Organic Cotton Pioneers

The first Seasalt garment we ever designed was our famous Sailor Shirt and it was made using organic cotton.

From the start we have been committed to using organic cotton for our garments wherever possible. After Seasalt founders Neil and Sophie visited small scale cotton farmers around the world, they worked alongside the Soil Association to develop the standards for Soil Association organic cotton, which is now recognised as the gold standard of organic cotton.

In 2005, Seasalt became the first fashion company to have garments certified by the Soil Association and soon, we became one of the UK’s largest sellers of organic cotton. It’s been an important part of our collection ever since.

As well as being super-soft, beautiful quality, naturally breathable and biodegradable, certified organic cotton is better for the environment and the workers that grow and process the cotton.

Organic fibres are grown without synthetic pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers, which can poison wildlife and pollute waterways. Organic cotton growing produces up to 94% less greenhouse gas emissions and helps save precious water. It also protects the soil, nurturing it for the long term by enhancing soil fertility, locking CO2 into the soil and making it more resilient to drought.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification covers all stages of garment production, from field to shop. So you won’t find harmful chemical residues on Soil Association certified clothes. This makes our Sailors and other Soil Association organic cotton garments perfect for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin.

For farmers and workers, growing organic cotton has significant health and social benefits. Workers from field to factory avoid the negative health impact of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Avoiding pesticides also keeps production costs down for the small-scale farmers who produce most of the world’s cotton.

Organic farming gives control back to the farmers. Because they don’t rely on as much external input – such as GM seed companies – organic farmers work with the environment in a sustainable way, saving seeds, choosing what they grow and working within their limits. Organic cotton can also be grown alongside food, helping farmers to feed their families.

• Hazardous pesticides & fertilisers are banned, making it safer for growers and the environment

• Organic cotton growth produces up to 94% less greenhouse gas emissions

• Organic cotton production uses less water

• Organic farming protects and nurtures soil for the long term

• Organic growing gives control back to farmers

• Organic cotton garments are soft and gentle on sensitive skin