10 Organic Cotton T-Shirts For A More Sustainable Wardrobe

This blog post is all about organic cotton t-shirts for women & men!

I feel like T-shirts are a must-have in everyone’s wardrobe.

Depending on the style we choose, tees can be easily dressed up or down, and we can rock them in laidback settings or on more special, fancy occasions.

Unfortunately, with the explosive growth of fast fashion, it gets difficult to find good quality t-shirts, let alone made with the planet in mind.

If you’re trying to buy sustainable t-shirts, you may be on the lookout for tees made with eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton.

In this article, I’ve rounded up 10 organic cotton t-shirts that are perfect for everyday wear!

I’ve made sure to include tees for both men and women, as well as a few for kids.

You’ll also find options for every budget, including some very affordable brands.

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Why buy organic cotton t-shirts?

Nowadays, most t-shirts are made of either synthetic fabrics (like polyester) or conventional cotton.

They all have pros and cons, but what these fabrics have in common is that they’re far from being sustainable.

Synthetic fabrics, for instance, are made from petroleum, which is one of the most polluting industries in the world, contributing to global warming and climate change.

They also shed microplastics when washed, meaning that tiny particles of plastic end up in our waterways and eventually in the ocean.

They of course do not biodegrade and are treated with lots of harsh chemicals we do not want on our bodies.

Conventional cotton isn’t great either, even though it’s a natural fabric.

Yes, it doesn’t shed microplastics, but the production of this crop is incredibly pesticide- and water-intensive.

It means that not only are we using huge quantities of water, but cotton farmers are also exposed to toxic chemicals that impact both their health and their local environment.

Organic cotton t-shirts are made without pesticides, making them a lot more sustainable than their conventional counterparts.

Soil degradation, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and pollution are some of the most problematic environmental issues related to pesticide use.

On the contrary, organic cotton is grown without pesticides, insecticides, and synthetic fertilizers.

It’s produced using natural methods to control pests (like crop rotation) and promote healthy soil and biodiversity.

Farmers aren’t exposed to toxic substances and usually grow other crops alongside cotton, which helps them feed their communities.

Organic farming also doesn’t contribute to water pollution and, by building healthy soils that store carbon, helps combat climate change.

What’s more, choosing organic t-shirts ensures you won’t find any pesticide residues in your fabrics, so you won’t be exposed to those chemicals yourself.

Brands selling organic cotton clothing also usually prioritize ethical, fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing.

Plus, their garments tend to last longer!

So while organic cotton is often more expensive, you should be able to wear those clothes longer, making them a worthwhile investment.

What to look for when shopping for organic cotton t-shirts?

When looking for organic cotton tees, try to buy from brands that prioritize quality and durability.

You don’t want to buy a T-shirt for it to get pilly or develop holes after only a few months of wear.

I also recommend that you choose brands that use non-toxic dyes or no dyes at all.

This will reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals even more!

To ensure the product is organic, you may also want to buy tees carrying the GOTS certification.

A few other certifications that guarantee you’re buying a healthier and more sustainable product are:

OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Fair Trade
B Corp
Climate-Neutral

Some sustainable brands also produce their tees locally, which reduces their environmental footprint.

These are usually more sustainable and ethical options!

Read more:

In this article, you'll find 10 organic cotton t-shirts made with quality and the planet in mind.

10 organic cotton t-shirts for a more sustainable wardrobe

1. Subset

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XS-2XL

Sustainable underwear brand Subset offers two different t-shirts for women and one for men.

You’ll be able to choose between classic crewneck tees and a cropped boxy t-shirt featuring dropped shoulders and a laid-back fit.

Each one of them is made from a 100% organic cotton jersey and available in several neutral colors.

Subset’s t-shirts are also crafted in a Fair Trade-certified factory, ensuring sustainable and ethical manufacturing, and sent to you using carbon-neutral shipping.

Plus, they’re very affordable!

I also love that the brand has an underwear recycling program so that we can easily recycle our intimates (for free).

SHOP SUBSET ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

2. Pact

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XXS-3XL

If you like organic cotton clothing, you’ll love Pact!

All its clothes are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade factory, including its men’s and women’s t-shirts.

The brand has all kinds of short- and long-sleeve tees and many different styles and colors.

From V-necks and crewnecks to models with a pocket at the front (for men), there’s something for everyone!

Its signature fabric is very soft to the touch and gets softer and softer with every wash.

Pact also ships its products using FSC-certified paper packaging and offsets the carbon footprint of each one of its garments.

SHOP PACT ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

3. Toad & Co

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XS-XXL

Toad & Co has a large collection of sustainable t-shirts made from eco-friendly materials such as Tencel, hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester.

Its organic cotton pieces are sold in many different styles, colors, and patterns.

It has everything from crewnecks with a front pocket, classic V-necks, and button-down pieces, to polos, long-sleeve tees, and tanks.

Many tees in the women’s collection also feature lovely details like a twist front, shoulder ties, embroidered decorations, lettuce hems, flutter sleeves, and more.

Most of Toad & Co’s t-shirts are certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 so you can confidently wear them knowing they’re free of harmful substances!

Not to mention that the brand is a member of 1% For The Planet.

SHOP TOAD & CO ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

4. The Classic T-Shirt Company

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XS-XXXL

Looking for organic cotton t-shirts made in USA?

Check out this brand!

The Classic T-Shirt Company sells different styles of long- and short-sleeve t-shirts for both men and women.

From vintage-inspired short-sleeve pullovers and tees with a boxy fit to crewnecks with a front pocket and V-necks with elbow sleeves, the brand truly has it all!

Not only that but all its t-shirts are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in a family-owned factory in Los Angeles, USA.

The company pays its workers more than the California minimum wage, and its factory uses energy-efficient machinery and has taken steps to reduce waste.

We also like that its products are produced with a high thread count, making them more durable and softer.

Did I mention that The Classic T-Shirt Company donates 1% of its profits to social and environmental nonprofits and that it provides plastic-free shipping?

SHOP THE CLASSIC T-SHIRT COMPANY ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS MADE IN USA

5. Reformation

For: Women

Sizes: XS-XL

Reformation has a huge selection of organic tees, most of which are made from 100% organically grown cotton.

Some also feature a soft, airy knit fabric made from a blend of organic cotton and REFIBRA™ lyocell.

There are many flattering silhouettes and styles to choose from, including boxy fits, cropped t-shirts, classic crewnecks, and oversized models.

You can also get plain solid colors, stripes, or tees with a small decoration at the front.

Reformation also sells several t-shirts from the sustainable brand Patagonia, which feature lovely prints at the back.

And if you’re looking for organic cotton long-sleeves or tank tops, the company has plenty of those too!

SHOP REFORMATION ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

6. Quince

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XS-XXL

Struggling to find cheap organic cotton t-shirts that are of high quality?

Quince offers affordable short and long-sleeve tees made from GOTS-certified organic cotton that are made to last.

You can find models with prices as low as $15, which is pretty rare to find in sustainable fashion brands!

Quince has both fitted and classic V-necks and crewnecks, and you can choose from various sleeve lengths.

Some models also feature a chest pocket.

The brand also has several maternity t-shirts, though these are made of cotton, modal, or Tencel (not organic cotton).

SHOP QUINCE ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

7. Mate the Label

For: Women, Men, Kids

Sizes: XS-3X

Mate The Label creates all kinds of organic cotton t-shirts for women, as well as a few different ones for men and kids ages 0 to 7 years old.

The women’s collection includes everything from classic crews, cropped tees, and shrunken models, to boyfriend-style t-shirts, U-necks, muscle tanks, and more.

No matter which one you choose, they’re all made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and non-toxic dyes.

Mate The Label’s tees use a lot less water and generate less CO2 than non-organic t-shirts made from conventional materials.

They’re also completely free of harmful chemicals such as PFAS, formaldehyde, BPA, and pesticides.

Plus, the brand is B Corp and Climate-Neutral certified so it’s one of the most ethical and sustainable you can buy from!

SHOP MATE THE LABEL ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

8. Pangaia

For: Women, Men, Kids

Sizes: XXS-XXL

If you like t-shirts with a regular, boxy, or oversized fit, check out Pangaia!

The brand has great organic cotton t-shirts for each member of the family, including toddlers and kids up to 10 years old.

Pangaia sets itself apart from other companies in that it offers countless color options, from neutrals to bright bold colors.

It also treats its clothes with natural peppermint oil to keep them fresh for longer and reduce the need for washing as regularly.

What’s more, some of its tees feature sayings or prints on them, making them perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more fun to wear.

Each piece is designed with versatility and comfort in mind.

SHOP PANGAIA ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS

9. Harvest & Mill

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XS-XL

Harvest & Mill sells organic cotton t-shirts made in USA and dyed using non-toxic, natural dyes.

It has several crewneck tees in the women’s and men’s collections, all of which are crafted from 100% USA-grown organic cotton.

They’re also either undyed or colored using indigo plants, low-impact fiber reactive black, pomegranate and chestnuts, or leaves.

This brand’s supply chain takes place entirely in the United States, from the farms to the dyeing and sewing processes.

This significantly reduces its environmental footprint and ensures it supports local (and ethical) manufacturing!

I also love that Harvest & Mill offsets its entire carbon footprint and that it has created some of its designs (including one featuring pressed flowers and leaves!) in collaboration with local artists.

SHOP HARVEST & MILL ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS MADE IN USA

10. Groceries Apparel

For: Women & Men

Sizes: XS-XL

Here’s another brand that dyes its clothes using plants: Groceries Apparel!

This sustainable clothing brand offers different V-necks, crewnecks, long-sleeves, and tanks made from natural materials, mostly 100% non-GMO organic cotton.

All of these pieces are either undyed or dyed using plants, like indigo and madder root, or food waste sourced from local grocers such as avocado pits and skins, carrot tops, onion skins, and upcycled coffee grounds.

How cool?!

So not only are they completely non-toxic and healthy to wear, but they’re also helping reduce waste!

Plus, from the design and cutting to the sewing and dyeing phases, Groceries Apparel t-shirts are made under one roof in the brand’s factory in Los Angeles, California.

SHOP GROCERIES APPAREL ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS MADE IN USA

Final thoughts on organic cotton t-shirts

I hope you’ve found this article about organic cotton t-shirts helpful and that you could find one or some that you love wearing!

Not only are organic tops more sustainable, but they’re also healthier to wear than those made from synthetic materials or conventional cotton.

Plus, many brands offer affordable options so there’s no need to break the bank!

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in:

Which organic tees have you decided to get?

Please leave a comment!

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Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

10 ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE

Why buy organic cotton t-shirts?

What to look for when shopping for organic cotton t-shirts?