Best Organic Bedding: What to Look for in Organic and Natural Bedding

Organic bedding is produced with eco-friendly materials and practices established by international organizations to protect the environment. Not only are the finished products like sheets and comforters free from harmful chemicals, but the harvesting and manufacturing process is safer for the earth’s delicate ecosystems.

Unlike conventional fabric material,  organic textiles are grown without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. That makes organic cotton a more ethical choice for the environment. Learn more in our guide: What is Organic Cotton? Everything to Know

So now that you know what organic is, you may be wondering why you should choose it for your home and for your loved ones.

When comparing bedding options, you may wonder about the difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton bed linens. Let’s look at the benefits of choosing organic.

Organic farming practices rely on a foundation of responsible interactions with the environment. Pesticides, chemical fertilizers and other materials that can degrade the groundwater and soil are avoided in favor of materials and techniques that keep the environment healthy throughout the growth process. 

Sustainably Produced

Organic farming is better for the environment largely due to its sustainability benefits. Organic cotton farming, for instance, does not use toxic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. 

With organic farming, the focus is the health of the soil, water and ecosystems. By incorporating techniques like crop rotation and non-chemical means of fertilization, organic farming creates less of an environmental impact on the planet. 

Common textile processing techniques can result in the discharge of toxic chemical byproducts. Over time these chemicals can infiltrate waterways, affect air quality and can have disastrous results on ecosystems and community health. Organic textiles are processed without those harsh and hazardous chemicals, protecting workers, the environment and consumers.

GOTS Certification

Rigorous international requirements set by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) make it easy for consumers to identify textiles like cotton that are grown, harvested and manufactured ethically and sustainably. Products like bedding can only be labeled as “organic” if they meet the stringent criteria set by GOTS.

When you invest in GOTS-certified organic cotton bedding, you can feel good about your purchase, knowing that vital protections for the environment, factory workers and consumers are in place throughout the manufacturing process, from plant to pillowcase.

What Is GOTS Certification?

GOTS certification is a multi-step process ensuring accountability from start to finish. While many governments around the world specify safety and sustainability measures for growth and textile harvesting , later portions of the supply chain are unregulated. That’s where GOTS comes in.

Once fibers are harvested, GOTS-certified manufacturers must meet rigorous standards pertaining to biodegradability, toxicity and wastewater treatment. Not only does GOTS set these environmental standards, but it sets up social standards and worker protections as well.

GOTS requires that manufacturing facilities are safe for workers. Unethical staffing measures like child labor, forced labor, discrimination and harrassment are forbidden. Accredited GOTS-certified third-party inspectors regularly make on-site inspections to make sure all requirements and practices are consistently upheld.

Learn more about the ethical & sustainable processes that are required to earn GOTS certification, explore the What is GOTS and Why Should You Care About This Textile Certification guide. 

Oeko-Tex Certification 

If organic bedding doesn’t get the same kind of “organic” certification as food that’s labeled as organic, how can you tell if your organic comforter bedding is in fact safe? 

In addition to the GOTS certification, look for labeling from the Oeko-Tex Association, an international organization dedicated to product safety. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label indicates that every component of a product is free of high levels of a hundred commonly-used toxic substances and allergens that are harmful to both humans and the environment. All of the bedding you’ll find at Parachute is Oeko-Tex certified.

To learn more about the Oeko-Tex certification process,see our guide: What is Oeko-Tex? Learn About This Textile Certification Standard.

Peace of Mind

Consumers are waking up to the importance of sustainable practices in the textile industry. Thanks to regulating bodies like GOTS and Oeko-Tex, it’s much easier to identify and purchase earth-safe, natural bedding.

Look for references to and certifications from each of these organizations as you shop for organic garments, bedding and homewares. Shopping for bedding with these certifications can give you vital peace of mind about the place you lay your head. Shopping organic just feels better.

Comfort 

Even considering all the health and safety benefits for you, your family and the planet, perhaps the most compelling reason for buying the best organic bed linens is how comfortable they are to sleep on.

Using breathable organic cotton bedding is a great way to guarantee your best night’s sleep. Plus, you can feel good knowing that any organic cotton bedding by Parachute is naturally soft. We never use softening chemical agents like silicon or formaldehyde, so those with allergies and chemical sensitivities can shop and sleep worry free. 

High-quality organic fibers naturally produce a softer material that makes for a more comfortable nighttime experience. Learn more about the best lightweight bedding options for you in our article: Best Lightweight Bedding: Naturally Cooling Bedding Materials to Know.

Stylish Color Options

The same traits of organic bedding that make it healthier for you also gives your bed linens a timeless, easy style. Organic comforters, sheets and blankets are garment-washed and yarn dyed according to GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified standards. So you can rest easy knowing that your skin isn’t being exposed to synthetic colorants or harsh chemical dyes.

The neutral, soft colors produced by our garment dyeing process offer a muted, timeless look that allows you to style your room with organic bedding for years to come.

To learn more about the best color styling options for this season, read on in our Bed Sheet Color Trends & Options guide.

An organic cotton duvet cover is an investment that can pay off in longevity. In addition to being ultra-cozy, the sustainably made and ethically sourced material is sure to be long-lasting.

You can learn everything you need to know about choosing a duvet cover in our guide, Duvets and Duvet Covers: Everything You Need to Know.

Organic Quilts 

Add a decorative and planet-friendly topper to your bed with an organic quilt or coverlet.

GOTS certified organic cotton quilts offer an ultra-cozy night sleep that’s also ethically made. Learn more in our Guide to Quilts and Coverlets.

Organic Pillowcases & Shams

When you invest in superior organic cotton that’s Oeko-Tex and GOTS certified, you’re promoting sustainable practices that you can feel good about. So wrap your softest pillows in an extra layer of comfort with organic cotton pillowcases and shams. Between their cloud-like softness and crisp freshness, you’re bound to sleep more soundly and wake up refreshed in the morning.

Look to the Best Organic Pillowcase & Sham guide for tips on what to look for in a sustainable pillowcase.