What is the Oeketex 100 Standard?

Before we opened our doors for the first time in 2004 we aspired to stock only childrenswear made from organic cotton. It became obvious very quickly however that, even such a relatively short time ago, this would be difficult to achieve if we wanted bright, bold colours, fabulous styling and all at the right price. However we have come a long way in 6 years, and so has the market.

Many new clothes appearing in store and online are carrying the Oeko-Tex 100 standard label. But what exactly does this label mean and what are the benefits to you and your child?

What is the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard?

Established in 1992, the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard is a worldwide certification and testing system used for textiles. The system is used to limit the use of certain chemicals in textiles, particularly those used in clothing.

Whilst many of us can wear all kinds of fabrics without any reaction, others find that their skin is irritated by the chemicals which are used when manufacturing and creating the clothes that we wear. So by choosing a brand that supports the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard you can be certain you are buying a garment that has found to be free of all substances which are harmful to humans at each stage of the production process.

Safe for children

Since babies and infants have much more sensitive skin, sometimes they can react more to certain chemicals so the Oeko-Tex label offers additional protection for them.

Ethical

The Oeko-Tex label is also a sign of care in the textile production process, including the raw materials that are used to create clothes. Oeko-Tex standards ensure that materials are responsibly sourced. This means re-planting any trees or plants that are used to ensure there is no significant impact on the environment.

Tests are carried out on all textiles in the production process for components such as pH value, formaldehyde content, pesticides, and allergy related chemicals. This means that textiles used in the production process are free from anything that would harm the environment, with the added bonus that the clothes are also free from these things.

Stylish

Of course, any brand that carries the Oeko-Tex label can be stylish too! The label won't affect the price or the style, it's there to provide quality assurance. Many well-known brands are now supporting Oeko-Tex 100 standard which is fast becoming a selling point for concerned consumers.

In short therefore, the Oeko-Tex standard allows you easily see that the garment you’re buying is free from anything that would harm the environment. Something worth bearing in mind is that this doesn’t mean a non-Oeko-Tex standard range hasn’t been produced ethically, to high standards or without the use of harmful chemicals in its production. However with Oeko-Tex you can be sure.

As our offer to you evolves, so does that of our suppliers. There have been so many changes in our ranges since 2004, either because we have chosen a new range specifically because of how it is produced, or because existing suppliers are changing their production methods. Toby Tiger, for example, have been shifting all their designs across to organic cotton over the past couple of years. And some of our other brands are responding to consumer demand in small steps, introducing a small number of organic or Oeko-Tex standard designs at a time.

Stylish and fun clothing is a good way for your child to look great. We will continue to look for brands which meet the Oeko-Tex or organic standards so that you can feel good about your children wearing them at the same time.