The everyday T-shirt is the backbone of any wardrobe, but conventional cotton farming and garment manufacturing are often riddled with environmental and ethical issues. Fortunately, finding a sustainable organic cotton T-shirt no longer requires a premium price tag. Several pioneering brands are proving that ethical production and affordability can—and should—go hand-in-hand.

When hunting for the best value, the key is to look for transparency and essential certifications that guarantee both the organic nature of the cotton and the fair treatment of workers.

The Gold Standard: GOTS Certification

To ensure your T-shirt is genuinely sustainable and non-toxic, look for the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification. GOTS is the highest global standard, verifying that the cotton is grown without toxic pesticides and that the subsequent processing (dyeing, manufacturing, and packaging) meets strict environmental and social criteria, including safe working conditions and fair wages.

Top Affordable Brands for Organic Cotton Tees

These …