The Secret Behind Our Organic Cotton: Why GOTS Certification Matters
At Secret Linen Store, we want our bed linen to feel good in every sense of the word. That means not only being soft and comfortable to sleep in but also being made in ways that have been independently verified against recognised standards. This is why we choose organic cotton certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
For over two years Secret Linen Store has been certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard, which certifies and tracks organically grown cotton from the source to final product. (Certified by Control Union, 1350258).
In 2024, we successfully changed our brushed cotton range to organic cotton, resulting in 46% of our total cotton products being organic cotton, up 38% from the previous year. We have set a target to increase this mix by +5% each year.
What is GOTS?
GOTS is an internationally recognised certification for organic textiles. To achieve certification, a product must meet strict environmental and social criteria at every stage of its journey, from the field where the cotton is grown to the final finished fabric. The certification is carried out by independent bodies, not by us, which means it is an external guarantee rather than simply our own claim.
What does GOTS cover?
Farming: Cotton must be grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, and with practices that support soil health and biodiversity.
Processing: All stages, including spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing, are reviewed to ensure they meet requirements on chemical use, water treatment and waste management.
Social standards: GOTS also sets minimum criteria for safe working conditions and the fair treatment of people involved in production. This includes no forced or child labour and adherence to international labour norms.
What GOTS does not mean
It is worth noting what GOTS certification does not cover. No textile can be completely free of impact, and organic cotton is no exception. Growing and processing cotton still requires resources, and it is not automatically “better” in every environmental aspect. What GOTS does provide is reassurance that the cotton has been produced to strict, independently verified standards, addressing both environmental practices and social conditions throughout the supply chain.
What this means for you
When you buy organic cotton bed linen from Secret Linen Store, you can be confident that it has been independently checked against a global standard, covering more than just the fibre itself. Our role is to design and create timeless bed linen you will love for years, while ensuring that the materials we choose are backed up by trusted certifications like GOTS.
We believe in being transparent and accurate about what these labels mean. For us, it is about offering you bedding that feels comfortable and comes with clear information about how it has been made.
