Cotton is used widely in clothing production but can harm the environment. Yet, textile companies and retailers are taking steps towards sustainable sourcing practices. When growing and harvesting cotton, these sourcing practices involve considering the environment, society, economy, and ethics. 

By doing so, they can produce responsible products from start to finish. With all the green language used, things can get confusing, so we’re here to answer the question: How are cotton t-shirts sustainable?

We’ve seen many cotton t-shirts come down the line since we opened shop in 2009, so we’re happy to share some info regarding cotton t-shirts and their sustainability (or lack thereof, in some cases.) 

Cotton types, pros and cons

Cotton is a natural fiber used to make fabric. It is soft, absorbent, and comfortable, making it suitable for various applications. It’s a fiber produced by plants, and compared to other artificial synthetic fibers, it has significant advantages. It is soft, absorbent, and comfortable, making it suitable for various applications. Since cotton is a versatile material, it’s used for everything from jeans to t-shirts.

Two main types of cotton are used to make fabric: organic cotton and conventional cotton. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and it is usually harvested by hand. Conventional cotton, on the other hand, is produced using pesticides and fertilizers, and it is generally harvested by machine. 

Manufacturers can use organic OR conventional cotton to make t-shirts. However, there are pros and cons when it comes to these two types of cotton.