-person third-party audits, but Allbirds also puts workers first and encourages them to complete an anonymous mobile survey to ensure the people making their clothes have a safe space to share feedback.
Patagonia
| Women’s Styles | Short Sleeve |
| Men’s Styles | Short Sleeve |
| Sizes | XXS-3X |
| Materials | Regenerative Organic Cotton |
| Made In | India |
| Price Range | $49 – $55 |
| Where to buy? | patagonia.com and Patagonia stores |
Patagonia’s unisex Regenerative Organic Certified Tee is a lightweight tee made of organic cotton from farms practicing the highest organic standard. This revolutionary certification for textiles ensures that the farms and products protect the earth through soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness.
This process dramatically reduces the impacts of climate change from textile production and ensures a better future for the communities producing the clothes and the wearers.
In Conclusion
T-shirts are a staple in wardrobes worldwide, but their production can have significant environmental and social consequences. However, sustainable t-shirts are now a reality thanks to innovative brands and methods.
They utilize materials such as organic cotton, recycled cotton, and Supima cotton, and implement regenerative farming techniques, fair wages, and localized production to minimize the environmental impact and support communities. Proper care of these sustainable t-shirts extends their lifespan and helps maintain their eco-friendly nature.
By choosing to invest in sustainable t-shirts from environmentally responsible brands, you are contributing to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
This benefits the environment and supports the workers and farmers involved in the production process. By following the care tips provided and opting for eco-friendly garments, you can positively impact the world and enjoy the comfort of a classic tee for years to come.
