Oeko-Tex label in a bra, what the tag says

Short answer: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 on a bra means the textile has been tested for harmful substances. The tag shows a number, an institute and a product class, and you can look the certificate up. Here is what each line means and what the label does not tell you.

What the tag says

The small tag in a bra often holds several details, but the Oeko-Tex label is recognised by its logo and its number. Next to it you usually see the name of the test institute and a year. Read the whole tag and find the number you can use to look up the certificate. See a selection of bamboo bra models.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 in brief

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is an independent test of whether textiles contain certain substances above set limits. The label concerns content and not fit, durability or place of production. It is useful information, but not a description of everything that makes a bra good.

Number and institute

The number is the key to checking the label. Together with the name of the institute, it lets you look up the certificate and see who it was issued to. If there is no number, you cannot check anything. Ask the seller for the number before you give the label weight.

Product class

The label is divided into four product classes, where class I covers textiles for the youngest users and class II covers textiles with direct skin contact. A bra typically falls into class II, because it sits close to the skin. The class tells you which limits were used in the test.

What the label can cover

A certificate can cover the fabric but not necessarily every part of a bra such as elastic, hooks or bands. Check what the certificate says. It is not unusual for the label to apply to only part of the item. It means you should read the certificate and not only look at the logo.

What the label does not tell you

Oeko-Tex says nothing about fit, comfort or lifespan. It also says nothing about where the bra was made. The label is information about the content of certain substances. Look at the size guide, fibre content and description too. For combinations, see bamboo underwear for women.

How to look it up

Go to the Oeko-Tex website, find the place for label checks and enter the number with the code that is required. The certificate is then shown. See whether it is still valid and whether the product group matches your bra. It takes a few minutes and shows more than the logo alone.

Care whatever the label

The label does not change the care instructions. Follow them, use a laundry bag and a gentle programme, and avoid fabric softener and high heat. That keeps the elastic going for longer. For daily wear you can look at bamboo T-shirts for women, which suit the bra.

Frequently asked questions

What does Oeko-Tex Standard 100 mean on a bra?

It means the textile has been tested for harmful substances by an independent institute. It says nothing about fit, comfort or place of production.

How do I check the number on the tag?

Find the number and the name of the institute on the tag, and enter the number on the Oeko-Tex website. There you can see what the certificate covers and whether it is valid.

Does the label apply to the whole bra?

Not always. It may cover the fabric but not every part such as elastic or hooks. Read the certificate before you draw conclusions.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.