The Benefits of Organic Cotton

As a responsible brand, I only knit with GOTS-certified organic cotton that supports ethical and sustainable practices throughout its entire supply chain. When sourcing my yarn I always look at the source of the raw materials, how it is farmed as well as the manufacturing of the yarn – a yarn can only be truly responsibly sourced and sustainable if all are aligned.

A few years ago I visited a yarn mill in Italy who totally transformed the notion that it is possible to make cotton organically, ethically and sustainability.
Not only by responsible farming of the raw cotton itself but also by its manufacturing. This yarn mill runs its factory only with solar panels, recycles all dye & waste water that can then be used by local farms or reused in the factory and even turns the airbag fibres of cotton into paper to be used in their office.

If you would like to read more of the spinning of this sustainable cotton read more here.

WHAT IS ORGANIC COTTON?

Organic Cotton is natural, breathable and soft and its organic farming methods is a much more sustainable choice than conventional cotton farming.
Here are some of the factors that makes it a more environmentally friendly yarn.

1. Reduced Chemical Use
Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This reduces the pollution of water sources, soil, and ecosystems that are commonly affected by chemical runoff from conventional cotton farming. The absence of these chemicals also means that organic cotton farming has a lower impact on biodiversity​.

2. Water Usage
Organic cotton requires less water compared to conventional cotton, organic farming practices improve soil health, allowing it to retain water more effectively. However, this can be dependent on where the cotton is grown, varying to each region with its local water availability.

3. Soil Health
Organic farming practices enhance soil fertility and structure through the use of crop rotation, composting, and natural fertilizers. These practices increase the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon, contributing to a healthier and more resilient agricultural system​. However organic cotton typically has lower yields, which means more land is needed to produce the same amount of cotton.

4. Biodiversity
Organic cotton farming supports biodiversity by avoiding harmful chemicals and fostering a more balanced ecosystem. The use of natural pest control methods and the maintenance of healthy soil contribute to the preservation of local flora and fauna, which is often disrupted by conventional farming methods.

5. Lower Carbon Footprint
The avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in organic cotton farming results in lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, organic cotton farming often incorporates practices that sequester carbon in the soil, further reducing its carbon footprint.

6. Fair Trade and Ethical Practices
Organic cotton is often associated with fair trade practices, which prioritize the well-being of farmers and workers. This means that, in addition to environmental sustainability, organic cotton production also supports social sustainability by ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and community development.

Six benefits of wearing organic cotton socks

1. Hypoallergenic
As Organic cotton is free from synthetic chemicals and pesticides, it makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin as it is gentle and safe for all skin types​. The lack of harsh chemicals in the growing and manufacturing process helps reduce the risk of skin irritation.

2. Breathability
Organic cotton fibres are natural and breathable, allowing air to circulate. This helps to keep feet cool and dry, reducing the likelihood of moisture buildup that can lead to unpleasant odours.

3. Comfort
Organic cotton is naturally soft and comfortable, offering a gentle feel against the skin. This makes organic cotton socks ideal for many occasions, whether you’re at work, relaxing at home, or at the gym.

4. Moisture Wick
Organic cotton has excellent moisture-absorbing properties, which helps to wick sweat away from the skin.

5, Durability
Organic cotton is often more durable than conventionally grown cotton because it retains its natural strength and resilience, even after frequent washing and wear.

6. BiodegradabilityOrganic cotton is a natural fiber and is biodegradable. An eco-friendly option, as they will break down naturally at the end of their life cycle, unlike synthetic fibres that like plastic will never decompose.

At GS I take the knitting of organic cotton a step further and twist unique marls with end of line production yarn that is too small to be used for production and would otherwise be wasted. Twisting these colourful marls allows me to knit limited edition socks and repurpose waste yarn, you can see this process with my Samar organic cotton collection, including the two styles below the Samar Argyle and GS Walking Organic Cotton Socks in Green Marl.

You can discover our cotton socks knitted in the highest quality Italian GOTS certified cotton here including the best selling Sotto organic cotton socks in red.