Key Takeaways
Oeko-Tex is an international label which certifies that textiles are exempt of substances harmful to health and the environment. Created in 1992 by Austrian and Germanresearch institutes, this label is today recognized worldwide as a guarantee of quality and security for consumers.
Our French brand The Oversized Hoodie® 🇫🇷 is famous for its high-end collections of cocooning clothing, certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and Oeko-Tex STeP. Entirely vegan and free of toxic and chemical substances, our products promote a cruelty-free approach to animals and have been honored with the “Confiance Textile” Quality Label.
Introduction to Oeko-Tex
Context of the textile industry and importance of certification
The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world. Faced with this observation, more and more consumers are looking for products that are more respectful of the environment and their health. labels and certifications such as Oeko-Tex help guide them in their responsible purchasing.
What is Oeko-Tex ? Definition and objectives of the label
Oeko-Tex is an independent certification system which guarantees the harmlessness of textiles throughout their production chain. Its aim is to promote trust and transparency in the textile industry by ensuring that products do not contain dangerous substances for human health and the environment.
Which products can be Oeko-Tex certified ?
The Oeko-Tex label can be applied to all types of textile products, from raw materials (fibers, threads) to finished articles going through the different stages of transformation (dyeing, printing, etc.). Clothing, household linen, mattress, baby items... Many everyday products can thus be certified.
Choosing Oeko-Tex labeled textiles means taking a concrete action for your health and that of your loved ones. It also means supporting more responsible and ethical fashion. At The Oversized Hoodie®, we are proud to be part of this movement towards a more virtuous textile industry.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
The different Oeko-Tex certifications
Oeko-Tex offers several certification levels adapted to different types of textile products:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100: The reference standard for textiles free of harmful substances
This is the most common certification. It certifies that the finished product does not contain any substance dangerous to health, based on a list of criteria more strict than the European REACH regulation. The products are classified into 4 categories according to their use and contact with the skin.
Made in Green: Traceability, safety and responsible production
Created in 2014, this label combines the requirements of Standard 100 and also guarantees that the product has been manufactured in ethical working conditions and respectful of the 'environment. It provides total transparency across the entire production chain.
Leather Standard: The equivalent of Standard 100 for leather
Since 2017, this certification has applied specifically to leather products. In addition to guaranteeing the absence of toxic substances such as chromium VI, it ensures that the leathers do not come from threatened animal species.
STeP: Certification of sustainable production processes
This label certifies that the textile production sites implement responsible practices: optimization of water and energy consumption, management waste and wastewater, worker safety...
Eco Passport: Certification of chemicals used in textiles
This certification analyzes the environmental and health impact of chemical substances used in the composition of textiles at each stage of manufacturing.
Also read: Everything you need to know about Polyester: Advantages, Risks and Uses
Oeko-Tex certification and control process
Rigorous tests by independent institutes
To be certified, a textile product must successfully pass a series of laboratory tests carried out by one of the 18 independent institutes partners of Oeko- Tex in the world. In France, only the IFTH (French Institute of Textiles and Clothing) in Lyon is authorized.
Regular checks and annual renewal
In addition to initial tests, random checks are carried out every year, whether on products in stores or directly in the manufacturing plants . Certification must be renewed every year.
How to check the validity of an Oeko-Tex label ?
Just look for the words "OEKO-TEX certified®" on the product label. The certificate number allows you to check its validity on the official Oeko-Tex website.
Also discover: Does 100% polyester keep you warm ?
Advantages of Oeko-Tex certified textiles
Guaranteed non-toxicity for health and skin
By choosing an Oeko-Tex labeled product, the consumer has the assurance that it does not contain harmful substances which may present a risk for your health or your skin, even the most sensitive.
A customer, Adèle, contacted us a few months ago. She suffered from allergies and had difficulty finding clothes she could wear safely. When she discovered our Oeko-Tex certified products, it was a real revelation for her.
She told us that being able to wear our clothes and blankets with complete peace of mind had changed her daily life. It is this type of feedback that reinforces our commitment and pushes us to go further in our approach to quality and transparency.
Compliance with stricter standards than current regulations
The Oeko-Tex criteria go beyond the legal requirements, with significantly lower tolerance thresholds for many potentially dangerous substances. The label also includes products not yet regulated.
Transparency and traceability for consumers
Thanks to the certificate number present on each product, it is possible to check at any time its compliance and obtain information on its production line.
Also read: What Material to Choose for a Sweatshirt ?
Oeko-Tex vs other labels: comparison and complementarity
Oeko-Tex and organic labels (GOTS, Organic Content Standard)
An Oeko-Tex product is not necessarily organic, because the label does not guarantee the origin of the raw materials. Conversely, a GOTS-certified organic textile, for example, also meets the Standard 100 criteria in terms of harmlessness.
Oeko-Tex and environmental and social certifications
The various Oeko-Tex labels, in particular Made in Green, are complementary to other certifications aimed at reducing environmental impact and ensuring respect for human rights in the textile industry.
Also discover: What is the Most Noble Fabric ?
How to choose Oeko-Tex products ?
Check the presence of the label and its validity
The first thing to do is to ensure that the product bears the Oeko-Tex label and to check its certificate number on the official website.
Prioritize brands committed to sustainability
More and more brands are offering Oeko-Tex labeled ranges, a sign of their commitment towards more sustainable fashion. It is interesting to find out about the CSR policy of the brands.
Be careful of misleading or incomplete information
Certain products may display a label resembling Oeko-Tex without having certification. Check carefully that it is the official logo with the word "CONFIDENCE IN TEXTILES".
Also read: Which fabric breathes best ?
How to obtain Oeko-Tex certification ?
To be certified, a textile product must undergo a series of laboratory tests carried out by an independent institute partner of Oeko-Tex.
The company must provide samples of each component (main fabric, lining, threads, buttons, etc.) which will be analyzed according to more than 100 criteria. An audit of production sites is also carried out.
If all criteria are met, certification is issued for 1 year.
How valid is the Oeko-Tex certification ?
The Oeko-Tex label is valid for 1 year. To renew it, the products must successfully pass the various tests and controls. Random audits may take place at any time in factories or on products in stores.
The future of Oeko-Tex and sustainable textiles
Evolution of standards and requirements
Each year, Oeko-Tex evolves its certification criteria based on new scientific knowledge on potentially dangerous substances. The label thus adapts to emerging issues.
Increasing consumer awareness
Awareness of the health and environmental impacts of the textile industry continues to grow. Consumers are increasingly demanding healthy and responsible products, encouraging brands to engage in certification processes such as Oeko-Tex.
Towards a more responsible and transparent textile industry
Alongside other labels, Oeko-Tex is a driving force for changing the practices of the textile sector towards more sustainability, traceability and respect for humans. A growing number of players are embarking on this path.
Also discover: Is Polyester Bad for the Skin ?
The Oversized Hoodie®: Oeko-Tex certified products for your well-being
At The Oversized Hoodie®, we are proud to offer a wide range of Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified textile products. This international certification guarantees that our items are free of substances harmful to health and the environment.
Here is an overview of our different Oeko-Tex labeled collections:
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Hoodie Blanket: Our plaid sweaters combine the comfort of an oversized hoodie and the softness of a plaid. Available for women, men and children.
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Fleece Lined Tights: Our sheer or opaque fleece tights keep you warm in style. Soft interior lining.
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Pilou pilou: Our sweaters, pajamas, neck warmers and hats in pilou pilou wrap you in softness.
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poncho blanket: Half poncho, half blanket, this reversible garment covers you from shoulders to toes.
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Fleece poncho: Our warm and cozy fleece ponchos protect you from the cold with elegance.
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Silk pillowcase: Our 100% natural mulberry silk cases take care of your skin and hair while you sleep.
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Polar throw: Soft and comfortable, our fleece throws are perfect for relaxing at home.
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Throw with sleeves: Practical and cozy, our blankets with sleeves allow you to stay warm while keeping your hands free.
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Cocooning throw: Ultra-soft and fluffy, our giant cocooning throws envelop you in softness from head to toe.
At The Oversized Hoodie®, the Oeko-Tex certification of our products is at the heart of our quality commitment.Beyond a simple label, it is for us the guarantee of offering you healthy and durable textiles, in which you can have total confidence.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
By choosing The Oversized Hoodie® for your textile products, you are guaranteed healthy, durable and environmentally friendly items. We make it a point of honor to offer you superior quality products that take care of you.
Conclusion
Oeko-Tex is a trusted label which guarantees textiles healthy, safe and produced in a manner
manager.
| Criterion | Oeko-Tex certification |
|---|---|
| Harmful substances | Guarantees the absence of substances dangerous to health |
| Standards | Complies with stricter criteria than the regulations in force |
| Controls | Laboratory tests and regular audits by independent institutes |
| Validity | Certification valid for 1 year, renewable after inspection |
| Products concerned | Applicable to all types of textiles: clothing, household linen, mattresses... |
| Traceability | Certificate number to verify product conformity |
| Commitment | Guarantee of quality, safety and responsible production |
By choosing Oeko-Tex certified products, consumers can have peace of mind and contribute to a more sustainable textile industry.
FAQ
What is an Oeko-Tex fabric ?
An Oeko-Tex fabric is a textile certified by the label of the same name, guaranteeing that it does not contain substances harmful to health and the environment.
What is an Oeko-Tex certified fabric ?
This is a textile that has successfully passed the various tests and controls of the Oeko-Tex label, attesting to its safety.
Is Oeko-Tex reliable ?
Yes, Oeko-Tex is a globally recognized label, issued by independent research institutes according to strict criteria.
How to obtain Oeko-Tex certification ?
To obtain certification, a textile product must undergo a series of laboratory tests and audits carried out by an Oeko-Tex approved body.
How to know if a product is Oeko-Tex ?
It is necessary to check the presence of the official logo "CONFIDENCE IN TEXTILES - OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100" and check the certificate number on the Oeko-Tex website.
Why choose Oeko-Tex ?
Choosing Oeko-Tex means having the guarantee of a textile that is safe for health, manufactured with respect for the environment and human rights.
Is Oeko-Tex really safe ?
Yes, the Oeko-Tex criteria are stricter than the regulations in force. Regular checks ensure compliance with the specifications.
Are Oeko-Tex textiles always ecological or organic ?
Not necessarily. Although Oeko-Tex guarantees the absence of toxic substances, it does not certify the biological origin of the raw materials used.
Can we find Oeko-Tex clothing, household linen and mattresses ?
Yes, Oeko-Tex certification applies to all types of textile products: clothing, bed linen, mattresses, baby items...
Is Oeko-Tex certification mandatory for all textiles ?
No, it is voluntary but increasingly popular, allowing manufacturers to prove their commitment to healthy and sustainable textiles.
