Oeko Tex product classes and what the numbers mean

Short answer: Oeko Tex Standard 100 divides textiles into four product classes according to how close they sit to the skin and who will use them. The closer to the skin, the stricter the requirements. So the number says something about what the textile is meant for, and not about how good it is. Here is a simple review of the classes.

Why there are classes

A textile that sits against the skin all day should be tested more strictly than a curtain. That is why Oeko Tex has divided textiles into classes with different limits for the substances tested for. The class tells you which requirements the textile was tested against, and what it is meant for.

Product class I

Class I is for textiles for the youngest users. The requirements are strictest here, because the skin is most sensitive and because the textile can come into contact with the mouth. As an adult you will seldom meet this class on your own clothes, but it is good to know in order to understand the system.

Product class II

Class II applies to textiles that lie directly against the skin. It is the class that most often applies to underwear, T-shirts, tops and socks for adults. If the mark says class II, it means the textile was tested against the requirements for clothing with direct skin contact.

Product class III

Class III applies to textiles that do not lie against the skin, or only a little, such as a jacket or an outer layer. The requirements are slightly less strict, because the contact is less direct. That makes sense when you consider that an outer layer is not against the skin for most of the day.

Product class IV

Class IV applies to furnishing textiles such as curtains, cushions and blankets. Skin contact is even more indirect here. The class has nothing to do with clothing, but is part of the system for completeness. You meet it mostly when buying home textiles.

How to find the class on the label

The mark shows a test number, an institute and often a class. You can look up the number on the mark's own website and see what was tested and in which class. It is the simplest way to check the mark and see whether it suits the garment you are looking at.

What the class does not say

The class says nothing about quality, durability, fit or where the clothes were made. Nor is it a promise of organic. It only tells you which requirements for substances the textile was tested against. Use it as one item on the list, next to the material and the care label.

Where to see more

If you want to see which kinds of clothes exist, take a look at the range for women and bamboo clothing for women. For everyday wear you can look at bamboo T-shirts for women, for example. Always read the label on the specific garment to see whether and which mark it carries.

Frequently asked questions

Which class applies to underwear

Adult underwear normally belongs to class II, which applies to textiles with direct skin contact. Always check the label on the specific product.

Is class I better than class II

No, the classes relate to who and what the textile is for. Class I has the strictest requirements because it is for the youngest users, but that does not make class II worse for adults.

Can I check the class

Yes, you can look up the test number on the label on the Oeko Tex website and see what was tested and in which class.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.