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Not all cotton is created equal. Here's why we committed to 100% certified organic cotton across our entire line — and what that actually means for you and the planet.
The Problem with Conventional Cotton
Conventional cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops on earth. It accounts for roughly 6% of global pesticide use and 16% of insecticide use — despite covering only about 2.4% of arable land. The chemicals used in conventional cotton farming contaminate waterways, degrade soil health, and expose farming communities to serious health risks. On top of that, conventional cotton processing relies on harsh chemical treatments that strip the fiber of its natural softness.
When most brands say "cotton," this is what they mean. We wanted something fundamentally different.
What Makes Organic Cotton Different
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. Farmers use crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control instead — practices that actually build soil health over time rather than depleting it. The result is a fiber that's better for the planet at every stage of its lifecycle.
For the wearer, the difference is tangible. Organic cotton fibers haven't been stripped by harsh chemical processing, so the hand-feel is noticeably softer from day one. And because the fiber structure is preserved, organic cotton garments hold up better over time — they resist pilling, maintain their shape, and actually get softer with every wash.
How We Use It at Sown Again
Every single piece at Sown Again is made from 100% certified organic cotton — no exceptions. But not all organic cotton performs the same. The difference is in how you knit and finish it. We work with two distinct fabric weights to cover different needs:
Our Cozy Collection uses a heavyweight 450 GSM brushed twill-knit organic cotton. This is the plush, substantial fabric you feel in our hoodies and sweatpants — it's dense, warm, and has the kind of weight that makes you feel like you're wearing something real.
Our Muscle Half Crop and everyday tees use a lighter 6oz organic cotton jersey that's breathable, soft, and holds its structure wash after wash. It's the kind of tee fabric that drapes without going limp.
Organic Cotton by the Numbers
| Factor | Conventional Cotton | Organic Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticides | Heavy synthetic use | None — certified organic |
| Water Usage | High (irrigated monoculture) | Significantly lower (rain-fed, healthy soil) |
| Soil Health | Degrades over time | Improves through crop rotation |
| GMO Seeds | Widely used | Prohibited |
| Softness | Varies — chemically processed | Naturally soft, improves with washing |
| Durability | Moderate — fiber integrity compromised | Excellent — intact fiber structure |
The Bottom Line
We tested a lot of fabrics before settling on organic cotton as our sole material. It's the only fiber that delivers on every front we care about: softness, durability, breathability, and genuine environmental responsibility. It performs beautifully at every weight — from a light summer tee to a heavyweight winter hoodie — without needing synthetic blends or chemical treatments to get there.
Every Sown Again garment is produced in our fair trade, carbon-neutral facility in Tamil Nadu, India, using organic cotton grown in the same region. It's a short, transparent supply chain — and it starts with the right fiber.