Read the label, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and the other marks you meet
Short answer: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent test of textiles for a range of harmful substances, and the mark often sits on a small label in the garment. It does not tell you everything about quality or fit, but it is a useful place to begin when you want to know more about what you wear on your skin.
The label tells you more than the size
Most people only look at the size, but a label can carry care instructions, fibre content, country of origin and sometimes one or more marks. Once you know what they mean, you can compare two similar products better. It takes ten seconds in the shop or on the product page, and it saves you a lot of guessing.
What OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a system where textiles are tested for substances that can be harmful to people, with limit values set by the organisation behind it. It covers the whole product, including thread, buttons and colour. So the mark is about the content of selected substances, not about where or how the garment was sewn.
The product classes in OEKO-TEX Standard 100
The standard has four product classes, and the requirements are strictest for clothes for the youngest users and for clothes that lie directly against the skin. Underwear, T-shirts and sleepwear normally belong to the class for direct skin contact. Look for which class is printed on the label. See also our bamboo T-shirt for women.
Check the number with the issuer
The mark normally has a certificate number, and you can look it up on the organisation's own website. That is the simplest way to see whether the mark is genuine and which products it applies to. A symbol without a number does not tell you much, so ask the seller if you are unsure what is covered.
GOTS and organic fibre
GOTS is another standard that looks at the whole chain for textiles made of organic fibres, from raw material to finished product. It is not like OEKO-TEX, because it sets requirements for production and the share of organic fibre. A product can have one mark, the other, both or neither, and each means something different.
The EU Ecolabel and the Nordic Swan
The Nordic Swan and the EU Ecolabel are official environmental labels awarded by criteria for products and production. They are not specific to bamboo, but you may meet them on textiles and other goods. Read what the mark covers before you compare, because a mark on one item does not mean the whole range has it. For example, you can find JBS of Denmark here.
The fibre content and bamboo
The fibre content should tell you which fibres the garment is made of and how much of each. Bamboo in clothes is viscose from bamboo, and that word usually appears on the label. Notice whether elastane or cotton is in the blend too, because it affects fit and care when you start wearing bamboo underwear for women.
A mark is not the whole answer
A mark is a good aid, but not a stamp of quality for everything. Fit, stitching and your own skin decide how the garment works day to day. Use the label to ask better questions, and read the product description too. If there is something you do not understand, ask before you buy, and keep the label if you need to make a complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 the same as organic?
No. The mark is about tested substances in the finished product, not about how the raw material was grown. Organic fibres are covered by other standards, for example GOTS, which looks at the whole chain.
How can I tell whether the mark is genuine?
Find the certificate number on the label and look it up on the organisation's website. There you can see who holds the certificate and which products it covers. If the number is missing, ask the seller.
Do I need to buy labelled clothes to be safe?
It is not a requirement. Marks can help you choose, but they do not replace washing before first use, a good fit and your own judgement. If you have skin problems, talk to your doctor.
