Organic cotton vs. conventional cotton: the differences explained simply 🌱

You've probably seen it everywhere: "100% cotton," "organic cotton," "natural cotton," "GOTS certified"... But behind these terms, there's often a lot of confusion . Is a "classic" cotton t-shirt really that bad? And what's so special about this so-called organic cotton ?
Don't panic. Here's a simple and accessible comparison between conventional cotton and organic cotton — to help you make informed choices, without getting lost in the fibers.

Their origin: the seed of a different world

Conventional cotton:
The majority of the world's cotton comes from genetically modified (GM) seeds . These seeds are often designed to resist insects or tolerate herbicides, which forces farmers to depend on agrochemical companies... year after year.

A logic of monoculture , industrial dependence and soil pollution , which weakens ecosystems and local communities .

Organic cotton:
Produced from natural, unmodified seeds , often local or selected according to the seasons.

• Zero GMOs.
• Respect for the cycles of nature.
• Preservation of biodiversity.

From the seed, organic cotton says “no” to the forced industrialization of life. It champions sustainable agriculture, ethical fashion, and a healthier future for the planet.
Choosing organic cotton means sowing a gentle, committed and conscious revolution.

Water: an unequal thirst

It's a very water-intensive crop . A single t-shirt can require up to 2,700 liters of water—that's what a person drinks in two years. Why? Because it's often grown in monoculture on arid land , with intensive irrigation. This method depletes water resources , weakens local ecosystems , and contributes to soil desertification .

Organic cotton: Grown in more suitable areas, with natural or very limited irrigation , and richer soils that retain water better thanks to crop rotation. Result: up to 91% water savings according to some studies.

The chemicals used (or not)

Conventional cotton:

• Pesticides
• insecticides
• chemical fertilizers
• aggressive launderers
• toxic dyes …

This crop alone uses more than 15% of the world's insecticides . Consequences:
– Soil and water pollution,
– Health problems for farmers,
– Harmful residues on clothing.

Organic cotton:

• Zero chemical pesticides
• No synthetic fertilizers ​​
• No toxic dye
• Respect for the health of soils, water, and humans.

Organic cotton protects the planet, the farmers and your skin .

The human conditions behind textiles

Conventional cotton: In many countries, cotton cultivation is associated with:

• child labor,
• indecent wages,
• unreasonable working hours
• Dangerous exposure to chemicals without protection.

Certified organic cotton (such as GOTS):

• Respect for human rights,
• decent wages,
• freedom of association,
• No forced or child labor.

Buying certified organic cotton means protecting human dignity .

The softness, the durability, the feel

Conventional cotton: It may seem soft at first… but it is often chemically treated to appear so. With repeated washings: it wears out quickly, loses its shape, and becomes dull.

Organic cotton:

• More breathable,
• naturally gentler
• stronger because the fibers are better preserved,
• best for sensitive skin (eczema, allergies, babies…).

It's the cotton your body recognizes. The one that respects your skin as much as the earth.

Two worlds, two philosophies

Buying conventional cotton means supporting a highly polluting, opaque, and often unfair industry. Choosing certified organic cotton is an act of love for: the planet, people, your body , and a gentler future we can build together.

At Mythweave , we do not compromise on our values. Our clothing is made with GOTS certified organic cotton , respecting ethics, beauty and life .