<strong>Understanding Sustainable Fashion: Materials, Labels & Buying Criteria</strong>

GUIDE: MATERIALS, SEALS & PRODUCT INFORMATION

Understanding Sustainable Fashion: Materials, Labels & Buying Criteria

SOCIAL STANDARDS
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EXISTING PRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS
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MATERIAL & ORIGIN
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The term “sustainable fashion” is frequently used, but it is not a uniform product standard. On this page, we explain which specific details for textiles are comparable and verifiable: material composition, country of production, certifications, and their scope. You can find the information that applies to an item directly on the product.

Was ist <strong>nachhaltige Mode</strong>?

Was ist nachhaltige Mode?

"Sustainable fashion" is not a legally defined product standard. The term can refer to various environmental or social aspects and does not in itself state which specific criteria a garment meets. Therefore, specific product information is more meaningful: material and fiber content, country of production, as well as existing certifications and their scope.

Materials and standards: What they specifically mean

Materials and standards: What they specifically mean

Material designations and certifications answer different questions about what they specifically state. Organic cotton describes how the cotton is grown; information about recycled fibers describes the material content. GOTS is a textile standard for certified organic fibers and their processing and also includes human rights and social criteria. Fairtrade Cotton refers to cotton within the Fairtrade system. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 identifies textiles tested for harmful substances. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) verifies recycled materials and their supply chain and includes additional processing requirements. Which information applies to a specific product is stated on the respective item. No material is "sustainable" by default based solely on its fiber designation.

<strong>Buying sustainable clothing online:</strong> what you should look out for

Buying sustainable clothing online: what you should look out for

Finding sustainably produced clothing online is easier today than it used to be. At the same time, not every green claim is substantiated. Therefore, keep a few points in mind when shopping online: Is the exact material composition listed? Is an independent seal mentioned for this specific product, rather than just for the brand? Do you know in which country the item was manufactured? And is the quality such that you can wear it for a long time? By the way, since September 27, 2026, general terms like "environmentally friendly" may only be used in advertising in Germany under strict conditions. Specific details are therefore a good sign.

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<strong>Brands in our range</strong> and their standards

Brands in our range and their standards

In addition to our own models, you will find brands like Recolution, People Treeand GIVN. These brands focus on different areas, such as organic cotton, recycled materials, or Fairtrade standards. You can see which certifications a product has on its respective product page.

Materials, Seals & Standards at a Glance

What seals and standards specifically mean

Certificates can provide specific information when the certification system, product scope, and area of application are clear. For certified textiles, GOTS includes requirements for organic fibers, processing, as well as human rights and social criteria. Fairtrade Cotton refers to cotton produced and traded according to Fairtrade rules. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a testing and certification system for textiles tested for harmful substances. The GRS verifies recycled materials, their traceability, and additional processing requirements. The deciding factor is always which standard applies specifically to the individual item in question.

Sustainable fashion in everyday life: less, longer, more conscious

You often make the biggest difference not at the point of purchase, but afterwards. Clothing that is worn for a long time replaces new clothing. That is why it is worth buying consciously less but of higher quality, paying attention to fit and workmanship, and taking proper care of your clothes: wash less often and at lower temperatures, air dry, and repair minor damage. Anything you no longer wear can be given a second life through second-hand or clothing swaps.

Stoffproduktion Maschinen Stoffherstellung

Production

Depending on the model, our GREEN SHIRTS own designs are sewn in Bangladesh, India, or Turkey and finished in Germany. For other brands, the information provided on the respective product applies.

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Druckverfahren Green Shirts Fashion Revolution Bild Model mit Who made my clothes Plakat

Printing process

Tailor-made branding: printing or embroidery – we select the process best suited to the design, material, durability, and feel.

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Produktion Fabrik Indien. Bio Baumwoll Stofflager mit Arbeiter im Lager

Materials

Organic cotton, linen, hemp, lyocell, and recycled fibers: we explain the properties and composition of each material on the respective product page.

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GOTS Zertifikat GREEN SHIRTS Bunte Textilien im Hintergrund

Certificates

Verifiable on the product: We display existing certificates, including their standards and scope, directly on the respective item.

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From club shirts to bespoke premium collections – everything from a single source, even in small quantities. Over 10 years of experience in textile printing. Textiles made from organic cotton and other materials, finished with print or embroidery. Available with water-based printing inks upon request.

FAQ


What counts as eco clothing – and what will I find at GREEN SHIRTS?

“Eco clothing” is not a protected term. What matters is specific information about materials and labels. At GREEN SHIRTS you'll find clothing made of organic cotton, hemp, linen, wood-based fibres and recycled materials, from T-shirts and trousers to accessories. The certificates of each product are listed on the product page.

Is there a good selection of organic cotton T-shirts?

Yes. We carry many T-shirts made of 100% organic cotton, plain or with designer prints, in basic and relaxed fits. Materials and available certificates are listed with each product.

Which materials are good for summer?

Lightweight fabrics such as linen, light organic cotton or viscose from bamboo are good for summer because they feel airy and comfortable. You'll find them in our Innovative Materials category.

Which brands does GREEN SHIRTS carry?

Alongside our own collections, we carry brands such as bleed, tentree and Recolution. The certificates available for each product are shown on the product page.

Where can I buy organic cotton T-shirts online?

At GREEN SHIRTS you'll find T-shirts made of organic cotton, hemp and recycled materials that you can order directly online. The certificates of each shirt are listed on the product page.