Organic Cotton Explained: Why It Matters for Little Ones (and the Planet)
Organic cotton isn't a trend for us, it's where our story began.
From their very first adventures, little ones are constantly exploring the world around them. From crawling across carpets and cosy cuddles to climbing trees and getting muddy knees, their clothes need to keep up with every moment.
That's why organic cotton has been at the heart of Frugi since we began in 2004. Frugi started with a mother's purposeful choice to create children's clothing using organic cotton because she wanted something better for little ones and the world they would grow up in.
More than twenty years later, that same belief still guides us.
Every colourful print, cosy layer and adventure-ready outfit begins with thoughtful choices about the materials we use. Soft, colourful and made for everyday adventures, our organic cotton clothing is designed with comfort, durability and the planet we play on in mind.
Because childhood should be full of muddy knees, sandy toes, big imaginations and endless adventures and we want to help protect the world those little explorers are growing up in.
But what exactly is organic cotton? How is it different from conventional cotton? And what does GOTS certified really mean?
We're answering some of the questions we're asked most often.
What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton is cotton that is grown using farming methods designed to work with nature.
Unlike conventional cotton farming, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Instead, farmers use natural techniques that help care for the soil, encourage biodiversity and support healthier ecosystems.
From the very beginning of its journey, organic cotton is grown with consideration for the natural environment around it.
What is the difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton?
Cotton is one of the world's most widely used natural fibres, but not all cotton is grown in the same way.
Conventional cotton is often grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, whereas organic cotton is grown using farming methods designed to work with nature.
Organic cotton farming focuses on:
- Growing cotton without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
- Supporting healthy soil through natural farming practices.
- Encouraging biodiversity by creating habitats for insects, birds and wildlife.
- Working alongside natural ecosystems.
Once harvested, the cotton is spun, woven and turned into fabric just like conventional cotton. The biggest difference is how the cotton is grown and, for GOTS certified products, how it is processed throughout the textile supply chain.
What does “GOTS certified” mean?
You may have spotted the GOTS logo on our organic cotton products, but what does it actually mean?
GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It is one of the world's leading standards for organic textiles and sets strict criteria covering the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles made from organic fibres.
Our organic cotton clothing is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This means the textile supply chain for these certified products has been independently assessed against the GOTS standard.
GOTS certification helps provide assurance that certified products meet defined environmental and social criteria throughout the textile processing stages, from the certified organic fibre through to the finished textile product.
So when you see the GOTS logo on a Frugi product, you can feel confident that it has been made from certified organic fibres and processed according to the requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard.
What is Soil Association Certification?
You will also see the Soil Association Certification logo alongside the GOTS logo on our certified products. But what does it mean?
The Soil Association is a UK-based certification body that independently verifies products against recognised standards, including the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
For our certified organic cotton products, Soil Association Certification provides independent assurance that the product has been assessed against the requirements of GOTS throughout the supply chain.
Together, GOTS and Soil Association Certification help provide confidence that our organic cotton products meet recognised standards.
Why do we use organic cotton at Frugi?
Because we believe little choices can make a big difference.
Children don't stay still for long. Their clothes need to be ready for everything, whether that's climbing trees, creating mud pies, exploring the garden or snuggling up after a busy day.
We choose organic cotton because it helps us create clothing that is...
Wonderfully soft
Organic cotton fibres are naturally soft, making them perfect for everyday comfort, from babygrows and pyjamas to leggings, tops, dresses and more.
Made for everyday adventures
Frugi clothing is designed to be worn, washed and loved again and again. We create pieces that are ready for playground adventures, family days out and all the moments in between.
Designed to be loved for longer
We believe the best clothes are the ones that get plenty of wear.
That's why we focus on quality fabrics, thoughtful designs and timeless pieces that can be passed on to siblings, friends and future little adventurers.
Is organic cotton better for sensitive skin?
While every child is different and organic cotton isn't a medical treatment, many parents choose organic cotton because of its wonderfully soft, breathable and comfortable feel against delicate skin.
Our GOTS certified clothing is made according to strict requirements on the chemicals and dyes that can be used during textile processing.
When clothes are worn all day, for playing, sleeping, exploring and relaxing, comfort matters.
Does organic cotton clothing last?
When the same Frugi outfit keeps making it out of the drawer, it usually says something – it's comfortable, easy to wear and has become a favourite.
Our organic cotton garments are designed for everyday life, with durable fabrics and thoughtful details that help them stand up to adventures, washes and plenty of wear.
Passing clothes on once they're outgrown is one of the simplest ways to help our clothing enjoy an even longer life.
How do you care for organic cotton clothes?
A little extra care can help your favourite Frugi pieces stay looking their best for longer.
Here are a few simple tips:
- Wash at lower temperatures where possible.
- Air dry when you can.
- Treat stains promptly.
- Repair small tears before they become bigger (have a look at our repair guides).
- Pass clothes on when they're outgrown.
Why Organic September is the perfect time to learn more
Organic September is an annual celebration of organic farming, food and textiles. It's a chance to discover how everyday choices can help support farming practices that work with nature.
Whether you're choosing your first organic cotton babygrow, refreshing your little one's wardrobe with the next size up or searching for colourful everyday essentials, every choice helps tell a bigger story.