Materials guide
Is Cotton Plastic-Free?
Yes. In our glossary, cotton is a Tier 1 material (all natural): sourced directly from nature, free from plastics and synthetic processes.
About cotton
A soft, breathable, absorbent, and versatile natural fiber grown from the fluffy bolls of cotton plants.
Uses: Commonly used in clothing (shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, socks, underwear), bedding (sheets, towels, pillows, duvet covers), home textiles (curtains, tablecloths), and upholstery.
Good to know: Conventional cotton is one of the world's dirtiest crops as cultivation heavily relies on pesticides, herbicides (glyphosate), and fertilizers, raising concerns about environmental pollution, soil health, and potential health risks for farmers and consumers. This is why some brands and consumers push for "100% organic cotton." Organic cotton skips the harsh chemicals, making it a more eco-friendly and healthier choice.
Upcycled Cotton
Upcycled cotton is derived from cotton fabric scraps and secondhand cotton garments. It aims to reduce waste and the environmental footprint associated with virgin cotton production, including water usage and the impact of pesticides.
Uses: Commonly used in casual wear, home textiles, and as a filler material. It is also gaining popularity in eco-conscious fashion lines for its sustainability profile.
Good to know: The process of recycling cotton involves sorting, cleaning, and re-spinning cotton fibers into new yarns, which can significantly decrease the demand for new cotton and the associated environmental burden. However, the recycling process can sometimes involve mixing with other fibers to ensure strength, and the extent of chemical processing can vary. Recycled cotton supports the circular economy and reduces landfill waste, aligning with eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Tiers come from the Unwrap materials glossary, a guide to what's natural, nature-inspired, or best avoided.
Brands using cotton (53)

Alex Crane
Alex Crane makes breezy clothing.
B CorpGOLS
MARO
Circular Athletic Apparel
Cotton
Ryker
Gym clothes, made better.
GOTSOEKO-TEX
ALL WE REMEMBER
future | nature | forms: innovative, responsibly made, gender-neutral clothing
GOTSCotton
Mover Plastic Free Sportswear
Plastic Free Sportswear
CottonWool
AIZOME
Truly Nontoxic Textiles
GOTSCotton
ANOTHER ASPECT
Ideas of everyday elements
GOTSCotton
Avocado
Certified organic mattresses and furniture
B CorpGOLS
Aya
Softness perfected, timeless designs
GOTSOEKO-TEX
Bee's Wrap
Reusable Beeswax Wraps
B CorpGOTS
Biosofa
100% natural furniture
OEKO-TEXCotton
Birch
Better for your sleep, your health & our planet
GOTSOEKO-TEX
Boldwill
Natural progression towards plastic-free training gear
GOTSOEKO-TEX
Community Clothing
Making Clothes, Creating Jobs, Restoring Pride.
CottonLinen
Cotedge
Grounded by Nature. Cotton by Choice.
Cotton
Coyuchi
Organic home textiles with the greater good in mind
GOTSMADE SAFE
Earthfoam
The sleep dreams are made of
GOLSGOTS
EcoBalanza
Exquisite luxury organic furniture
GOLSGOTS
Fable
Premium artisan homeware that helps you feel right at home.
B CorpCeramics
Grown & Sewn
Simple, Sturdy, Smartly Tailored Garments.
Cotton
Harvest & Mill
Grown & Sewn in USA
Cotton
Healthiest Hoodie
A first-of-its-kind hoodie free from toxins and specially designed
Cotton
Hook & Loom
Protect the Planet. Flatter your Floor.
GOTSCotton
Icebreaker
Move to natural
CottonLinen