What is Organic Cotton? Why It’s Better for You & the Planet

What is Organic Cotton? Why is Organic Cotton Better?

Organic cotton isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to doing things better. At dewerstone, we don’t just choose organic cotton because it’s trendy; we choose it because we work with fabric every single day. Unlike most brands, we handle every t-shirt, sweatshirt, and hoodie ourselves, screen printing each one in-house in Dartmoor. That means we have a direct connection to the quality of the materials we use, and we’ve seen first-hand why organic cotton is better—not just for the planet, but for the people who make and wear it.

Let’s break it down and answer some of the biggest questions about organic cotton, with a mix of facts, expert sources, and our own experience.

Every t-shirt we print is handled by our team in Dartmoor. Working with the fabric is part of what we do.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. Instead, it relies on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and beneficial insects to maintain soil health and reduce environmental harm.

The Soil Association reports that conventional cotton accounts for 16% of all insecticide use globally, making it one of the most chemically intensive crops. By choosing organic, we’re actively reducing chemical pollution and protecting ecosystems. (Soil Association)

Why is Organic Cotton Better?

For us, the difference is tangible. When we first started screen printing in a garage on the edge of Dartmoor, we noticed that some fabrics created dust that hung in the air, got in our mouths, and even showed up when we blew our noses. The cheaper, short-fibre, regular cotton t-shirts released more lint, which we were inhaling while working.

When we switched to organic cotton, that stopped. Organic cotton has longer, stronger fibres, so there’s less breakage, less airborne lint, and a safer working environment.

But it’s not just about us—organic cotton is better across the board:

Uses 88% less water than conventional cotton (Textile Exchange).
Produces up to 46% fewer carbon emissions (The Organic Center).
Supports healthier working conditions by eliminating toxic pesticide exposure for farmers and workers (GOTS).

What is an Organic Cotton T-Shirt?

An organic cotton t-shirt is exactly what it sounds like—a tee made from certified organic cotton, grown and processed without harmful chemicals. But at dewerstone, it’s more than that.

It’s a shirt made with integrity—one that’s ethically produced, screen printed by us on Dartmoor, and designed for adventure. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or grabbing a coffee after a cold-water swim, it’s built for comfort, durability, and a lighter impact on the planet.

Why Choose Organic Cotton Over 100% Cotton?

Not all cotton is created equal. A t-shirt labeled "100% cotton" could still be conventionally grown using pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and excessive water. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is farmed sustainably, improving soil health and reducing environmental harm.

The Soil Association states that organic farming reduces soil erosion by up to 26% and fosters biodiversity, creating healthier farmland for future generations. (Soil Association)

For us, it’s simple: regular cotton isn’t good for the planet, isn’t good for the farmers, and isn’t good for the people working with it—whether that’s overseas or right here in our workshop.

Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton

Feature	Organic Cotton	Regular Cotton
Pesticides & Chemicals	No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers	Heavy use of synthetic chemicals
Water Usage	88% less water used	High water consumption
Fibre Quality	Longer, softer, stronger fibres	Shorter, weaker fibres
Environmental Impact	Supports biodiversity and soil health	Leads to soil degradation and pollution
Worker & Wearer Health	No toxic residues	Possible exposure to chemical residues

Why is Organic Cotton More Expensive?

The price of organic cotton reflects the true cost of sustainable production. Organic farms avoid synthetic chemicals and rely on natural methods, which take more time and effort. The crops also yield less per acre compared to conventional cotton, which is often over-fertilized for maximum output.

Plus, organic cotton must meet rigorous certification standards (like GOTS), which ensure ethical treatment of workers and environmentally responsible farming practices.

At dewerstone, we believe in paying for quality, ethics, and sustainability, not cutting corners. That’s why we only print on organic cotton and won’t even consider using conventional cotton—because the cost of doing it wrong is far greater than the cost of doing it right.

The Bottom Line

For us, choosing organic cotton isn’t just about being a sustainable brand—it’s about working with a material that we trust, one that aligns with our values and respects the people who make and wear it.

We print every t-shirt in-house, and that direct connection to the fabric has shaped our choices from day one. Organic cotton isn’t just better for the environment—it’s better for the entire supply chain, from farm to print shop to you.

If you’re looking for nature-inspired, adventure-ready t-shirts that feel good and do good, check out our organic cotton range. Because what we wear should reflect what we stand for.