What is oeko tex standard 100 in practice

Short answer: What is oeko tex standard 100 in practice? It is a label showing that a textile has been tested for a range of harmful substances by an independent institute. The label carries a certificate number, an institute and a product class, and you can use those three details to check the label.

What is oeko tex standard 100 in practice

Oeko tex Standard 100 is a testing label for textiles. The product has been sent to an independent institute, which has examined it for selected substances that can be unwanted in clothing. The label therefore shows that the test has been passed, and it often sits on the hang tag or care label together with a number.

The numbers and letters on the label

The label usually shows a certificate number, the name of a testing institute and a product class. The number lets you look up the certificate on the Oeko-Tex website. That is the best way to check that the information is genuine. Look at bamboo clothing for women and read the product pages for what is stated about the materials.

The four product classes

The standard has four classes, which depend on how close to the skin the textile comes. Class 1 is for the youngest users, class 2 for clothing with direct skin contact, class 3 for clothing without direct skin contact and class 4 for furnishing. The closer to the skin, the stricter the requirements, so the class tells you something about use.

What the test does not say

The label says nothing about fit, colours, sewing or how soft the fabric feels. Nor does it say that the whole production is free of chemistry. It is a test of the textile as a finished product or a part of it. Use the label as one piece of information among several when you judge a garment.

Does the label cover the whole garment

Not necessarily. The certificate can apply to the textile but not to every part, such as buttons and prints. Read what the certificate says if you want to know for sure. That may sound technical, but it takes a few minutes to look up, and then you know what you are looking at.

If the label is missing

A garment without the Oeko-Tex label is not bad for that reason. Many brands use other tests or none. Look at material, care and fit instead. Write to the shop and ask if you are in doubt, and ask for the answer in writing so you have something to go on.

Care, whatever the label

The label does not change the care instructions. Wash at the temperature on the label and avoid strong softener, which can make soft fibres stiff. Dry clothes flat or hanging without direct heat. Look at the range for women and bamboo tops for women for everyday clothing with simple care.

Frequently asked questions

What is Oeko-Tex Standard 100?

A label showing that a textile has been tested for a range of harmful substances by an independent institute. It appears with a certificate number and product class.

How do I check that the label is genuine?

Use the certificate number on the label and look it up on the Oeko-Tex website. Then you can see what the certificate covers.

Does the label mean the clothing is organic?

No. The label is about testing for harmful substances, not organic growing. It also says nothing about fit or softness.