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Organic cotton sheets: GOTS, OEKO-TEX and what thread count hides
Updated · By the RipePrice team
For organic cotton sheets, learn the difference between organic and tested-for-substances labels, look at the weave and fiber instead of thread count alone, and compare by cost per year.
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At a glance
Reading the labels
Organic cotton: usually describes how the cotton was grown.
Weave and fiber
Your comfort is personal.
Our angle: thread count is a weak guide
Thread count is the number of threads in a square inch, and it is easy to inflate, so a higher number does not mean a better sheet.
Quick picks
Organic cotton sheet set
Check the weave and the care instructions, then estimate cost per year.
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Reading the labels
Organic cotton: usually describes how the cotton was grown. A label may say organic or made with organic cotton, and those are not the same, since the second can include other fibers.
GOTS: the Global Organic Textile Standard, a third-party standard for organic textiles. It covers organic fiber content and processing. We describe it in general terms and do not say that any specific product has it.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: a third-party test for the presence of certain substances in a textile. It is not an organic label.
Fair trade and other labels: cover other things, such as working conditions. Check what each one says.
Thread count: see below.
Weave and fiber
Your comfort is personal. If you can, check the return policy before you buy a full set.
Percale: a plain, crisp weave that many people find cool and matte.
Sateen: a smoother, slightly shiny weave that tends to feel silky.
Flannel: brushed for warmth.
Fiber length: longer fibers are often described as higher quality, but check what the maker states and how it is supported.
Our angle: thread count is a weak guide
Thread count is the number of threads in a square inch, and it is easy to inflate, so a higher number does not mean a better sheet. Fiber quality, weave and finishing matter more, and extremely high counts can be a marketing number. Instead, compare weave, fiber description, care instructions and the warranty. Then use cost per year: divide the price of the set by the number of years you expect it to last. A sheet that costs more and lasts longer can cost less per year.
Estimate how many years you expect a set to last.
Divide the price by the years.
Compare sets on cost per year, and check the care instructions you will follow.
Care and buying tips
Wash new sheets before use, and follow the care label.
Check the size, including pocket depth for your mattress.
The Global Organic Textile Standard is a third-party standard for organic textiles. To see whether a set of sheets meets it, check the label and the certifier's listing.
Is OEKO-TEX the same as organic?
No. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a test for certain substances in a textile. It is not an organic label.
Does a higher thread count mean a better sheet?
Not necessarily. Thread count is easy to inflate. Weave, fiber and finishing matter, so compare those as well.
How do I compare sheet prices?
Estimate the number of years the set will last, divide the price by it, and compare cost per year.